Religious leaders call on Rice

WASHINGTON -- A team of Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to increase U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine peace process at a meeting here Jan. 29. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington, said U.S. leaders must actively promote peace in the Middle East, adding that Israelis and Palestinians should build public support and be held accountable for successes and setbacks.

"People are suffering on both sides," said Rabbi Paul Menitoff, former executive vice president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

He said the eventual borders of Israel and the Palestinian territories are already more or less apparent under the United Nations' Road Map plan. But he emphasized it is up to leaders in both regions and in the United States to help end needless violence.

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