Reform Judaism leaders oppose church-state changes
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — In response to President Trump’s dangerously broad executive order masquerading as protection of religious freedom, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement Thursday on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the wider Reform Movement:
“Today’s executive order undermines the First Amendment principles and protections that allow religious life to flourish in the United States. It also attacks reproductive rights and privileges one set of religious beliefs over all others. The Reform Movement condemns President Trump’s executive order on religious freedom issues in the strongest possible terms.
“The Johnson Amendment has been a vital safeguard for the integrity of American religious institutions and the political process by defending the separation of church and state. We strongly oppose this executive order and any attempt to weaken or repeal the Johnson Amendment.
“Speaking truth to power is a hallmark of religious life in the United States. Clergy and communities of faith already raise our voices loudly on issues of political and social concern. The prohibition against endorsing or opposing political candidates from our pulpits simply prevents groups from being simultaneously tax-exempt ministries and partisan political outfits. Blurring that line threatens the prophetic voices of religious groups and opens the door to political coercion of houses of worship.
“As people of faith, we understand that the unique American commitment to religious liberty has allowed religious freedom to flourish alongside other rights. We strongly urge President Trump to immediately rescind this executive order. We also call on Members of Congress to do everything in their power to oppose and block it and to ensure all people can access the healthcare they need.”
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Preceding provided by the Religious Action Committee of Reform Judaism
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ADL criticizes Omarosa Manigault on Farrakhan
NEW YORK (Press Release) The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was deeply disturbed by comments earlier Thursday by former reality star and White House staffer Omarosa Manigault, who in a radio interview said she would be “open to meeting” with the virulently anti-Semitic and racist leader of the Nation of Islam, Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Farrakhan has engaged in a wide ranging campaign of anti-Semitism and hate specifically targeting the Jewish community for more than 30 years.
“Louis Farrakhan should not be made to feel welcome by anyone in the White House,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Such an overture would only serve to legitimize his long record of conspiratorial and hateful views toward Jews. We hope that the administration will make it clear that Farrakhan and his anti-Semitic organization will find no supporters in the White House.”
Leading up to his 2015 Million Man March, Minister Farrakhan said, “I’m talking about the wicked ones in the Jewish community that run America, run the government, run the world, own the banks, own the means of communication. They are my enemies!”
Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League
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AIPAC praises Congress for Israel aid
WASHINGTON, DC. (Press Release) — AIPAC applauds Congress for including key provisions to help Israel address critical security challenges in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2017. The bill provides $3.1 billion plus an additional $75 million in overall security assistance to Israel.
The bill also contains $600.7 million for vital joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs, representing a $113 million increase over FY 2016.
$268.7 million in research and development funding for U.S.-Israel cooperative missile and rocket defense programs;
$62 million for procurement of the Iron Dome rocket defense system;
$150 million for procurement of the David’s Sling missile defense system; and
$120 million for procurement of the Arrow-3 missile defense system.
The legislation provides for a majority of these procurement funds to be spent in the United States. In addition, Congress included $42.5 million for continued U.S.-Israel joint development of technologies to address the complex challenge of locating, mapping and destroying terrorist tunnel networks.
The bill also includes a provision that reduces aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) on a dollar-for-dollar basis for any support the PA, the Palestine Liberation Organization and any successor or affiliated organization provides to Palestinian terrorists or their families.
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Preceding provided by AIPAC.