Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Israel-Egypt Treaty

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

This is a day of joy. We convene this Central Conference of American Rabbis Convention

in a spirit of hope. We now celebrate the vision of an emerging peace. We pray now

that this beginning continues to the day our ancient prophets envisioned.        

May it be Your will to cause war and bloodshed to vanish from the earth, to let a

great and wondrous peace prevail in all the world. So never again shall nation lift

up sword against nation, nor ever again shall they train for war.        

Whereas the meeting of this Conference coincides with the signing of treaty agreements

between Egypt and Israel, and whereas it is the prayerful hope of this Conference

that this treaty will be the first step in the normalization of relationships between

Israel and her neighbors; this Conference expresses its appreciation to the President

of Egypt, the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the United States and

their staffs for the diplomatic efforts without which this agreement would not have

been possible.        

The road ahead will not be easy for any of these leaders or their countries. Major

problems remain, but a first step has been taken and these leaders and the countries

they represent have set a courageous example that must commend itself to all humankind.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Supporting the State of Israel

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas, the land of Israel is a primary commitment of faith, and the existence of

the State of Israel is the cornerstone of the survival of the Jewish people, this

Conference reaffirms its encouragement of all the activities which make possible

the strengthening of Israel’s social fabric and economy. We are proud of the record of our congregations

in their support of the United Jewish Appeal. Israel Bonds and a wide range of other

educational, medical and rehabilitative activities. We applaud those congregations which have encouraged pilgrimage and student exchange, emphasized the study

of Hebrew as a living language and used their platform and educational programs to

provide understanding of Israeli society and the political issues of the Middle East.

We take pride in the growth of the Progressive Movement in Israel, made possible, in large

part, by the sacrificial labor of our colleagues who have made aliyah.

We feel privileged to support the young people of our congregations who have gone

up to the land and established Kibbutz Yahel out of their awareness that the redemption

of labor is essential to the redemption of the spirit. We call on our congregations

to continue and enlarge their active involvement in strengthening the land of all those

who toil in Zion.        

The Israel of our dreams, Zion, is still in part a dream. The work of humanity is

forever incomplete. At times some of us have been troubled by one or another strategic

or economic decision of Israel’s Government; but, recognizing the military and ideological pressures under which Israel has endured and survived, this Conference reiterates

its pride in Israel’s record of social welfare and human rights as well as her restraint

against an incessant campaign of boycott, the Big Lie and terror. The level of political participation of Christians and Muslims in Israel stands in marked contrast

to the subordination and social and political ostracism of Jews and Christians in

the various Islamic countries.        

We are proud that Israel remains an open society in which political arguments can

and are met on major issues of policy, and we are confident that the ties of the

Jewish people are strong enough for there to be honest discussion of policies and

issues between the Diaspora and Israel. We support the increasingly effective efforts of our

Conference and ARZA to raise the issue of religious freedom within the Zionist Movement

and in Israel. We are proud that these discussions go on. Our sense of interdependence is only strengthened by them.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Iran

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

The Central Conference of American Rabbis looks with concern upon the fluid political

situation in Iran. This concern focuses on three distinct areas: Iranian-lsraeli

relations, the state of human rights in Iran, and the situation of Iranian Jewry.        

At a moment when the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty represents a real hope for political

stability among all the countries of the Middle East, the retreat of Iran from a

stance of moderation in its relations with Israel is a source of grave concern. Among

the signs of this retreat have been: the cessation of trade with Israel; the halt

of oil to Israel; the transfer of the Israeli legation building in Iran to the control

of the PLO; and the repeated affirmations of solidarity with Arab hard liners. Zionism

is not the enemy of the Iranian people. Poverty, illiteracy, rapid urbanization and

religious xenophobia are.        

The human rights situation in Iran is greatly clouded. Past months have been marked

by the secret trials and executions which the government seems to have halted. Concerted

efforts by Moslem fundamentalists to restrict the freedoms of Iranian women are of concern to all who cherish human rights. Nor can we forget the strident voices of

prominent Iranian Islamic leaders who, prior to the establishment of the current

government, verbally attacked religious minorities such as Bahai, Christians and

Jews. Yet it must be noted that these voices have been muted under the present government. The

government has publicly promised full human rights to all its citizens, including

the members of the religious minorities.        

The world must hold the Iranian government accountable for those promises.        

Finally, we have a particular concern for the situation of the over 65,000 Jews living

in Iran, many of whom hope to remain, seeing signs in the heretofore cautious treatment

of religious minorities by the government that they can continue to live full and free lives as Jews in Iran. We understand that hope. Yet that understanding is tempered

by the soberness of the lessons of our history, which has seen so many Jewish communities

threatened by events of political upheaval similar to those in Iran.        

In the face of such fears, the CCAR urges its members to:

1) monitor closely the situation in Iran

2) educate congregants about the history and current situation of Iranian Jewry.

3) assist in the integration of any Iranian Jews who may settle in our communities–

specifically in terms of employment. religious involvement, social life–and help

them also to locate and be in touch with local and national Jewish and secular organizations as needed.

