Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbinical Assembly
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
April 25, 2001
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As religious movements, we rarely support or oppose Presidential appointments. Recently, however, attempts have been made by some in our community to discredit Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer from consideration as U.S. Ambassador to Israel by claiming that he holds "anti-Israel views." On behalf of the Reform and Conservative Movements, which together comprise more than 85% of affiliated American Jews, we write to indicate that such criticism is not shared by the mainstream Jewish community.
Although we would not formally support Ambassador Kurtzer's appointment, we do not believe the claim that Daniel Kurtzer is unfit to serve as Ambassador to Israel. Our Movements have worked with Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer over the years and greatly respect him. He has been a committed servant of the U.S. government over the years and has been a great friend to Israel. Ambassador Kurtzer has earned broad respect in the diplomatic field among Arabs, Israelis and American officials.
We would, of course, be pleased to discuss this with you or your staff in any greater detail.
Sincerely,
| Rabbi Paul J. Menitoff Executive Vice-President Central Conference of American Rabbis Rabbi Joel Meyers Rabbi Eric. H. Yoffie Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein |
Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz Russell P. Silverman Stephen S. Wolnek |
c/o Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism 2027 Massachusetts Avenue. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
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