Sponsored by the Israel Policy Forum, the letter was signed by 384 prominent American Jews and appeared as a full-page ad in the first section of Wednesday’s New York Times.
While the signatories were asked for contributions, the ad was financed primarily by several individuals who are not from this area.
Above the letter in large type, it says, “Dear Mr. Prime Minister: The Overwhelming Majority of American Jews Support This Peace Initiative.”
Then the letter says in part, “We stand with you at this pivotal moment, as you seek to reach an historic agreement between Israel and the Palestinian people. We are confident that the overwhelming majority of American Jews, and indeed of all Americans, share this view and support this peace initiative.
“Our role is not to determine what risks Israel should take or what concessions should be made. Only Israel can reach these fateful decisions about her future. We are reassured by your immense experience and knowledge in matters related to Israel’s security and we feel secure that, as Prime Minister, you are the most qualified person to assess the relative risks and benefits of the strategic choices Israel faces today.
“Mr. Prime Minister, we applaud your strong and visionary leadership. We hope that Chairman Arafat will also have the courage to make tough decisions and take risks for peace at this critical time.”
Goldman said his signing the letter was consistent with the federation’s long-standing support of the peace process.
“I think the key element is to indicate our support to the prime minister for the efforts he is engaged in,” Goldman said Wednesday.
The JCF, he added, “supports the peace process as it ensures the long-term security of the state of Israel and a lasting peace between Israel and all other parties.”
Rabbi Samuel Broude, rabbi emeritus of Reform Temple Sinai in Oakland and a part-time rabbi at independent B’nai Israel in Vallejo, said he felt compelled to add his name to the letter because it “urged [Barak] to go forward, and not be deterred by the various extremists and conservative voices…who are trying to impede what he’s doing.”
Rabbi Mark Diamond, who ends his tenure at Conservative Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland this week to become executive vice president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, echoed Broude. Diamond said the embattled prime minister “needs all the support he can get at the moment.”
While he described himself as “cautiously optimistic” about the outcome of the peace negotiations, Diamond said, “I can’t say enough about applauding his courage and determination…If anyone can forge a just and lasting peace, Barak can do it.”
Rabbi Brian Lurie, the CEO of the Jewish Museum San Francisco, said he signed the ad to oppose one that the Zionist Organization of America had sponsored against the peace process on Sunday, which had only 30 signatures. “The majority of American Jews are saying they do want peace with security,” said Lurie.
Rabbi Sheldon Lewis of Conservative Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto said whether one signs a letter in the Times, or engages in personal prayer, it is important for “Jews and caring people all over the world” to let the negotiators know they aren’t alone in their quest for peace.
Signatory Raquel Newman, a major San Francisco philanthropist and longtime peace advocate, said simply, “By far the majority of the people of Israel are in favor of peace, of peace now, and a peace process. And the American Jewish community feels the same way.”
Others from the area who signed the letter are Debra Pell and Edith Coliver of San Francisco and Barbara J. Meislin of Tiburon.