The Federation of Jewish Women's Organization of Maryland

2010 Resolution

THE ENVIRONMENT

Judaism is built on the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedek (justice).  Today there is a contemporary understanding that these values include the protection of both people and other living species from environmental degradation. Many believe that the Jewish community can extend our traditions of social justice and gimelut chasadim (performing deeds of loving kindness) to environmental action and advocacy.  Indeed there is a connection between Judaism and the environment. The Torah teaches us that we have a responsibility for future generations (Deuteronomy 30:20) and that we must tend to the earth (Genesis 2:15). Many Jewish organizations have put environmental concerns on their agendas. As ecological concerns threaten and jeopardize the environmental balance and our quality of life, it is imperative that these issues become an immediate and pressing concern for the Federation and our constituents.

Therefore, the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations of Maryland in convention assembled on April 29, 2010 resolves:

1. To encourage  our constituents  to make  the environment a priority for their organizations and in their personal life through education and commitment  reaching out  to “BE GREEN” and exploring community resources such as the Baltimore Jewish Environmental Network.

1. To urge our constituents and their families to become activists on environmental issues, monitoring legislation and communicating their positions to elected officials, exploring advocacy opportunities in coalition with other organizations such as the American League of Conservation Voters.

 

RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED FOR ACTION
CONVENTION – April 29, 2010
Sheila K. Derman, Chair

ISRAEL

The Federation along with most Jewish organizations has had a long standing position supporting the democratically elected government of the State of Israel. For many years, the American Jewish community has been in agreement and has created strong bipartisan support for Israel and her right to exist in the U.S. Congress and with the Administration.  Currently we are witnessing a rift within the Jewish community on the issue of support for Israel. We are becoming splintered causing a lack of civility when discussing Israel from many differing perspectives within our Jewish communities. This lack of civil discourse is harmful to the global Jewish community and can lead to many unintended consequences, including legitimizing anti-Semitism and giving credibility to those who want to boycott and divest in Israel. Also it gives the younger generation of Jews the impetus to be disengaged from and unsupportive of Israel.

Therefore the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations of Maryland in convention assembled on April 29, 2010 resolves:

1. To continue to support the democratically elected government of the State of Israel and to urge our constituents and the Jewish community to do the same regardless of differing opinions.
   
   
2. To urge President Obama and the U.S. Congress to continue its support for Israel in every way, enabling   the establishment of peace and security for her citizens and providing necessary foreign aid.
   
   
3. To oppose all calls for boycotts and divestments that effect Israel,  which are often motivated by anti-Semitism and a desire to equate Zionism with Racism, and a wish to destroy the State of Israel and her people.
   
   
4. To educate and build awareness of the venomous goals of those who would deliberately delegitimize Israel and who use our lack of civil discourse to promote their positions of anti-Semitism and the destruction of the State of Israel.
   
   
5. To educate our community, especially the younger generations, on our history and the importance of  the State of Israel to the Jewish people, while encouraging and enabling every member of our community to visit Israel.

HEALTH CARE

The Federation and our constituents, as well as most Americans, have long standing concerns and interest in health care. Passage of the recent “Health Care Reform” legislation and the debate that continues to surround it have heightened awareness of the issues. Our current position supports quality, accessible, and affordable health care with guidelines to mandate standards of care, such as equity in prescription coverage at a reasonable cost, especially for seniors. In addition we continue to support legislation that prevents insurers from denying, canceling, refusing to renew, or changing the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage based on genetic information. We also oppose government interference in a woman’s right to make decisions about her reproductive health and life, including her need for mammograms and other necessary care for women.

Therefore the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations of Maryland in convention assembled on April 29, 2010 resolves:

1. To educate our constituents and their families on the ongoing issues of health care and the provisions of all current legislation.
   
   
2. To urge the government to establish a system of accountability that will ensure equality for all healthcare provisions.
   
   
3. To urge the government to monitor the health insurance industry for fairness and equality, while providing quality health care at affordable prices, especially those services relating to women.