Orthodox Rabbinic Statement On Israeli Annexation
We are Orthodox rabbis from Israel and the Diaspora who oppose unilateral annexation in Judea & Samaria / Palestinian Territories. The principle that all humans are created in the Divine Image and are thus deserving of dignity (Kavod Ha'Briyot) inspires and compels us to reject unilateral moves to impose Israeli sovereignty over area C. We support Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to give this process more time and urge him to show the same restraint he wisely demonstrated in the past regarding Jewish prayer on Har HaBayit/The Temple Mount. Just because Israel has the power to impose its will does not mean it is the wise thing to do. Both Jews and Palestinians have deep connections to the land and the value of Kavod HaBriyot calls on us to honor this connection by engaging in a process of mutual respect to determine the political future of Judea & Samaria / Palestinian Territories. Unilateral moves undermine mutual respect. We call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue showing restraint and pursue a negotiated settlement.
Rabbi Michael Chernick
Rabbi Pinchas Giller
Rabbi Dr. Mel Gottlieb
Rabbi Steve Greenberg
Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg
Rabbi David Kalb
Rabbi Frederick Klein
Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn
Rabbi David Jaffe
Rabbi Shaul Judelman
Rabbi Daniel Landes
Rabbi Eliezer Lawrence
Rabbi Micha Odenheimer
Rabbi David Polsky
Rabbi Deborah Renert
Rabbi Dr. David Rosen
Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger
Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller
Rabbi Aaron Shub
Rabbi Ami Silver
Rabbi Michael Stein
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Rabbi Dr. Alan Yuter