New York, NY… Stephen M. Greenberg, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations wrote to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to convey what we have heard from our constituent organizations and from members of our community expressing concern about the decision taken by the government this past Sunday. It has evoked very strong feelings as it touched on deeply sensitive issues that are both personal and communal.”
The Conference leaders have been in touch with the Prime Minister’s office since the vote took place to share the reactions and sentiments expressed by the leadership of member organizations.
In their letter, the leaders underscored that “it is imperative that the government move expeditiously to address this matter and come up with a resolution that is equitable to all, as you sought to do in the agreement that was reached before.” They noted that “given all the challenges facing Israel and American Jewry, this is a time when achdut, unity, is more important than ever. A lack of unity could lead to an erosion of support, which has been identified by Israel’s National Security Council as a vital security asset for Israel.”
Acknowledging that “there are different points of view”, the leaders wrote those differences “can and must be brought into harmony to enable a way forward without intimidation, threats, or feelings of exclusion…” The leaders cautioned that “delay will only exacerbate tensions and make an equitable outcome more difficult.”
The letter also asked that the Prime Minister “convey the sense of urgency regarding this matter” to the cabinet “and all those in a position to help resolve this issue.”
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