In response to a letter calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas signed by more than 500 employees from synagogues and Jewish groups across the country, close to 700 rabbis, including Rabbi Cheryl and me, signed the letter below:
On December 7th, NBC News reported that, “Hundreds of Jewish organization staffers call for White House to back Gaza cease-fire.” As the letter states, the signatories seek “to demonstrate broad support within the Jewish community for a ceasefire.”
This data is wrong. There is not broad support within the Jewish community for a ceasefire. Not now.
More than 20 percent of the above mentioned letter signatories signed anonymously. Beyond demonstrating a lack of courage, it is hard to substantiate and verify an “anonymous” petition. Further, the majority of pro-Israel Americans, especially clergy of all denominations, believe that a ceasefire before the eradication of Hamas leadership and a return of all hostages, is a grave danger to global security.
The implications of comments made by Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’ decision-making political bureau, are clear: “The al-Aqsa Flood [October 7 attack on Israel] is just the first time and there will be a second, a third, a fourth because we have the determination, the resolve and the capabilities to fight.”
The people of Israel cannot be expected to return to their homes in the south of Israel until Hamas is removed from military and political power. The citizens of Gaza should be afforded the opportunity to build a future without the threat of tyranny and terror of Hamas running rampant on their streets.
The fastest way to end the bloodshed in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender, lay down their weapons and return all the hostages they continue to hold. This is the only way to end the loss of life that we all deplore, and enable Israelis and Palestinians to begin to rebuild in peace.
Signed,
Click here to see signers (including and number 517 and 646)
May this Shabbat be one Shabbat closer to rebuilding true peace.
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