In the future it may be necessary to write to the President and/or Congressmen, expressing

the hope that sympathetic consideration will be given to Jews and other minorities

from Iran who may wish to migrate to this country. It is to be hoped that that time will not come. However, the CCAR urges that congregations be prepared to respond

quickly and effectively.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Overpopulation of Cats and Dogs

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

The overpopulation of dogs and cats has become a tragic problem, due to uncontrolled

breeding. The discarding of these animals results in the annual killing of more than

three and one half million.        

This unnecessary suffering, endured by countless animals in our cities, is unneeded,

tragic and preventable.        

The Jewish concept of tsa-ar ba-a-lei chay-yim,

of mercy toward animals, has always been a principle of our faith. The Central Conference

of American Rabbis advocates the strengthening of humane legislation to eradicate

the problem of stray dogs and cats and their subsequent destruction in our country.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Hispanic Jewish Relationships

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas,

members of the Hispanic community constitute an ever increasing proportion of our

national population: and

Whereas,

members of the Hispanic community have been severely handicapped in access to employment

in governmental positions. particularly in our larger cities: and

Whereas

, our Central Conference of American Rabbis is already on record supporting the rights

of Hispanics in endeavors such as those of the United Farm Workers;

Therefore, be it resolved

that the Central Conference of American Rabbis:

1. Work to establish closer relationships and create an ongoing dialogue with members

of the Hispanic community, so that the needs of this community can be more fully

understood;

2. Help to develop educational and employment opportunities for those sections of

the Hispanic community denied such opportunities;

3. Understand and develop positions on such controversial issues as bilingual education

and illegal immigration of undocumented aliens with an eye to greater sympathy for

the problems of the Hispanic community as well as for the needs of our society at

large.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Resolution of Thanks

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas,

Rabbis Albert Plotkin and Charles Herring have repeatedly extended themselves and

their entire congregation on behalf of this 90th Convention of the Central Conference

of American Rabbis; and

Whereas,

the Hospitality Committee of Temple Beth Israel, chaired by Gertrude Newberger, has

been instrumental in creating an extraordinary feeling of fellowship and community

among those attending;

Resolved,

that we record our profound gratitude to Rabbi Plotkin, Rabbi Herring, and Temple

Beth Israel, whose indefatigable labors on all aspects of our 1979 Convention proved

indispensable to its successful conclusion.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Gambling as a Means of Fund Raising

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

The CCAR deplores the use of gambling devices to raise funds for Jewish religious

and communal institutions, as being contrary to our faith and tradition. The CCAR

calls upon its members to discourage such practices. (This resolution was adopted

by the CCAR at its 1949 Convention.)

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Freedom of the Press

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas,

freedom of the press is being eroded by recent Supreme Court decisions permitting

police who secure a search warrant to requisition confidential press files in criminal

proceedings. we urge the passage of federal legislation requiring the police to secure a subpoena from the court before any press file may be opened to police upon demand

in a criminal proceeding.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Farm Workers, Braceros and the H-2 Program

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas

the Central Conference of American Rabbis has for many years supported legislative

protections for farm workers with a particular emphasis on the right of farm workers

to organize for self-determination and justice; and

Whereas

agricultural employers have used many methods to frustrate collective bargaining

in their own industry. including the use of easily exploited foreign workers; and

Whereas

, the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (PL 414) has an H-2 section which

allows for the temporary importation of foreign nationals to work in the US; and

Whereas

, agricultural employers in Florida, the East Coast, Texas, Oregon, Arizona and Colorado

have intensified pressure on our government to expand the number of H-2 workers employed

in US agriculture; and

Whereas

, foreign contract workers have historically been mistreated in this country and have

also been used to lower wages and working conditions and to defeat the organizing

efforts of domestic workers; and

Whereas,

H-2 workers ( like the PL 78 braceros before them) do not have the freedom of opportunity

to organize for their own protection;

Therefore. be it resolved

that the Central Conference of American Rabbis, in 90th Annual Convention assembled

in Phoenix, Arizona, this 27th day of March, 1979. calls upon its membership to study

whether there is any longer a need for an H-2 program in the Immigration Laws of

the United States of America.

Resolution Adopted by the CCAR

Farm Workers, Braceros and the H-2 Program

Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of

the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979

Whereas

the Central Conference of American Rabbis has for many years supported legislative

protections for farm workers with a particular emphasis on the right of farm workers

to organize for self-determination and justice; and

Whereas

agricultural employers have used many methods to frustrate collective bargaining

in their own industry. including the use of easily exploited foreign workers; and

Whereas

, the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (PL 414) has an H-2 section which

allows for the temporary importation of foreign nationals to work in the US; and

Whereas

, agricultural employers in Florida, the East Coast, Texas, Oregon, Arizona and Colorado

have intensified pressure on our government to expand the number of H-2 workers employed

in US agriculture; and

Whereas

, foreign contract workers have historically been mistreated in this country and have

also been used to lower wages and working conditions and to defeat the organizing

efforts of domestic workers; and

Whereas,

H-2 workers ( like the PL 78 braceros before them) do not have the freedom of opportunity

to organize for their own protection;

Therefore. be it resolved

that the Central Conference of American Rabbis, in 90th Annual Convention assembled

in Phoenix, Arizona, this 27th day of March, 1979. calls upon its membership to study

whether there is any longer a need for an H-2 program in the Immigration Laws of

the United States of America.