Posted on 10/11/2005 5:36:47 AM PDT by SJackson
NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by the American Jewish Congress in response to the Episcopal Church's recommendation against divestment:
Contact: Juda Engelmayer of the American Jewish Congress, 212-360-1540 or 917-733-3561, or Jengelmayer@AJCongress.org, Web: http://www.ajcongress.org
The American Jewish Congress lauds the Episcopal Church's Social Responsibility and Investment Committee recommendations against divestment from companies doing business with Israel, and the church's subsequent executive counsel resolution proposing positive investments instead.
As the committee's report acknowledges, divestment from Israel does not offer any positive steps toward solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other churches and organizations promoting divestment-such as the Presbyterian Church USA and the World Council of Churches-would do well to recognize this basic truth, and reverse their policies accordingly.
"In fact, singling out Israel as solely responsible for the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as some churches have recently done, is a clear indication of bias," said Neil B. Goldstein, Executive Director of the American Jewish Congress. "Instead of promoting a healthy exchange in the interest of seeking a solution to a difficult situation, it serves to harden the positions of both sides. As such, it is unjustified rhetoric that hinders peace."
It is to be regretted that the executive counsel's resolution is seriously marred by failing to identify Palestinian terrorism as a central factor obstructing peace. Genuine steps toward peace must address the realities of the conflict, including terrorism, Israel's legitimate defense needs, the justice of Jewish historical claims, and Israel's stated willingness to withdraw when a peace agreement is signed. Any attempt to influence the peace process must demonstrate fairness and work toward the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Only when churches take the above into account and propose unbiased and effective measures will they speak with moral authority. Only when they consider Israeli interests fairly will they promote positive relations with the Jewish people. We encourage other churches to follow the lead of the Episcopal Church by rejecting one-sided measures in their policies that address the tragic Middle East conflict.
The American Jewish Congress is a membership association of Jewish Americans, organized to defend Jewish interests at home and abroad, through public policy advocacy, in the courts, Congress, the executive branch and state and local governments. It also works overseas with others who are similarly engaged.
Ping to a bit of a surprise.
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — An investment panel of the Episcopal Church has recommended against divesting from companies that profit from Israeli policy in the Palestinian territories.
The Social Responsibility in Investments Committee said in a report Monday that "the goal is for selected companies to change behavior resulting in a more hopeful climate for peace. If the church simply divests, nothing positive has happened."
Instead, the committee suggested that the denomination adopt a strategy of "corporate engagement," that would encourage companies to adopt practices that bring about "positive changes in Israeli government policy" toward pulling out of the territories completely, "as well as urging the Palestinian Authority to oppose violence as a means of resistance."
The Executive Council, the elected body which oversees the denomination, will take up the recommendations during a meeting that begins Friday in Las Vegas.
Several mainline Protestant churches have angered Jewish leaders by researching divestment as a way to create pressure to end Israel's presence in the territories. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has gone the furthest, naming companies it plans to target.
Israel withdrew from Gaza Strip over the summer, but retains control of the West Bank.
If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.
The Executive Committee is meeting in Vegas?
Reason 234264365773 why I departed the episcopagan cult over two years ago. The fools in charge of it are a bunch of stale-60s-kumbaya leftovers who are redder than Lenin's underwear.
Because they voted AGAINST divestment??
I can agree with your characterization and apply it as well to PCUSA's ruling eschilon, but at least the Episcopals rejected the divestment bandwagon.
Thank you for the ping Peach.
I am happy they voted against divestment but are these people terminally naive??? I suppose next they will pass a resolution urging Osama Bin Ladin to reject violence as a means of promoting social change.
As though there are corporate interests to be encouraged to pressure the palestinians. Investors couldn't be found for the greenhouses, for good reason, it required Jewish charity.
Inyokern, I found that you are interested in the Russian conflict with the Germans in WW2. Have you heard of the Unknown War hosted and narrated by Burt Lancaster? If you are interested in the series I do have it on 7 D.V.D.s. You can contact me at rickman@bytemeusa.com for details if you would like.
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