Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Syrian Jews
Adopted by the CCAR at the 88th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
or subsequent to that Convention in 1977
Syria has affirmed (by her signature on the United Nations’ Universal Declaration
of Human Rights) the right to freedom of emigration of her citizens. Yet more than
4,000 of our fellow Jews are forbidden to emigrate from Syria.
Our country and President Carter are committed to the upholding of Human Rights wherever
they may be denied. Therefore:
1. We call upon President Carter to exert his moral leadership and intervene with
the Syrian government to implement this basic human right to emigrate freely, where
desired.
2. We call upon each member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis to teach
about the plight of Syrian Jews on Shabbat Zachor
(the anniversary of the brutal murder of “The Four Daughters of Damascus” aged 18-24,
who died in 1974 while trying to escape to freedom).
3. We call upon the Jewish community of America to continue to support projects for
improving the health, education, and/or welfare of both the children and adults of
the captive Jewish community of Syria.
Referred to the Executive Board meeting of June 23, 1977 and adopted on that date.