Whereas the State of Israel is the national home of the Jewish people, established in fulfillment of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination (צִיּוֹנוּת), and grounded in Jewish moral tradition, which has an enduring obligation to uphold both the sanctity of human life (בצלם אלוהים) and the pursuit of peace (בקש שלום ורדפהו) as enduring obligations; and 

Whereas the attacks initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, including mass murder, hostage-taking, sexual assaults, and deliberate targeting of civilians, constituted a profound moral and strategic rupture, violating foundational norms of international humanitarian law, including the prohibition on targeting civilians under the Geneva Conventions (1949), and demonstrating the continued reality of existential threats to Israel’s security posed by radicalized and militarized actors committed to Israel’s destruction; and

Whereas Jewish tradition affirms the right and obligation of self-defense (הבא להרגך השכם להרגו — Sanhedrin 72a), while demanding moral restraint even in war (Deuteronomy 20:19–20; Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:7), and accountability to both Jewish ethical principles and international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity; and 

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly affirms the sanctity of every human life created (בצלם אלוהים), and grieves the immense suffering and loss of innocent life—Israelis and Palestinians, and among others,—caused by terror, war, and the devastation of prolonged conflict; and

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly affirms, as a matter of Jewish values and Zionist responsibility, that Israel’s long-term security and democratic character are strengthened by a political horizon that recognizes Palestinian national aspirations, consistent with the Rabbinical Assembly’s 1997 Resolution on the Peace Process, 2000 Resolution on the Middle East Peace Process, and 2016 Resolution Affirming Support for a Two-State Solution, with the expectation that such aspirations recognize the legitimacy of the State of Israel, reject eliminationist claims, and are consistent with peaceful coexistence; and 

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly recognizes that Palestinian national aspirations can only be responsibly advanced with a sustained rejection of violence, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures, and the establishment of accountable governing institutions, consistent with the Rabbinical Assembly’s 2002 Resolution on Terrorism in Israel and 2006 Resolution on Israel and Peace, which affirm Israel’s right to security alongside the necessity of responsible Palestinian leadership; and 

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly affirms that Israel, as a Jewish and democratic state committed to enforcing the rule of law equally and consistently, bears responsibility to pursue credible avenues for peace, and to deter, prevent, and hold accountable acts of violence committed by Israeli citizens, including settler violence against Palestinians that undermine Israel’s security, moral integrity, and standing among nations; and 

Whereas the regional context—including Iranian aggression, proxy warfare, and persistent instability—must inform any assessment of risk, responsibility, and timing; and

Whereas in light of the regional security environment and persistent threats facing Israel, the international community bears responsibility to engage the State of Israel with seriousness and respect as a sovereign ally, using diplomatic, political, and economic influence to support policies that advance Israel’s long-term security, democratic character, and regional integration, while rejecting terrorism, incitement, and unilateral actions that harden conflict, and supporting long-term institutional, economic, and civic development necessary for responsible and accountable Palestinian self-governance; and 

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly rejects both Israeli and Palestinian maximalist narratives¹ that deny the legitimacy, dignity, or national existence of the other, consistent with the Rabbinical Assembly’s 2011 Resolution on Delegitimization of Israel and 2023 Statement on Israel, Democracy, and Jewish Unity, recognizing that such narratives undermine any credible future of coexistence; and 

Whereas Jewish tradition calls for sustaining relationship even in disagreement, teaching:

• “אלו ואלו דברי אלוהים חיים” — These and those are the words of the living God (Eruvin 13b)
• “כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה” — All Israel is responsible for one another (Shevuot 39a)
• “דרכיה דרכי נעם” — The ways of Torah are ways of pleasantness (Proverbs 3:17)
  
  and therefore recognizes that this moment of war, trauma, and polarization demands moral seriousness, humility, and continued dialogue within the Jewish community and beyond.

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly affirms the vision of the State of Israel as articulated in Israel’s Declaration of Independence and rooted in the prophetic and rabbinic traditions—a vision of Jewish sovereignty understood as a covenantal responsibility to sustain a society grounded in the dignity of every human being created בצלם אלוהים, in freedom of conscience and religious expression, and in the flourishing of a pluralistic Jewish people; a vision that honors the diversity of Jewish religious life and interpretation, safeguards democratic norms as instruments of moral accountability, protects the civil rights of all its citizens, and those living under Israel's authority, equally, and calls the Jewish people to an enduring commitment to justice and peace; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirms Israel’s unequivocal right and obligation to defend itself against terrorism and existential threats, and that Israel’s security and the safety of its citizens are the foundational conditions for any future political vision that affirms Israel’s legitimacy and recognizes Palestinian national aspirations; and 

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly calls upon the Government of Israel to develop credible avenues toward peace consistent with Israel’s reasonable security needs; and 

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly calls upon the Government of Israel to enforce the rule of law by deterring, preventing, and holding accountable acts of settler violence that endanger lives, inflame conflict, and contradict Israel’s democratic and Jewish values; and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly affirms the responsibility of Diaspora Jewish leadership to engage the State of Israel with love, honesty, and moral seriousness, rejecting both unquestioning acquiescence to Israeli Government Policy and delegitimization of Israel; and 



Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly commits itself to fostering thoughtful discourse at a moment of deep polarization, within our communities and beyond, standing in relationship across differences, and cultivating educational and communal spaces that hold together grief and hope, realism and aspiration, security and ethics, and the dignity of every human life, for the sake of the Jewish people and Israel’s future.

[1] For purposes of this resolution, maximalist narratives include:

- Claims denying Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state

- Calls for permanent Israeli sovereignty over all territory without equal rights

- Theologies or ideologies of elimination, displacement, or permanent domination

- Political frameworks that reject coexistence between two peoples