March 24, 2009 Rabbi David Saperstein Dear Rabbi Saperstein: It was a pleasure to learn that you and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism have taken a strong position regarding Air Force violations of religious freedom. Although the statement that I read made no specific mention of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, it was the work of this fine organization and its indefatigable founder, Mikey Weinstein, which drove that serious Air Force constitutional violation matter to international attention. Mikey and his civil rights foundation certainly merit attention. We at the Columbus Jewish Foundation concur with you and the RAC that the military must never deviate from a position of religious neutrality that respects the diversity of all religious beliefs. The separation of church and state exists to protect the liberties of all Americans; the ability of our armed forces to provide for this nation’s security should not be contingent upon the real or perceived need to pass a religious test. The Columbus Jewish Foundation is the nation’s first Jewish organization to provide financial support to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (see attached release). As we approach Passover, I am mindful that it is impossible to make bricks out of straw ... nor can Mikey Weinstein … who is unable to singlehandedly bear the financial burden of this very costly legal battle. The Reverend John Freeseman, president of the California Council of Churches IMPACT organization, recently pledged his organization’s support of MRFF with the following statement: "Our alignment with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is on behalf of religious freedom for all people, regardless of belief or non-belief. It is not the function of the U.S. Military to proselytize our troops, but to protect our constitutional freedoms." Now is the time for the entire Jewish community to rally behind the MRFF in a similar fashion. I therefore urge you for your continued advocacy, and respectfully ask that you encourage individuals and organizations within your distinguished sphere of influence to support the Military Religious Freedom Foundation in both word and deed. Sincerely, [signed] Jackie L. Jacobs SUPPORT MRFF You can support MRFF by Please click below to choose how |
