Reform movement urges lawmakers to reject Massie amendment that would end US aid to Israel

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism urged Congress on Wednesday to reject an amendment proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) that would eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. security assistance to Israel for fiscal year 2027. Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the center, stated that the movement's 1.8 million Reform Jews, 825 congregations, and 2,000 rabbis consider Massie's proposal "harmful." While acknowledging "genuine concerns about Israel's conduct of its military campaigns," the letter argued that "a vote to dissolve aid to Israel is the wrong way to send that message." Pesner noted that although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a desire to phase out U.S. military aid over the next decade, Massie's amendment would "immediately" suspend crucial assistance, disregarding current security threats.