UNION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH CONGREGATIONS DISMAYED BY GAY PRIDE PARADE TO BE HELD IN JERUSALEM
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America is profoundly offended by the “Gay Pride” parade scheduled for this Friday in the Holy City of Jerusalem, Israel. Torah observant Jews cannot be silent as those who flout the word of God provocatively choose to stage this event in Judaism’s holiest city.
Homosexual behavior is explicitly and strictly forbidden by Jewish law. Any inference or suggestion that Jewish law and tradition dictates otherwise is both dishonest and offensive. Holding this event in Jerusalem is inconsiderate of the history and religious nature of the Holy City and is intended to offend deeply both the religious people of Israel and Jews worldwide committed to the traditional Jewish family.
Moreover, by holding an event of this nature in Jerusalem, its organizers clearly hope that the world community will mistakenly assume that homosexual behavior is condoned by both those in the Jewish State and by Jews worldwide. Torah truths and Torah values should not be allowed to be misrepresented.
Judaism is a religion of peace and tolerance. Absent the Jewish people’s strict adherence to the values and commandments of the Torah — which speaks strongly and unambiguously on this issue — the Jewish people cease to be the “light unto the nations” God commands us to be.
The extreme statements and declarations that often accompany such events simply cannot be allowed to pass without our vocal protest. We join with all people of good will and of many faiths outraged by this event and angered by its provocative placement in the Holy City.