March 9, 2000 To: Officers, Rabbis, Synagogue Leaders, Info Net Re: Jews Arrested in Iran and Upcoming Trial IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED As you know, Iranian authorities have announced that the trial of the thirteen Iranian Jews falsely accused of spying for Israel and the United States is scheduled for April 13, 2000. The judge in the case reportedly said that the proceeding would last no more than one day. Senior American officials, including Vice President Al Gore at a meeting with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, have cautioned Iran that the United States will be closely monitoring this case, the outcome of which will affect the future course of U.S.-Iranian relations. The OU/IPA has been closely monitoring the developments concerning the thirteen arrested Iranian Jews and the upcoming trial. The leadership of many countries, including members of the European Union, Eastern European countries and many others have played an active role in trying to assure the fair treatment of the imprisoned Jews. Human rights organizations will seek admission into the courtroom in order to make sure that the trial will be open and fair. The OU/IPA has been receiving communications from many of our members and synagogues regarding the recitation of Tehilim, tefilah services and other actions that would help in this important and sensitive case of pikuach nefesh. We encourage all continuing efforts to galvanize international support for these imprisoned Iranian Jews by writing letters to the leaders listed below, focusing on the need for an open and fair trial. We continue to discourage letter-writing campaigns to Iranian officials and public demonstrations attacking the Iranian government which will only be counter-productive. Tehilim should be recited and prayers conducted in the synagogues on behalf of the thirteen imprisoned Iranian Jews. Among the recommended chapters of the Psalms are 130, 121 and 20. Shiurim should be continued to be conducted by Rabbis and synagogue leaders on the importance of the mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim, "redemption of the captives." OU.ORG has provided a sample letter that you may choose to use or adapt in your communication to the officials listed on this alert. Below are the addresses where the letters can be sent. ______________________________________________________ The UN: His Excellency Kofi Anan The Vatican: His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriel Montalvo His Excellency The Most Reverend Archbishop Renato R. Martino Germany: His Excellency Juergen Chrobog France: His Excellency Francois V. Bujon Russia: His Excellency Yury Viktorovich Ushakov Italy: His Excellency Ferdinand Salleo President William Jefferson Clinton Vice President Albert Gore Secretary Madeline Albright
The Institute for Public Affairs of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America is the non-partisan public policy research and advocacy center created to represent and mobilize the world's largest Orthodox Jewish community.
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