WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — A pair of Jewish groups, in statements, have pointed to the possible impact on the Iranian nuclear buildup of the Senate’s ratification on Wednesday, Dec. 22. of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia.
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, headed by Rabbi David Saperstein: “We applaud the Senate’s ratification today of the New START treaty, which furthers the interests of American security and the objective of a world without
the threat of nuclear weapons. The treaty includes vital provisions reducing the number of nuclear weapons the United States and Russia possess, as well as reinstating American inspectors on the ground in Russian nuclear arsenals, an absence that has continued for far too long (since the expiration of the original START treaty last December).
We remain profoundly concerned by the threat nuclear weapons pose. It is our hope that this treaty will serve as a step toward security and disarmament not only for our two countries but also for the rest of the world, in particular the Middle East. The treaty’s ratification will certainly strengthen continuing U.S. efforts encouraging Russia to pressure Iran to cease nuclear development. The danger posed by a nuclear Iran threatens Israel’s security, North American interests and the stability of the region, in part by increasing the risk of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorists.
We pray today that this treaty will serve as a catalyst for future non-proliferation agreements. When the United States and Russia lead by example, reducing the reliance on nuclear weapons as their primary source of their political and military power, it strengthens efforts to press other nations to follow suit.
We are guided by the words of Isaiah, who tells us that nations must “beat their swords into plowshares, their spears into pruning hooks” (2:4) and our commitment to Jewish laws of just warfare, which eschew weapons that would kill indiscriminately or create long-term damage to the environment. These teachings have long inspired our Movement’s work on arms control. Today, we welcome the Senate’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and reaffirm our own pledge of working towards a nuclear free world.”
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National Jewish Democratic Council, headed by David A. Harris: “Today’s ratification of the New START treaty by the Senate is yet another step forward in securing our country and helping to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. While the treaty’s effects on strengthening the U.S.-Russia relationship are significant and monumental in their own right, the New START treaty will ultimately bolster the ability of the United States and Russia to jointly confront Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
“With Iran at the top of the pro-Israel agenda, NJDC was at the forefront of urging the American Jewish community to lend a voice to the debate over the treaty. In mid-November NJDC issued a statement to community leaders saying ‘The time has come for those in the American Jewish community who care deeply about confronting Iran to help pass START now. We can do no less, and we have no time to wait.’ We are proud that our communal effort helped to shine light on the importance of ratifying this crucial treaty.
“We commend President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for their leadership in making New START a top priority, and we applaud the Democratic Senate leadership – working together with key Republicans, including Senator Richard Lugar – for pushing forward the effort to ratify the treaty despite opposition and excuses from a small Republican minority who defiantly stood against the recommendations of our military leadership. Ultimately, Senators on both sides of the aisle understood the importance of ratifying this treaty for our own security – and that it will help to continue our efforts to protect the global community from a nuclear-armed Iran.”