Issues and Positions

IPA Leadership Development

Message from the OU Leadership
October 11, 2007
The words of Isaiah have rung in our collective ears in recent days: "For the sake of Zion I will not be silent and for Jerusalem I will not be still."

As stated by a policy resolution adopted at the Orthodox Union's most recent biennial convention - held in Jerusalem:

Yerushalayim represents the cradle of Judaism and has always been its most hallowed site. Our relationship to Yerushalayim is one that transcends time, space and other physical constraints, and our attachment to this holy city remains constant in our psyche, spirit and practices, wherever we may be.

Moreover, we firmly believe that every Jew, no matter where on earth he or she may reside, has a share in Jerusalem. While the citizens and the government of the State of Israel live and walk in the holy city daily, they serve as the Jewish People's trustees for the safekeeping of this treasure which Jews have yearned, prayed and fought for over many millennia.

Therefore, when ministers of the current Government of Israel have publicly stated that the Prime Minister may be prepared to enter into a formal "agreement" or "statement of principles" which would support the division of Jerusalem and the relinquishment of Israeli sovereignty over parts of the holy city, and the Prime Minister does not rebut these statements and restate the longstanding position that Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish nation - we must respond.

The Orthodox Union is preparing a comprehensive action plan which will call upon members of our community and all our friends to join us on the walls of Jerusalem and become her defenders against those who would divide her. The action plan will contain spiritual, political and other components.

We appeal to you to prepare to join us in this historic and critical effort.
Sign up today receive e-mail notices and action alerts and become a defender of Jerusalem.

Stephen Savitsky, President
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb. Executive Vice President
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