Prime Minister Ariel Sharon welcomed to Israel yesterday evening a North American Reform movement solidarity mission led by Union of American Hebrew Congregations President Rabbi Eric Yoffie. Sharon called on Reform Judaism to show the necessary responsibility and, first and foremost, \"to be Jewish, come to Israel, be involved in Israeli life, invest in Israel, and - at this critical time - give tangible expression to solidarity by visiting Israel. We need you now more than ever.\"
In the meeting at his Jerusalem office, the Prime Minister briefed his guests on the diplomatic-security situation: \"Given the continuation of violence, terrorist actions and incitement by the Palestinian Authority, the attempt to drag Israel into conducting negotiations under fire will not succeed because the Israeli people and government are united in their determination not to capitulate to terrorism. To my regret, PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, who has chosen a strategy of terrorism, is leading his people towards missing the peace process and the continued suffering that stems from useless violence.\"
The Reform community leaders expressed their support for the Prime Minister\'s policies and commended his success in unifying the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. According to a survey presented to Prime Minister Sharon, 60% of the members of Reform communities in the US support his policies and leadership. Rabbi Yoffie emphasized that the mission delegates will be taking back with them the willingness to act on Israel\'s behalf.
In the meeting at his Jerusalem office, the Prime Minister briefed his guests on the diplomatic-security situation: \"Given the continuation of violence, terrorist actions and incitement by the Palestinian Authority, the attempt to drag Israel into conducting negotiations under fire will not succeed because the Israeli people and government are united in their determination not to capitulate to terrorism. To my regret, PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, who has chosen a strategy of terrorism, is leading his people towards missing the peace process and the continued suffering that stems from useless violence.\"
The Reform community leaders expressed their support for the Prime Minister\'s policies and commended his success in unifying the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. According to a survey presented to Prime Minister Sharon, 60% of the members of Reform communities in the US support his policies and leadership. Rabbi Yoffie emphasized that the mission delegates will be taking back with them the willingness to act on Israel\'s behalf.