January 31, 2020
The Central Conference of American Rabbis has long advocated for a secure two-state solution, two states for two peoples, negotiated by Israelis and Palestinians with American support, with the prayer that Israelis and Palestinians may live side by side in peace and security.
Therefore, the CCAR expresses deep concern about the promulgation of a unilateral peace plan. Such a proposal, devised without the participation of Palestinians, has little chance for success. Were the provisions proposed in President Trump’s plan accepted by both sides in a negotiated peace that realistically takes into account Israel’s security concerns and the existence of a viable Palestinian state, Reform rabbis would embrace it warmly and enthusiastically. In particular, provisions regarding the Jordan River Valley are widely believed by a wide spectrum of Israelis to be critical to Israeli security.
Without such negotiations and time for input from other necessary stakeholders, we are concerned about Israel’s response to the peace proposal. Absent a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, we would strongly oppose the further extension of Israeli sovereignty in the occupied West Bank.
Reform rabbis continue to condemn the failure of Palestinian leadership to represent their people in negotiations toward achieving a plan, even as we urge Israel to take steps to resume direct negotiations with the Palestinian leadership.
We implore Israel’s leaders, Palestinian leadership, and the U.S. government to work collaboratively toward the development of a peace plan which might truly succeed, and thereby fulfill the biblical injunction, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:15).
Rabbi Ronald Segal
President
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis