Reform Cantorate endorses the URJ resolution regarding upgraded Palestinian Status at the United Nations

SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS. The American Conference of Cantors (ACC) endorses the “Joint Resolution on Upgraded Palestinian Status at the United Nations” presented by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) and adopted by the URJ North American Board of Trustees on December 2, 2012.

The URJ resolution reads, “On November 29, 2012, the U.N. General Assembly voted 138-9 to recognize Palestine as a ’non-member observer state,’ with 41 abstentions. This change was opposed by Israel, the United States and Canada, among others, which rightly held that any steps toward Palestinian statehood must come through direct peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, rather than the international body. In the words of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ’Only through direct negotiations between the parties can the Palestinians and Israelis achieve the peace that both deserve: two states for two people, with a sovereign, viable and independent Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security with a Jewish and democratic Israel.’''

The American Conference of Cantors  endorses the URJ resolution (click to read the original) as an expression of our unity with the Reform Movement in North America and in Israel.  Supported by the Zionist arms of the Reform Movement, ARZA and ARZA Canada, this resolution urges the “United States and Canada to act assertively in facilitating a return to negotiations and to take other steps that would strengthen the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.” In addition, the resolution expresses opposition to the Israeli government’s current plans to move forward with building in the critical E1 area. “Building there makes progress toward peace far more challenging, and is difficult to reconcile with the Government of Israel’s stated commitment to a two-state solution. At the same time, we recognize that this week’s action – beginning the permitting process for new settlement – is only the first step in a long, and by no means inevitable, process.”

Elie Wiesel has said: “Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another.”  As the lights of Chanukah grow each night this week, we pray that they will shine the way to a lasting peace in the Middle East.

For further information regarding the ACC, please visit the ACC website at www.accantors.org.