JCRC Joins Jewish Groups In Response to Episcopal Protest
(Boston, November 1, 2001) The follow statement was issued by Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the JCRC and the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis:
Moral Judgements Require Balance and Fairness:
A Call For a Renewed Dialogue And A True
Commitment To Justice and Healing
We respect the right and the duty of religious leaders of all faiths to speak out on significant moral issues. We also recognize that on questions regarding the Middle East honest people may disagree. We, nevertheless, were pained and troubled by statements made by some religious leaders over the last few days, which were remarkable for their lack of balance and their sweeping nature. It is with this in mind, that we would like to make the following observations:
- When moral leaders choose to cast moral judgments about complex situations they need to make an honest effort to understand the full problem about which they speak. In this case, religious leaders choose to condemn certain Israeli actions taken against Palestinians, but ignore the deliberate murder of hundreds of Israeli civilians by terrorists. This omission is deeply troubling and almost unexplainable.
- There are no simple answers to the problems that exist between the Palestinians and the Israelis. People of good will who look closely at the situation will be able to discern rights and wrongs on both sides. Therefore, to use the standing of ones religious office to make sweeping moral judgments that fly in the face of a much more complex reality does little to advance the search for peace. In fact, it may actually inhibit it by further politicizing difficult issues and adding to the confusion that already exists.
- In Boston, we are proud of the extensive inter-religious cooperation that we enjoy. We believe that the lack of consultation and dialogue on these admittedly difficult issues challenges this tradition of collegiality.
- The vast majority of Israelis are eager for a final and just solution to their conflict with the Palestinian neighbors. For this to happen, however, there needs to be a negotiated settlement arrived at by partners who are committed to a peaceful solution. Those who are invested in furthering this purpose need to encourage peaceful negotiations by modeling fair and balanced discussion.
