Take Action! Steps you can take to end torture

With the 2008 election drawing ever closer, it is critical that a commitment to ending U.S.-sponsored torture be part of the national conversation. We must work to ensure that effective, humane interrogation techniques are used by all branches of the government, including the CIA, and to reaffirm America's dedication to human rights. There is real hope that this year, we will once again declare that we do not torture, with no exceptions. It is time to return to our values as a country.

As Jews, we can play a critical role as part of the larger voice of people of faith speaking out against torture. Here are two actions you can take to restore America's commitment to human rights.

Influence the Party Platforms
Both Presidential candidates publicly oppose torture. We the people of America must add our voice. Join with the Jewish Campaign Against Torture in this initiative to urge both candidates to lead their political parties to include anti-torture planks in their party platforms.

Contact each presidential candidate today.
Insist: "No Torture. No Exceptions."

Senator John McCain: Phone: (202) 224-2235 • Fax: (202) 228-2862
Senator Barack Obama: Phone: (202) 224-2854 • Fax: (202) 228-4260

More information can be found on the website of the Reject Torture initiative.

Call for an Executive Order to Ban Torture
Whether it is the current or next President of the United States, we are calling for the the President to issue an executive order banning torture. Rabbis for Human Rights North America, working with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Evangelicals for Human Rights and the Center for the Victims of Torture, has drafted principles for an Executive Order banning torture. If you have not yet endorsed those principles, do it today! Join with thousands of people of all faiths in this call. Endorse the declaration.

It is also time to widen the circle of endorsers. If you know that there is a gathering you will soon be attending – whether at your congregation or elsewhere – bring along a petition version of the principles in order to solicit support from others. This petition can also be used on the High Holidays or can be displayed during fall programming. Click here for the petition. There are also suggestions for further actions for communities and individuals, as well as a pamphlet you can print and hand out, or include as a bulletin insert.

With your help, we can ensure that the American government recognizes the basic Jewish principle of K'vod Habriot, respect for the dignity of all life, and ends all forms of torture.