The August 24th release of the CIA Inspector General's report on detainee abuse highlights the continuing need for an independent Commission of Inquiry to study American interrogations since 9/11. RHR-NA has joined with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in calling for such a Commission, along with calling on Attorney General Holder to hold accountable those who authorized acts of torture. Learn how you can take action today!

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The CIA Inspector General released a report on the abuse of prisoners held overseas. In response, Attorney General Eric Holder announces the appointment of a special prosecutor, though it appears that the scope of this investigation will be limited and will not look at the command chain. The President announced that his administration will continue to send suspects to third countries for interrogation, a practice known as extraordinary rendition, but create safeguards to ensure that they are not tortured. A select roundup of today's news.

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Transcripts from six amazing conference sessions are now available for download. The transcripts include a summary of the session and discussion questions. Bring the conversation about Judaism and human rights to your community with these important resources. Sessions include the plenary on human rights in the Abrahamic faiths and the powerful closing session, Beyond Guantanamo.

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On Monday, August 10, RHR-Israel's Executive Director Rabbi Arik Ascherman was arrested at a solidarity vigil for Palestinian residents of Sheikh Jarakh, who have been evicted from their homes in favor of Israeli settlers. Read his statement from RHR-Israel's weekly email and watch a video of the vigil. Make a donation to support his courageous work.

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In the months since President Obama issued his critical Executive Order that ensures lawful interrogations, it has been clear that the campaign to end U.S.-sponsored is not over. Much work still needs to be done to fully understand what has happened since 9/11 and to prevent the United States from ever using torture again. Read on for a statement from RHR-NA about why we must still continue to work to bring about an end to torture.

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On June 11, senior religious leaders held a public witness in front of the White House to continue the call on President Obama to create a Commission of Inquiry to investigate American participation in torture since 9/11. Hundreds of activists gathered for an interfaith rally. Following the meeting, over 30 religious leaders (including Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster of RHR-NA and Rabbi Steve Gutow of the JCPA) met with a high level delegation of senior White House staff to discuss our call for the Commission. Read a report from Rabbi Kahn-Troster or click here to read a report from NRCAT.

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Following the June 11 religious witness outside the White House, 33 senior religious leaders, including RHR-NA Director of Education Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, will participate in a meeting with senior White House officials to discuss the need for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate American torture policy since 9/11. Read on for the press release from NRCAT.

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RHR-NA Board Member and President of Panim Rabbi Sid Schwarz wrote this opinion piece, which appeared in the June 3, 2009 edition of The New York Jewish Week, in response to an experience he had at an Israel Parade. » read more 

On Thursday, May 21, the eve of Yom Yerushalayim, RHR held a protest against the discrimination of the residents of East Jerusalem. Read more about the situation and the protest.

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RHR Executive Director Rabbi Arik Ascherman begins his Spring 2009 educational and fund raising tour of the U.S. on May 31st.  Arik will be speaking in a variety of settings, and we have posted his schedule here.

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In this moving essay, Rabbi Arthur Waskow meditates on the recent Pew Forum survey showing that the more religious Americans are, the more likely they are to support acts of torture as a form of interrogation.

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Read a summary of Rabbi Brian Walt's remarks during an NRCAT press conference about a recent survey about the religious community's support for the use of torture. The complete recording of the conference can be downloaded from here.

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RHR-NA and B'Tselem have written to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton asking her to support the Goldstone Commission.

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This June, communities across the country will observe Torture Awareness Month. We ask you to take action in your community to both remember all those around the world who have been victims of torture and to call for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate actions taken by the United States since 9/11 towards detainees. Read on for resources information from RHR-NA, TAASC, and NRCAT.

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RHR-NA is seeking an Executive Director. Click here to download the job description and position qualifications.

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