New York, NY – Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“As President Isaac Herzog stated during his historic address to Congress last week, ‘It is no secret that over the past few months, the Israeli people have engaged in a heated and painful debate” while “renegotiating the balance of our institutional powers.’ He continued, ‘In practice, the intense debate going on back home, even as we speak, is the clearest tribute to the fortitude of Israel’s democracy.’
“Indeed, the vote today in the Knesset was ‘heated and painful, raising concerns and questions throughout Israel and the diaspora. We must remember the dangers that discord and division can pose to the Jewish people. We call on Israel’s leaders to seek compromise and unity. Responsible political actors must ease tensions that have run dangerously high.
“The Conference of Presidents will always advocate in support of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel, which is crucial to the security and well-being of both nations. Israel is a Jewish and democratic state. Both countries benefit immeasurably from this strategic partnership and abiding friendship, and will continue to do so because of our fundamental bonds and common interests.”
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