The Association of Reform Rabbis of the Greater New York area today endorsed participation in this weekend’s anti-Vietnam war moratorium and sharply criticized Government officials and others who cast aspersions on critics of American policy in Vietnam.
A resolution adopted at the 50th anniversary dinner of the 250-member Reform rabbinical body mentioned no names. But it was clearly directed at recent statements by Vice President Spiro Agnew and Secretary of Transportation John Volpe who charged that anti-war demonstrators were extremists or Communists. “We shall neither be intimidated from outspoken protest against war and death, nor confused in our appreciation of the idealism and intellectual integrity of other protesters,” the resolution stated. It urged Reform congregations in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut to support the moratorium Nov. 14-15 with special peace prayers and other activities. Many Reform rabbis are expected to join peace marchers in Washington. “We are opposed to violence and we are also opposed to any frustration of the right of the American people peaceably , albeit vigorously, to protest,” the rabbis said.
Rabbi Seymour J. Cohen, president of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, said today that the board supports the moratorium and “upholds the efforts of those who have pledged themselves to non-violent activities.” It called upon members to include special prayers for peace in Vietnam in their worship services.
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