Press

T’ruah Condemns Cowardly Act of Terrorism in Halamish

July 23, 2017

We are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic murder of three members of an Israeli family on Shabbat eve in their home in the Halamish settlement. No political aims justify cold-blooded murder. We call on Israeli and Palestinian political and religious leaders to condemn the senseless loss of life, to refrain from any further provocations, and to actively move toward a long-term solution that will end the bloodshed.

Statement on Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif Violence

July 21, 2017

We are appalled at the killing of two Israeli security officers at Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, the loss of Palestinian life in clashes with police, and the escalating tensions in East Jerusalem. Jewish tradition teaches that there are two Jerusalems, Yerushalayim shel Maala, the heavenly or spiritual Jerusalem, and Yerushalayim shel Mata, the earthly, physical city with all its imperfections. As rabbis, we are striving to bridge the gap between the geopolitical realities of a divided Jerusalem and the vision of the peaceful, holy city Jews have longed for throughout the ages. To realize this vision, especially in times of fear and great challenge, we must work to keep our hearts open. Anything less than deep listening and nuanced responses that recognize the grievances of both Israelis and Palestinians only perpetuates the hardening of hearts and cycle of violence.

Statement on Immoral Health Care Legislation

June 26, 2017

T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights opposes both the House and Senate legislation that will leave millions more Americans without health care. Our insistence on the moral duty of the government to ensure health care for all comes from our grounding both in human rights, and in Jewish teachings. The Senate’s “Better Care” Reconciliation Act of 2017 and House of Representatives American Health Care Act of 2017 are immoral bills that will take healthcare away from millions of Americans, and result in increased suffering, financial burden, and even death. Those most likely to be hurt by these bills include those who can least afford to be without healthcare: individuals with significant health challenges or past illnesses, are low-income or seeking treatment for addiction, and seniors.

Open Letter to Netanyahu on the 50th Anniversary of the Six-Day War

June 10, 2017

We write in the name of T’ruah, a network of more than 1800 rabbis and cantors in North America who hold deep love for the State of Israel, and who believe that the vision of the Hebrew prophets, cited in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, for a homeland committed to peace and justice, represents the most powerful guarantee of Israel’s future.

To Ignore Torture is to Condone It: Statement on the Trump Administration’s Return of Senate Torture Report

June 2, 2017

T’ruah condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s decision by the Trump Administration to return to Congress all government copies of the 2014 Senate report on the CIA’s use of torture after 9/11, thus assuring that the contents of the report will not see the light of day. Torture is immoral, and a deep violation of Jewish values. As we wrote when the Executive Summary of the report was released in December 2014:

Statement on Police Violence in Israel

May 25, 2017

T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights is troubled by yesterday’s police violence against peaceful protesters in Israel. The use of force against young people who are expressing their love for Israel and desire for justice for both Israelis and Palestinians hurts us all.

Statement Condemning Netanyahu’s Move to Shun Dissent

April 25, 2017

T'ruah condemns Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to cancel a planned meeting with the German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel as retaliation for his meeting with B'tselem and Breaking the Silence, two human rights organizations working for the betterment of their society.

Jewish Organizations’ Statement Condemning Violent Attacks by Jewish Defense League

April 7, 2017

We condemn the violent attacks by Jewish Defense League (JDL) members on peaceful protesters. While members of our community hold a range of opinions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we must agree that violence is an unacceptable response to political dissent.

Anti-Free Speech Bill Passed By Knesset Harms Israel

March 6, 2017

T’ruah does not support or affiliate with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. We do, however, believe that free speech is an essential component of democracy, a basic human right, and a fundamental value of Judaism. It is for that reason that T’ruah condemns the legislation passed today by the Knesset that bans those...

Revised Muslim Ban No Better Than First Muslim Ban

March 6, 2017

T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights condemns in the strongest terms today’s executive order, which continues to effectively close our borders to Muslims, and flagrantly violates America’s longstanding, values-driven commitment to serving as a safe haven for refugees. Masked as an effort to ensure national security, this new executive order is more of the...