Whereas the economic crisis in the Argentinean economy has resulted in the disappearance of almost the entire middle class, including the Jewish middle class;
Whereas 750.000 jobs were lost between October 2001 and December 2002, and 162,000 small businesses closed during 2002 with domestic investment falling by 46%;
Whereas according to the Joint Distribution Committee, 1,500 people are joining different welfare relief programs every month totalling at least 34,524 people by the end of 2002;
Whereas our Masorti Congregations are suffering the consequences of this crisis in the same way as other institutions in Argentina; and
Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly and Masorti Olami have initiated a Twinning Program between North American Conservative Congregations and Masorti Synagogues in Argentina and other Latin American countries.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly continue to partner with Masorti Olami in facilitating the expansion of vital assistance and inter-personal links with distressed communities within our Latin American Masorti Movement; and
Be it further resolved that rabbis should encourage synagogues, schools, camps, campuses and other communal institutions to participate in the twinning program.
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly commend the North American Jewish community, through the United Jewish Communities and Federation network, which has already contributed $52.5 million, for providing relief and support of aliyah to Israel from Argentina.
Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, April, 2003