OU
and RCA Call for National Consensus on Crucial Decisions
Affecting
the Jewish People
At this crucial
and difficult time in the life of the State of Israel, the Orthodox
Union, the Rabbinical Council
of America, Emunah of America,
the Religious Zionists of America,
and Poalei Agudath Israel call for an elevation of the level of
discourse among the various political, social and religious
factions in Medinat Yisrael.
The use of excessive and inflammatory rhetoric by any
individual or group is reprehensible and is to be disavowed and
repudiated. At the
same time, however, responsible forceful and articulate
expressions of legitimate opposition or support for government
policies are the hallmark of a democratic society.
As organizations
that have historically been ardent supporters of Medinat Yisrael,
its people and the governments they elect, we must share our
concern regarding reported incremental concessions being made in
the negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.
Ceding any control of parts of Jerusalem or endangering its
unity as the capital of the Jewish state is anathema to world
Jewry.
Our concern for
our brethren who reside in all areas of Eretz Yisrael compels us
to speak out. Turning over the vast majority of Yehudah, Shomron
and Gaza, relocating tens of thousands of Israeli Jews from these
areas and allowing thousands of Palestinians to resettle those
same areas, without reciprocal commitments or concessions, appears
to reward the Palestinians for non-compliance and for violating
understandings.
We implore the
leadership of the State of Israel to consider well its sacred
historical role in determining the destiny of our people and in
preserving its unity and to understand that it must build a
national consensus when such decisions are involved.
We conclude with
fervent prayers for harmony within Israel and for a peace with her
neighbors that does not compromise the secure future of Israel.
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