'The implication that religion should dictate political affiliation is noxious to the American value of religious freedom that has strengthened this nation since its founding.'
By OMRI NAHMIASDonald Trump (photo credit: TASOS KATOPODIS/ REUTERS)
WASHINGTON – The Reform movement released an open letter Tuesday condemning US President Donald Trump for “dividing the nation and sowing hate and fear.”The letter was signed by the leaders of 12 Reform Jewish institutions led by the Union for Reform Judaism, including Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of URJ; Rabbi Ron Segal, president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis; and Dr. Kathy Schwartz, president of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators.“Since taking office, President Trump’s words and actions have sowed division, spread fear and expressed hateful views that go far beyond the legitimate expressions of policy differences that characterize healthy political debate,” it reads.“In unprecedented ways, he has verbally attacked people and communities of color, immigrants and people with disabilities, looking for political advantage in turning Americans against one another. He has also failed to consistently and unequivocally condemn words and acts of hate from others. We must all expect more from the president of the United States,” the letter said.“In recent days, President Trump even suggested that Jews who vote for Democrats are ‘disloyal,’” the Reform leaders continued. “Regardless of whether he was referring to disloyalty to Israel or the United States, this reprehensible statement evokes centuries-old antisemitic tropes about Jews having dual loyalties and/or being untrustworthy citizens of their nations. The implication that religion should dictate political affiliation is noxious to the American value of religious freedom that has strengthened this nation since its founding.”They also added that they oppose the argument that Trump’s words should be excused because of his support for Israel and opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The leaders also noted that they not only reject BDS, but also “the president’s use of Israel as a wedge issue and his inflammatory verbal and online attacks on those who hold other views.”
