That is, the possibility of a peaceful arrangement with Iran's
new government that makes certain Iran's nuclear research is for
civilian and peaceful purposes, while step by step ending sanctions
against Iran and welcoming Iran into the peaceful circle of
international
The grass roots of flesh and blood American Jews support the diplomacy that is reaching for that kind of peaceful settlement.
But some powerful American Jewish organizations are actively opposing it, and others are standing silent.
Why? Because the Israeli Prime Minister has publicly and fiercely attacked the negotiations, poured contempt on the new Iranian president, and continues to talk of war -- though his own military and intelligence-apparatus leaders publicly say this policy is daft.
In the US, the question now comes down to whether American Jews inflame and support -- or oppose -- Congressional efforts to impose still more draconian sanctions on Iran. Most US diplomats think that such sanctions would signal to the Iranians that negotiations will never satisfy an America anxious not to make peace with them but to destroy them. So worse sanctions instead of fuller negotiations would lead to a greater chance of war.
Yet some of the most important American Jewish organizations -- AIPAC, the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, even the Jewish Council on Public Affairs --- choose to follow the Prime Minister of Israel rather than either the best Israeli military/security planners or the Torah's command to "seek peace and pursue it." Of course, in a democracy they have the right to be wrong, foolish, and destructive. -- But is it wise?
Because of them, it is important to support the 118 Rabbis and other Jewish clergy who have called for a policy of "Step by Step toward Shalom with Iran" -- shalom for Israel, for the US, for the region, and for Iran.
This statement was initiated by The Shalom Center, but these Rabbis represent something deeper, older, newer, ever renewed -- the Prophetic impulse that rises in every Jewish generation. They are today what JFREJ was in 1990 -- an ad hoc Jewish group emerging when the "official" Jewish world has failed to carry forward the Jewish mission.
We appeal to our Jewish members and readers to support these rabbis in their practical wisdom, their pursuit of shalom rather than yet one more immoral and self-destructive war. We ask you to click to here and join 118 Rabbis, Cantors, and other Jewish clergy to sign the statement: "Step by Step toward Shalom with Iran." We will make sure this statement reaches some key members of Congress and the broader public.
Nelson Mandela was not always committed to the path of nonviolence, peace, and reconciliation. He grew into that path.
If we truly honor him, we should also be growing into that path.
Please click here now to sign the petition.
Shalom, salaam, solh, peace -- Arthur
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