Reconstructionists oppose Iraq escalation

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association adopted a resolution opposing President Bush’s planned troop surge in Iraq and urging the administration to create a plan for the “rapid and responsible” pullback of American forces. The resolution, adopted Tuesday at the association’s annual convention in Arizona, also registered the rabbis’ opposition to unilateral military intervention in Iran, instead calling on the administration to engage with the Islamic republic to contain its potential military threat. The resolution follows reports that American Jews are more strongly opposed to the Iraq war than other religious groups. On Monday, the Union for Reform Judaism adopted a similar resolution opposing the troop surge. Richard Hirsh, executive director of the Reconstructionist rabbinical association, told JTA the measure was adopted by a significant majority.