Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Executive Committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel, meeting in Detroit, October 2004, adopted the following statement:

IN COMMEMORATION OF 350 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE IN AMERICA . . .

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) expresses its profound gratitude to God for this gift to our nation.

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a coalition of Protestants, Catholics and other Christians that exists to encourage and develop understanding and support for the people, land and state of Israel in the North American Christian community.

During these 350 years, Jews have made incalculable contributions to the common life of our nation, which is out of proportion to their numbers. We see these contributions in the following fields of endeavor: religion and philosophy, literature, medicine, scientific research, business, sports, the arts among others.

We recall, for example, that at least two generations have been spared the horrors of polio due to the discoveries of Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. We also think of legendary sports figures such as Sandy Koufax, Sid Luckman, Hank Greenberg, Marv Levy, Mark Spitz, Kerri Strug and others. Jewish contributions to the arts are legendary.

Jews have distinguished themselves and have sacrificed their lives in military service defending our nation.

Admiral Hyman Rickover is widely recognized as the father of America’s nuclear powered navy.

We honor the many Jewish recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and all other Jewish veterans who have served our country.

Jews have also distinguished themselves in politics, law, diplomacy and public service.

The contributions of Justices Cardozo, Brandeis, Frankfurter and Ruth Bader Ginzburg to the US Supreme Court have enriched this country’s legal system.

Jews have consistently set the pace in America for charity and philanthropy.

We recall Haym Salomon’s generous financial support of General Washington’s army when it was bereft of basic supplies and on the verge of collapse; history remembers him as “the financier of the Revolutionary Army.” We think of noted businesswoman, Estee Lauder and Helena Rubenstein, who have also founded major philanthropic foundations. We call to mind the many medical centers, colleges and universities, and charitable foundations that have been founded by Jews.

Jews have been in the forefront of political and social reform throughout our history.

We recall, for example, the many Jewish freedom riders of the civil rights movement. Among those who gave their lives were Andy Goodman and Michael Schwerner. And we cannot forget the stirring words of Emma Lazarus engraved on the Statue of Liberty exemplifying the American spirit – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

The presence of Jewish congregations in communities both large and small has contributed significantly to religious plurality and thus has enriched our common life in exceptional ways.

Jewish friends and neighbors have been as brothers and sisters to us all. May we continue, individually and collectively, to be grateful for our shared journey. And may we confidently and respectfully embrace the future together.

Approved in Detroit October 24, 2004