Saperstein: "Violent attacks threaten the viability of a future with a peaceful two-state solution to the conflict, further demonstrating the need for the government to maintain control."
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WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 5, 2008 - In response to the ongoing acts of violence committed against Israeli law enforcement personnel and Palestinian civilians, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
In light of the High Court ruling, we laud the Israeli government's support of the evacuation of the contested site. The government, army and police must continue to take decisive, tough action to ensure that the saddening violence and destruction of recent days is met with the firm rule of law, bringing to justice the perpetrators of these crimes. The violent actions against Palestinian persons and property by Jewish extremists must be halted just as the violent response of Palestinians must be halted. We call upon the Israeli government to do everything within its power to ensure that all innocent civilians, regardless of nationality or religion, are protected from vigilantism.
Violent attacks threaten the viability of a future based on a peaceful two-state solution to the conflict. As Shabbat falls, with the Unites States government advising citizens to avoid Jerusalem for fear of further violence, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, denounce the hatred driving these heinous acts, and reiterate our message that to honor God, one must honor every human being as being created in the image of the Divine.
