Messianic Jewish community responds to assembly’s divestment action
Andrew Sparks, spiritual leader ,Congregation, August 6, 2004
As the only Messianic Jewish community in relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Congregation Avodat Yisrael urges the denomination to pursue justice for both Palestinians and Jews and to abandon policies that target one party in the conflict. Avodat Yisrael is saddened by the implications for Jewish-Christian relations in the 216th General Assembly’s policy statement regarding selective divestment.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is enormously complex, with roots extending back into the 19th century. Indeed, both sides, Israeli and Palestinian, have suffered in this conflict. However, the assertion that the “occupation” of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip by Israel is “at the root of evil” reduces the situation to a mono-causal explanation, which disproportionately assigns blame to Israel.
In fact, selective divestment mirrors the effort used to bring an end to apartheid in South Africa. Though Clifton Kirkpatrick, the stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), has stated unequivocally that “the assembly has not asserted any moral equivalency between Israel and South Africa,” the pursuit of divestment invites comparison between Israel and South Africa. The implication of apartheid, intended or not, obscures the complexity of the conflict and hinders the possibility for creative ethical and socially engaged responses to this multifaceted situation.
As a political tool, selective divestment unfairly punishes Israel without pursuing other political sanctions against the Palestinian Authority. While the Presbyterian Church (USA) has rightly and repeatedly affirmed Israel’s right to exist within secure boundaries, the Palestinian leadership has just as consistently failed to do so. On a regular basis, mainstream media reports on widespread corruption in the Palestinian Authority. Such corruption inhibits the formation of a truly democratic society in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as the development of a partner for peace. We urge the Presbyterian Church (USA) to call for necessary reform in the Palestinian Authority, particularly in the areas of electoral reform, law enforcement and education so that a healthy civil society can be crafted among the Palestinian people.
As an economic tool, selective divestment ignores the interdependence of the Palestinian and Israeli economies. Israel has already faced a sharp economic downturn since the start of the most recent Intifada. Punitive measures such as selective divestment can only serve to weaken the Israeli economy, threatening the well-being of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Congregation Avodat Yisrael stands with the majority of Israelis and Jews around the world in hoping for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We urge the Presbyterian Church (USA) to halt its plans for selective divestment and pursue policies that will bring about justice and peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
Andrew Sparks, spiritual leader
Congregation Avodat Yisrael