They condemn Sudanese government supported atrocities and persecution of millions of innocent people.
Apr 7, 2006
—
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20050
Dear Mr. President,
The Rabbinical Council of America and the Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations of America, representing many hundreds of Orthodox Rabbis
and congregations, commend you for your strong and principled stand
concerning the atrocities being perpetrated on innocent people of
Darfur.
Our tradition teaches the transcendent value of even a single human
life, a value rooted in the fact that each person is created in the
image of God. The Passover season reminds us that we, too, were victims
of tyrants, in the same region of the world. Moreover, our own history
teaches us the bitter lesson of what happens when the world is silent
in the face of genocide.
Our rabbis have joined with other clergy to publicly call attention to
these horrors; we have urged all possible efforts to stem the violence,
and we continue to mobilize our communities to stand up – and not stand
by – while innocent blood is shed. It is indeed heartening to hear the
powerful voice of the United States government and its Chief Executive
placing their weight behind this important collaborative effort.
We will continue to work in every way we can to prevent genocide in the Sudan.
May the Almighty bless the work of our collective hands, help avert this
disaster, and bring to justice those who perpetrate and countenance
such evil.
Rabbi Dale Polakoff
President
Rabbinical Council of America
Mr. Stephen J. Savitsky
President
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Rabbi Basil Herring
Executive Vice President
Rabbinical Council of America
Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb
Executive Vice President
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America