Tag: torture

WHEREAS President Bush and the United States of America have undertaken the furthering of freedom and democracy around the world; and

WHEREAS we support the troops and coalition forces who are in harm’s way to achieve this end; and

WHEREAS Jewish history and tradition teach that justice must triumph over violence; and

WHEREAS serious questions have been raised about the ethics of torture by any nation as a means of gaining information, even under emergency circumstances;

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 remain engaged in armed conflict in Iraq;

Whereas Judaism affirms the justice of war only as a response to life-threatening aggression, current or anticipated;

Whereas Judaism also affirms the supreme value of peace and peacemaking;