We are completely committed to the
right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security. More than that, the story of Israel is a central part of the story of our people and our commitment to the Jewish people is a non negotiable article of faith. We regard Israel and its people as lying at the heart of a renaissance of Jewish life and of Judaism that began in the second half of the 20th century.
That does not mean that we are uncritical of Israel. We are dismayed by the disproportionate power and influence of extreme right-wing Jewish fanaticism and its unacceptable discrimination against non-orthodox Jews. We support the development of Reform Judaism in Israel not the least because the Jewish people in Israel is in desperate need of a living expression of Judaism as an alternative to religious fundamentalism on the one hand and out-and-out secularism on the other.
We are deeply saddened that, up until now, the Palestinians have failed to agree peace terms which we believe to have been a fair and just settlement of the conflicting claims and clashing rights that have bought so much suffering to the area. We support all efforts to vindicate the fundamental human rights of the people of the region – Jews, Christians and Muslims - and believe that nothing is more important than the establishment of a just and peaceful solution to the present problems. That solution can only be based on two states sharing the land and living in mutual respect.
Reform Judaism is not only passionately committed to Israel but also to the building of the gesher chai, the living bridge between individuals, families and communities in this country and in Israel. Our youth movement, RSY Netzer, takes some 250 sixteen year olds to Israel each summer and maintains a growing and impressive sh’nat (gap year) programme. The leadership of the Zionist Federation includes many committed members of the Reform Movement. A Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) service is included in our excellent Siddur (prayer book).
Acknowledgement: ‘What is Reform Judaism' by Rabbi Tony Bayfield.
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14. What is the Reform position on Israel?
We are completely committed to the
right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security. More than that, the story of Israel is a central part of the story of our people and our commitment to the Jewish people is a non negotiable article of faith. We regard Israel and its people as lying at the heart of a renaissance of Jewish life and of Judaism that began in the second half of the 20th century.
