Rabbis For Human Rights - North America

Principles

“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” (Preamble, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Principles

• "Every human being is created in the image of God" Bidmut Elohim asah oto: It is incumbent on each of us to act in a way that affirms the fundamental dignity of every human being. Respect for each human being is the foundation of Jewish ethics.


• "[We must] do what is just and right." La'asot Tzedek U'Mishpat: For a nation to have legitimacy, it must enforce a system of law that is fair, equitable, and just.


• "Do not oppress the stranger, orphan or widow." Ger, Yatom, V'Almananah Al Tonu: We have a duty to promote a society that cares for the economic well-being of all of its members, especially those who are most vulnerable.


• We believe that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights flows from these Jewish values, as well as from our own historical experience, especially that of the treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. Therefore, it is incumbent on us, as Jews, to defend the human rights of all who are oppressed.