The following resolution was APPROVED at the annual synod assembly of the Metro Chicago Synod, ELCA, taking place May 29-30, 2015:
RESOLUTION ON U. S. GOVERNMENT AID TO STATE OF ISRAEL
WHEREAS, under international law established by the Fourth Geneva Convention, the State of Israel, in its occupation of the Palestinian territories, is not granting the Palestinian people their rights to full access to water, food, shelter, medical, and educational services; and
WHEREAS, in violation of the 1993 Oslo Accord’s call for a two state solution to the conflict, Israel continues to build illegal settlements on Palestinian land, erect a separation wall, deny free movement to Palestinians, and maintain a blockade of the Gaza Strip; and
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States, under the Foreign Assistance Act, requires that a country receiving U.S. financial aid not engage in violation of human rights of people under its governance; and
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States, under the Arms Export Control Act, requires that a country receiving U.S. military arms not use these weapons for oppression of another people; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Chicago Synod in assembly endorsed the October 15, 2012, letter sent to Congress by 15 American Christian leaders, and that the Illinois congressional delegation was notified of this action; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that members of the congregations of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod be encouraged to contact their congressional representatives and their senators to encourage their support and action to terminate US financial aid until the state of Israel seeks a peace agreement, ends its occupation of Palestinian territory, and enables an independent Palestinian state and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly through the Synod Council make this resolution known to members of the Illinois Congressional delegation who serve citizens living in our synod and the public at large and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Synod Assembly direct the Synod Council to forward this resolution to the Church Council for consideration and possible action
Submitted by:
Mr. Dieter Schulte , Luther Memorial Lutheran Church , Chicago , Ill.
The Rev. Joanne Fitzgerald, Luther Memorial Lutheran Church , Chicago , Ill
