NEW YORK, NY (July 18, 2022) The Rabbinical Assembly (RA), the international association for Conservative/Masorti rabbis, issued the following statement about the Presbyterian Church's labeling Israel an apartheid state:
"The Presbyterian Church (USA)’s recent resolution labeling Israel an apartheid state is egregious, spurious, and offensive. This decision caps the Church’s two-decade history of singling out the Jewish state in both rhetoric and policies. We, as members of Judaism’s Conservative movement, treasure our interfaith allies and the pluralistic religious landscape that the United States offers. But the Presbyterian Church USA’s relentless attacks on Israel undermine multifaith cooperation and understanding, and deserve condemnation not only from the Jewish movements, but also from our friends in the various Christian denominations. We are heartened that some Presbyterians, such as those in Presbyterians for Middle East Peace, opposed their Church’s decisions. We will continue to engage in our vital multifaith outreach and advocacy work, and defend the Jewish state in its worthy search for peace and security."
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About the Rabbinical Assembly (RA)
The Rabbinical Assembly is the international association of Conservative/Masorti rabbis. Since its founding in 1901, the Assembly has been the creative force shaping the ideology, programs, and practices of the Conservative movement, and is committed to building and strengthening the totality of Jewish life. The Assembly publishes learned texts, prayer books, and works of Jewish interest; and it administers the work of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards for the Conservative movement. It also serves the professional and personal needs of its membership through publications, conferences, and benefit programs, and it coordinates the Joint Placement Commission of the Conservative movement. Rabbis of the Assembly serve congregations throughout the world, and also work as educators, officers of communal service organizations, and college, hospital, and military chaplains. More information at www.rabbinicalassembly.org.