Urgent Memorandum

August 29, 2000

To:      Rabbis, Synagogue Leaders

From: Richard B. Stone, Chairman
           Betty Ehrenberg, Director, International and Communal Affairs

RE: Iran 10 Press Conference

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Please Join In The IRAN 10 PRESS CONFERENCE

AT 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

The OU/IPA is urging our member synagogues, their rabbis and synagogue leaders to attend a major press event that will be held promptly at 10:00 am on September 5th at the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, Third Avenue and Fortieth Street in Manhattan. This important event will mark the presence in New York City of President Khatami of Iran and is being sponsored by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the JCRC of New York. Political, religious and inter-group leaders will participate. We strongly urge you to be represented and show solidarity with the Iranian Jewish community and the 10 imprisoned Iranian Jews.

As you know, the appeals process for the Iran 10 who received harsh jail sentences is underway in Shiraz. The three-judge panel is reviewing the papers submitted by the defense and a ruling is expected soon. This press event may likely coincide with the outcome of the appeals process and we ask you to help us assure a strong show of support for the Iran 10.

Over 20,000 signatures have been collected so far on the petition for justice. Many of you have sent in signatures and we are asking you to step up your efforts in your synagogues and community centers. The petition can be obtained from our website, www.ou.org, or by calling us at 212-613-8123.

We continue to ask you to remember the Iran 10 in your prayers and recitation of Tehillim.

Kindly feel free to call us at 212-613-8123 with any questions you may have.

RBS

BE