Pelavin: "This powerful display of bipartisan cooperation represents the seriousness with which Congress views the threat of a nuclear Iran, and should send a clear message to the community of nations."
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2010 -- In response to Congress' passage of the Iran Sanctions Conference Report, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
We welcome the overwhelming, bipartisan votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions Conference Report. This powerful display of bipartisan cooperation represents the seriousness with which Congress views the threat of a nuclear Iran, and should send a clear message to the community of nations. We recognize the leadership of Rep. Berman and Sen. Dodd in shepherding this bill toward completion.
Economic sanctions, particularly of the petroleum, financial, and investment sectors, are a compelling way to make clear to the Iranian government that its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability remains unacceptable. Jewish rules on just warfare eschew weapons that would kill indiscriminately and create sustained and lasting damage to the environment. Further, Iran's aggressive stance toward Israel imperils the stability of the already volatile Middle East region.
Throughout the past year, the nuclear ambitions of the Iranian regime have been made ever clearer through its defiant posture and repeated dismissal of genuine diplomatic overtures. We have consistently supported comprehensive and effective sanctions against Iran, and we are proud of the work of our Reform Movement congregations across North America whose their tireless advocacy helped secure passage of this crucial legislation. We look to President Obama to swiftly sign this legislation into law.
