The leaders of Jewish Democratic and Republican and groups signed a pledge of civility.
"Let our debate on the issues of the moment be thoughtful and reasoned," reads the pledge initiated by the Anti-Defamation League and signed Monday by Ira Forman, who directs the National Jewish Democratic Council, and Matt Brooks, who directs the Republican Jewish Coalition. "Let us look to our elected leaders for leadership, whether or not we support their policies. Let all of us, across the political spectrum, encourage advocacy that is vigorous; pointed but not personal or hostile."
The ADL, which announced the pledge during its national leadership conference in Washington, called on other political and elected leaders to sign the pledge.
"Regardless of whether the issue is health care, immigration, bailouts or the budget, we need to rise above the hateful rhetoric and to encourage advocacy that is vigorous but never personal or hostile," Abraham Foxman, ADL's national director, said in a statement. "It is time for our elected leaders to show true leadership, to stand up and to be the first to reject the appeals to bigotry, racism, prejudice and calls to violence."