Israel – Jewish and Arab/Muslim Relations (1994)

Jewish and Arab/Muslim Relations (1994)

About three million Arab Americans live in the United States. Most Arab Americans are not Muslim, although immigration from Muslim countries continues.

Many second-generation Arab Americans are highly successful and some serve in high government positions. They have founded their own institutions such as the Arab American Institute, the National Association of Arab Americans and the Arab Anti-Discrimination Association, which represent their interests in this country.

They also address international issues of concern: the Palestinian struggle for independence; foreign aid; and the situation of Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Because of the Middle East conflict, the Jewish and Arab/Muslim communities in America have had limited relations. The signing of the Israel-P.L.O. Declaration of Principles, the subsequent Cairo agreement on September 13, 1993 and the Washington Declaration between Israel and Jordan on July 25, 1994 have opened new possibilities for dialogue.

It is our desire to promote understanding, peace and goodwill between the peoples that have emerged from our father Abraham, through Isaac and Ishmael.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM, urges support of the following strategic goals:

1. To develop community relations and dialogue with the Arab/Muslim American Community to work to dispel mutual conceptions that lead to stereotypes within each community.
2. To give strong support to the peace process.
3. To prevent extremist acts of terrorism on both sides.
4. To cooperate on issues of common concern such as “ethnic cleansing,” civil rights and liberties, social and economic justice, and religious freedom.