SHJ CALLS UPON CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS OF MAJOR AMERICAN JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS TO RECONSIDER J STREET MEMBERSHIP
As Humanistic Jews, we are disturbed by the rejection of J Street’s application for membership in the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
The Conference brings together dozens of organizations representing a wide variety of voices and perspectives within the American Jewish community.
As Humanistic Jews, we strongly support pluralism within the Jewish community and believe that progress is enhanced by open and vigorous debate.
While not taking a position on J Street’s political views, we recognize that this pro-Israel organization represents the opinions and thoughts of thousands of American Jews and it is important that their voices be heard.
The bylaws of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations require that a supermajority of members present approve the acceptance of new members, thereby excessively restricting opportunities for the expression of opposing and different views.
Therefore, be it resolved that:
The Society for Humanistic Judaism calls upon the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations to revise its procedures for approving new members to ensure that they promote pluralism within the Jewish community and urges the Conference to reconsider the application of J Street.
