Rabbi Yose HaGalili says, "How meritorious is peace? Even in time of war Jewish law requires that one initiate discussions of peace." (Leviticus Rabbah, Tzav 9 ).
Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries are currently engaged in armed conflict with Iraq;
Whereas Judaism affirms the permissibility of war as a response to life-threatening aggression, current or anticipated;
Whereas Judaism also affirms the supreme value of peace and peacemaking;