B'nai B'rith International commends the United Methodist Church for rejecting anti-Israel divestment proposals. At its quadrennial  meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, which concluded May 2, the church rejected five different resolutions aimed at divesting from companies doing business with Israel. Some activists are trying to push mainline Protestant churches toward divestment measures. We are pleased these efforts have been rejected.

"We welcome the delegates' embrace of a moderate, responsible path that is conducive to partnership in Christian-Jewish relations and the pursuit of Middle East peace," said BBI Director of Intercommunal Affairs David J. Michaels, who traveled to Fort Worth to stress B'nai B'rith's commitment to friendship with United Methodists.

B'nai B'rith has actively advocated against political campaigns for divestment from Israel, seeing such punitive steps as an unjust and counterproductive move against reconciliation and progress in the Middle East.

"The UMC's action serves as a positive example that divestment is not a viable option for religious groups interested in an ongoing, constructive dialogue," said B'nai B'rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. "We will continue to work with those church leaders who want to build a relationship on mutual respect."

B'nai B'rith International also welcomes a renewed UMC commitment to fight anti-Semitism, increase Holocaust awareness, and oppose the proselytizing of Jews. Such actions demonstrate a commitment to furthering Christian-Jewish ties.