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Statements
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T’ruah Welcomes Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, Condemns Attacks on Civilians
May 6, 2019
This Shabbat, as rockets rained down on Israel and the Israeli army responded with bombings of Gaza, we read Parshat Acharei Mot -- the Torah portion that begins after the deaths of Aaron’s two sons. Much ink has been spilled by commentators trying to explain the reasons for these deaths. But in the Torah, Aaron responds to this tragedy with silence -- no words can capture the pain of his enormous and incomprehensible loss. Today, we are also acharei mot -- after the deaths of more Israelis and Palestinians, killed in another round of violence that will bring us no closer to a long-term solution. Like Aaron, we must focus not on justifying these deaths, but on mourning the loss of every human life, and on becoming rodfei shalom, pursuers of peace.
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T’ruah and J Street File Amicus Brief in Suit Against Anti-BDS Law
April 15, 2019
The amicus brief draws upon legal precedent to show that consumer boycotts are a form of collective action protected by the First Amendment. The brief demonstrates that Arkansas Act 710 is in direct conflict with the First Amendment by requiring companies and individuals who contract with the state to remain silent and not participate in boycotts against Israel – a clear violation of these companies and individuals’ rights of freedom of speech and expression.
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T’ruah Responds to Shooting Attack on Chabad of Poway
April 28, 2019
We are horrified and angry that once again a terrorist has violated sacred space, this time killing one worshipper and injuring three on the last day of Passover, at Chabad of Poway. This disgusting attack comes on the heels of other violent attacks against houses of worship — mosques, churches, and synagogues — in the...
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T’ruah Condemns Israeli Court Decision to Allow Deportation of Human Rights Watch Professional
April 18, 2019
Israel’s actions put it in the unenviable company of countries like Syria, Egypt, and Bahrain that have prevented Omar Shakir and Human Rights Watch from documenting human rights abuses. We echo the words of Michael Sfard, the respected Israeli human rights attorney who is Shakir’s lawyer, in stating how deeply troubling it is that Israel’s judiciary has now joined the Netanyahu government in silencing dissent and targeting those who struggle to end the Occupation.
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BDS Founder Should Be Allowed To Visit the U.S.
April 12, 2019
Gagging dissent doesn’t just fly in the face of American civil liberties. It also conflicts with millennia of Jewish practice and some of our most core values.
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Annexing Settlements Violates International Law, Threatens Israel’s Future
April 8, 2019
Annexing the settlements would violate international law and will further codify the denial of basic human rights, including civil and political rights, to the millions of Palestinians living under Israeli military rule.
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T’ruah Condemns Gaza Rockets, Warns Against Escalation
March 25, 2019
T'ruah prays for a complete healing for the seven Israelis injured in the rocket strike from Gaza early this morning. Shooting rockets at civilians is a war crime.
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Attending Netanyahu’s AIPAC Speech Likely Violates Jewish Law
March 24, 2019
“AIPAC attendees are committed to the State of Israel and to its future,” the T’ruah statement says. “Right now, the prime minister — who incites against his citizens, welcomes those embrace terrorism into his coalition, and faces indictment for bribery and breach of trust — is threatening the future of the country we love. Attending Netanyahu’s speech suggests approval of his hate mongering and of his alliance with a political party that advocates genocide.”
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Join Statement: Kahanists Have No Place in the Knesset
February 21, 2019
We call on our colleagues in the American Jewish community and Jewish organizations to stand for democracy and equality and join us in affirming that Kahanists have no place in the Knesset.
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Inclusion of Kahanist Party Endangers Israel
February 20, 2019
In light of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement that he welcomes bringing a far-right Kahanist party into his governing coalition, T’ruah calls on the Internal Revenue Service to take immediate action to investigate our complaint regarding U.S. tax-exempt funding that supports Israeli organizations carrying out the legacy of terrorist Meir Kahane. Otzma Yehudit (Jewish power), the party that may soon sit in the Knesset, is the reincarnation of Kahane’s party, Kach, which was outlawed in Israel and deemed a terrorist group. Many of the leaders of Otzma Yehudit also lead the Kahanist groups named in T’ruah’s complaint.