Middle East Peace Process (1995)

WHEREAS, the ideal of peace holds a paramount position in Jewish tradition, and we are taught not only to seek peace but to pursue it; and

WHEREAS, THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM has consistently supported the efforts of the duly elected Government of Israel to bring an end to the state of war that has characterized the Middle East since the founding of Israel in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Jewish tradition teaches, "Im ayn derekh eretz ayn Torah" - "Without civility there is no Torah:" and WHEREAS, we learn that the School of Hillel ultimately triumphed over that of Shammai because Hillel was willing to consider views other than his own, and

WHEREAS, organizations and groups opposed to the Middle East peace process are today urging the Jewish community to boycott organizations such as the UJA-Federation and Israel Bonds which support social, economic, and education programs of the Israeli Government,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM reaffirms that the welfare of the State of Israel is of vital concern to Jews throughout the world and we are obliged to speak out on issues that affect her well-being, and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM reaffirms its support for the dully elected leaders of the Government of Israel in their efforts to bring peace with security to the state and people of Israel, and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM encourages support for the Government of Israel, UJA-Federation and Israel Bonds, and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNGAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM urges together with all who would preserve derekh eretz in our tradition, that discussions for the sake of heaven remain guided by the principles of proper behavior and that the existence of divergent views within the Jewish community not be used as a lever to pry it apart.