Gary Fitleberg, December 1, 2004

American Jewish organizations asked Protestant leaders to reject divestment from Israel.

Five Jewish agencies released a statement Tuesday asking Protestant leaders to focus on alternative ways to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The statement came in response to an October meeting with Protestant leaders, who asked for an explanation as to why Jews oppose divestment.

"Far too often, our Christian brothers and sisters, most particularly the mainline Protestant denominations, have remained too silent in the face of this persistent hatred, rejection, and violence aimed at Israel," the Jewish leaders wrote in a letter Monday. "Divestment efforts that are not universally applied but rather focused uniquely on Israel, no matter how nuanced and explained, smack of discrimination," the letter states, adding that the move "provokes extremism from all sides."

The letter was signed by representatives of the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Anti-Defamation League, the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg