Organizations and coalitions that advance work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) draw on principles deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, including honoring the divine image, upholding fairness, and embracing difference. Since October 7th, some Jews have felt unseen in these spaces while others have experienced strong support from longstanding multiracial and multifaith partners. In this complex moment, the RA affirms that Jewish flourishing is strengthened—not weakened—through broad coalitions working to combat racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred.

Whereas Jewish tradition teaches the inherent dignity and worth of every person, articulated in Genesis 1:27, in the Mishnah’s imagery of humanity’s diversity (Sanhedrin 4:5), and in the halakhic priority of k’vod habriyot (Berakhot 19b), calling us to pluralism and to honor the full humanity of all people; and

Whereas the Torah repeatedly commands us—36 times—to protect those who are vulnerable or marginalized, insisting that fairness and justice guide communal life (Exodus 22:20–21; Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:34); and

Whereas our tradition mandates hakhnasat or’him—welcoming the other—as a central expression of embracing difference, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background (Shabbat 127a; Ta’anit 20b–21a); and

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has affirmed the centrality of inclusion and belonging in multiple resolutions, including the 2024 Resolution on Jews of Color, the 1993 Resolution on Race Relations, and the 2016 Resolution on Racial Injustice and Police Brutality; and

Whereas the RA has resolved that our rabbis should build bridges and forge alliances with multifaith and multiracial communities to combat antisemitism, hate, and racism (Resolution on Antisemitism, 2020); and

Whereas the events of October 7th and the subsequent rise in antisemitism have caused some Jews to question participation in multiracial and multifaith coalitions, even as many colleagues have received strong support from leaders and organizations of color with whom they already had relationships; and

Whereas strengthening Jewish safety requires partnership with other targeted populations, building solidarity across lines of difference to promote a society in which all people can live safely and freely, and American democracy can thrive; and

Whereas Jews are a historically marginalized group who must be recognized fully within diversity frameworks as a targeted community facing discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion;

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirms pluralism, fairness, and the embrace of difference as central Jewish values, and recognizes that these principles deeply align with the aims of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly recommits to its prior resolutions encouraging rabbis and the communities they serve to build strong, proactive relationships with racial, ethnic, and religious communities and to promote communal pluralism; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly will advocate that diversity programs explicitly recognize Jews as a marginalized and targeted community, ensuring that antisemitism is fully addressed alongside other forms of hatred; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly rejects the false narrative that fighting racism is inherently antisemitic, affirming instead that this work is rooted in core Jewish values and can be shaped to include and protect American Jews as equal partners; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly affirms that rabbis should continue to participate in multiracial and multifaith coalitions both despite and because of instances of antisemitism that may arise, understanding that such participation enables us to build relationships, address bias directly, and strengthen collective safety; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourages partnerships with organizations committed to fighting both antisemitism and racism, and to strengthening democracy and communal well-being; and

Finally, be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly, drawing on pluralism as a core principle of Conservative Judaism, encourages its members to participate actively in local and national coalitions working toward a just, kind, and respectful society, where all people—Jews included—are recognized in their full dignity and can live in safety and mutual respect.