The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is welcoming President Obama’s decision yesterday to release the government memos which authorized torture. "It is our hope that the public release of these documents will create greater transparency and accountability in our government’s actions," said RAC associate diretor Mark Pelavin. "Today, President Obama and his Administration have taken one more crucial step toward ensuring that never again will our nation stoop to the levels of our enemies and use torturre in an attempt to obtain information." The full RAC press release is after the jump:
In response to President Barack Obama’s decision to make public memos from the Department of Justice and the Office of Legal Council which the Central Intelligence Agency relied on in using severe interrogation techniques on suspects, including methods of torture, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
We welcome President Obama’s decision to release the government memos which authorize and describe in detail the interrogation techniques used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on al Qaeda suspects. These techniques, including waterboarding, are considered torture by a wide majority of international laws. It is because of the justifications and loopholes provided by these memos that our nation, unbeknownst to its citizens, has been at odds with crucial international human rights and anti-torture laws.
It is our hope that the public release of these documents will create greater transparency and accountability in our government’s actions. Today, President Obama and his Administration have taken one more crucial step toward ensuring that never again will our nation stoop to the levels of our enemies and use torture in an attempt to obtain information.
As Jews, we are taught that all people, even the detainees in U.S. facilities, are created b’tselem Elohim, in the image of God, and as such must be treated with dignity and respect. It is in this spirit that the Reform Jewish Movement is committed to bringing an end to the use of torture both at home and abroad.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
