RHR-Israel
Founded in 1988, Rabbis for Human Rights in Israel now has a membership of over 100 Israeli rabbis and rabbinical students, including members of the Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform, and Renewal movements. RHR has been endorsed by the North American rabbinic associations of the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. RHR has no affiliation with any party or ideology. In 1993, RHR was awarded the Speaker of the Knesset’s Award for its contribution to the quality of life in Israel
RHR-Israel Activities
Rabbis for Human Rights has worked courageously and tirelessly in advocating for the human rights of all. Activities include:
- Supporting health care for all.
- Providing teacher training on Jewish and Islamic teachings about human rights.
- Publishing a talmudic style commentary on Israel’s Declaration of Independence, to be used with Israeli high school students and youth groups as a vehicle for human rights education.
- Supporting the rights of vulnerable foreign workers.
- Working in coalition with other advocacy groups on behalf of the unemployed.
- Addressing issues of women’s rights and equality.
- Working with Israeli Arab citizens to preserve Muslim and Christian holy sites and to equalize the allocation of educational resources between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel.
- Advocating for economic justice for all citizens.
RHR-Israel Activities in the West Bank and Gaza
“We condemn Palestinian violence and support Israel’s legitimate efforts to defend her citizens. However, Judaism teaches that even in times of conflict, there are lines which we dare not cross. The harming ofinnocent civilians crosses those lines.”
--Rabbi Arik Ascherman, RHR Executive Director
RHR activities in the West Bank and Gaza include the following:
- Protesting home demolitions and rebuilding demolished homes.
- Bringing food and humanitarian aid to besieged Palestinian villagers.
- Mobilizing rabbis and supporters in Israel and around the world to petition Israeli officials regarding human rights abuses.
- Helping to bring human rights issues to the Israeli Supreme Court.
