Statement from the Reform Movement on the Ceasefire in Lebanon

We are encouraged by the ceasefire in Lebanon, announced yesterday by Israel yesterday after more than a year of deadly rocket attacks by Hezbollah, which caused much of Northern Israel to be evacuated. The war in Lebanon has also caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians. Though this is far from a “peace agreement,” President Biden expressed his hope that this will be an important step toward a permanent cessation of hostilities, which is a hope we deeply share. We are grateful to President Biden and his team for their tireless efforts to bring together the parties to reach this agreement. However, our hope is tempered by the knowledge that Hezbollah has ignored previous agreements, and that the UN has been unable or unwilling to enforce agreements requiring Hezbollah’s forces to remain beyond the Litani River and disarm, which would offer a modicum of security to Israelis living throughout the North.   

Now, we continue to pray and work for a negotiated ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that results in freedom for the 101 remaining hostages and vital humanitarian aid reaching civilians who are suffering in Gaza.   

Just this past Shabbat, we read the Genesis narrative recounting the burial of the patriarch Abraham, where estranged brothers Isaac and Ishmael stood together as they buried their father.  There must come a time when the estranged children of Abraham will find a way to share this war-torn land. That time will not dawn soon, but leaders and all people of courage must find ways to ensure that such a future will remain a possibility.  

Union for Reform Judaism
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her)
Chair

Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him)
President

American Conference of Cantors 
Cantor Seth Warner (he/him) 
President

Rachel Roth (she/her) 
Chief Operating Officer

Central Conference of American Rabbis 
Rabbi Erica Asch (she/her) 
President

Rabbi Hara E. Person (she/her) 
Chief Executive