PEACE AND SECURITY

Adopted at the 106th Annual Convention of the
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Jerusalem, Israel
March, 1995 / Adar II, 5755

WHEREAS, the peace process includes provisions regarding the settlements created by Israelis in the West Bank and Gaza and the expansion of Palestinian autonomy, and

WHEREAS, the wisdom and viability of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza remain topics for debate within Israel, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Central Conference of American Rabbis urge the government of Israel to provide for the safety of all its citizens, while not allowing the peace process to become hostage to extremist settlers' demands, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CCAR reaffirm its full support for a united Jerusalem under Israeli political control, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the CCAR counsel boldness of vision and prudence of action in the pursuit of peace. We see the urgent need to go forward toward peace, and we embrace this imperative without reservation. Rational defenses must be maintained. Israel's next generation deserves to have peace with security. Thus, the CCAR endorses the government's peace initiatives wholeheartedly.

We pray that the current uncertain situation will be resolved so that both Arab and Jew will be able to sit, each under vine and fig tree, with none to make them afraid.