Presbyterians Press U.S. on Aid to Israel

Presbyterian leaders want the United States to end aid to Israel unless the country stops settlement expansions in disputed Palestinian territories. Delegates of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted Friday to support the move during the church’s general assembly in Minneapolis. The measure passed with 82 percent of the vote. Jewish groups have long taken issue with various Presbyterian statements on the Middle East. But at least one group offered qualified praise on Friday. Ethan Felson, vice president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, says the church’s overall report on Middle East issues strengthens support for Israel’s right to exist and removes comparisons of Israeli policy to apartheid.