Reposted via Jeremy Burton

From our national network of JCRCs – the Jewish Council for Public Affairs – this statement today on the so-called “Jewish State” bill being debated in Israel’s Knesset: “…if the bill does move forward, we urge that any final version be unquestionable in its commitment to the democratic nature of Israel as a state for all of its citizens. No Israeli, regardless of religion or nationality, should ever feel like an outsider. We pledge our support to efforts to solidify the commitments made at Israel’s founding: that Israel will guarantee the social and political rights of all its inhabitants, irrespective of religion, race or sex; that it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; that it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and that it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. These are values that the worldwide Jewish community has justifiably taken pride in for the past 66 years and they will continue to be a source of pride forever.”