Dear Temple Beth Ora community:

As a congregation, we have all been struggling with the ongoing violence in Israel and in Gaza. While we all mourn in different ways, we have looked to two organizations, The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, and T’ruah, the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights to act as our guiding light as we attempt to heal. You may read the statements in full by visiting their respective links, but these two passages stood out that we feel best represent the position of Temple Beth Ora.

From T’ruah:

“We stand in solidarity with our Israeli family and friends who are mourning, healing, and defending their homes from continued attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. We mourn the deaths and suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and in the West Bank. We call for the immediate, safe release of the hostages, and for all parties to follow the laws of armed conflict in order to ensure the safety of Israeli and Palestinian civilians.”

From Israel’s Reform movement:

“We must…remember now, especially now, that ‘beloved is a person created in the image of God,’ that the State of Israel is built on the foundations of preserving the divine human image and the dignity of all its citizens and residents, in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.

We pray for days of peace and serenity and call on political and religious leaders to lower the flames. We need to remember that we will continue to live together on this land, Jews and Arabs, even after the fierce fighting. Therefore, it is our duty to work to preserve the foundation of a shared life based on respect, equality, and tolerance.”

We as a synagogue here in Edmonton are committed to the safety and well-being of our members, the speedy return home of the hostages being held in Gaza, and the hopes that we can join peacefully with people of all religions and walks of life during this challenging time.

Signed,

Temple Beth Ora’s Rabbi and Executive Committee