GCE Statement on Antisemitism (2002)

Statement

In the face of the recent upsurge of attacks against Jewish people and property in Canada and around the world, The United Church of Canada reiterates its absolute condemnation of all acts of antisemitism.

Antisemitism is an attack on the dignity and worth of people. Such acts and attitudes attempt to obliterate the truth that all people are made in the image of God.

The United Church of Canada is concerned that these recent acts are often being interpreted as a response to Israel's role in the Middle East. The Church however strongly repudiates any suggestion that disagreement with the policies of the State of Israel should lead to attacks on the Jewish people. The United Church of Canada reiterates its passionate prayer for peace, security and justice for all peoples of the region as it recommits itself to denounce antisemitism whenever and wherever it occurs.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Executive of General Council of The United Church of Canada:

1. Invites the church to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122)
2. Encourages The United Church of Canada at all levels to remain in dialogue with Jewish and Muslim communities and make every effort to be in solidarity with justice seeking groups within those faith communities.
3. Implores all parties to make all efforts to stop the loss of life and find a path towards a just peace.
4. Condemns all acts of violence.
5. Particularly deplores the intentional targeting of civilians.
6. Calls on the Government of Canada to hold the parties accountable under the terms of the 4th Geneva Convention.
7. Communicates to Middle East partners and to the Government of Canada the conviction that a necessary step toward true peace in the region will be through the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, specifically 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948), and that these resolutions require the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the withdrawal of Israel from the West Bank and Gaza including settlements.

That the Executive of the General Council encourages and supports peace activists in Israel and Palestine; and encourages the Canadian media to report on the activities of the peace activists.