Reform Movement Statement on War Against Iran

At this perilous moment as the U.S. and Israel are at war against Iran, we stand in solidarity with our Israeli siblings – including soldiers of the IDF – American service members, and all innocent civilians throughout the region who are in harm’s way, including the brave Iranians who have taken to the streets to demand freedom from a tyrannical regime. There are many questions about the lead-up to this war and the way the U.S. Congress has been prevented from fulfilling its constitutional role in making the decision to wage it.  And yet, there can be little doubt that Iran has been a malign force against its own people and against Israel, America, the global Jewish people, and so many others in the region and beyond.

Despite international pressure and a devastating attack last summer by Israel and the U.S., Iran continues to foment global violence and instability and, by many accounts, pursue ever-greater nuclear capabilities. Now, for the second time in eight months, the U.S. and Israel are acting with military force to address the threats posed by this dangerous and oppressive regime.

The time is past due for Iran to halt decades of violent, worldwide provocations and aggression – including the threat of nuclear weapons development. And, like countless others within Iran and beyond, we dream of an end to the repression that has kept Iranians from living freely for more than four decades. We were inspired by the resistance shown by Iranians in recent months and deeply pained by the regime’s violent response that took the lives of an unknown number of protestors – likely many tens of thousands.

We had deeply hoped that conflicts between the U.S. and Iran would have been resolved diplomatically. We also have serious concerns about the Administration’s lack of full engagement with Congress in launching this war. Across the highest levels of military, diplomatic, and defense circles, many are questioning whether we have a clear, thought-out strategy to ensure our military power achieves our intended goals. 

Many in our congregations, the Jewish community, and the broader American public want to see regime change to support the people of Iran, eliminate threats to security, and enhance regional stability. While they may recognize that war is not the remedy for every conflict, they believe a case can be made that military force is justified in this moment, and are both deeply concerned about and committed to a successful outcome to the approach that has been taken.  

This war has already led to loss of life among innocents in Iran and Israel alike. We are especially pained by the deaths and injuries within Israel as a result of Iranian missiles which have landed in the last day. We are praying for healing for all those who are wounded and comfort for the bereaved. And we are keeping in our hearts those in the direct line of Iranian missiles who are forced to seek safety in bomb shelters – as well as Palestinians who do not have access to shelters – at this very moment.

We urge U.S. leaders, including President Trump and Pentagon officials, to act with the utmost care in ensuring that this military operation is undertaken with minimal harm to innocent Iranian civilians, and call on the President to maintain clarity on the goals of this war and what achievements will mark its end. We also strongly support congressional oversight of any war to maintain the checks and balances that are the hallmark of our system of government.

We do not know how or when this war will end.  Until that day, we look to the ancient words of our tradition:

Ufros aleinu sukkat shlomecha – And spread over us the shelter of Your peace.

Baruch atah Adonai shomer amo Yisrael v’kol yoshvei teivel la'ad –  Blessed are You, Adonai, who watches over Your people Israel, and all Your children everywhere, forever.

Union for Reform Judaism
Rabbi Rick Jacobs (he/him), President
Shelley Niceley Groff (she/her), Chair

American Conference of Cantors
Cantor Josh Breitzer (he/him), President
Rachel Roth (she/her), Chief Executive Officer

Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi David Lyon (he/him), President
Rabbi Hara Person (she/hers), Chief Executive

Men of Reform Judaism
Larry Pepper (he/him), President
Steven Portnoy (he/him), Executive Director

Women of Reform Judaism  
Karen Sim (she/her), President 
Rabbi Liz P. G. Hirsch (she/her), CEO