OU Protests Zogby Appointment as Advisor to Gore Campaign

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America today expressed its profound concern at the selection of James Zogby as Senior Advisor on Ethnic Americans to the Democratic presidential nominee.  James Zogby has long been an activist in Arab-American organizations that are opposed to Israel and have expressed support for terrorism.

James Zogby, in his capacity as President of the Arab-American Institute, last week signed an incendiary statement calling for the United States to “cut off all aid to Israel” which also stated that “ American taxpayer dollars are being used to finance the mass murder of [of Palestinians by Israelis].”  (AMPCC Statement Condemning Israeli Aggression, 10-2-00).  He recently stated that “For too many decades only pro-Israel forces have impacted U.S. politics, and, as a result, U.S. policy became skewed and one-sided.”  Describing the recent violence in Israel, he said that “Pent-up Palestinian desperation and anger at the continued reality of Israel’s occupation exploded in rage.  The excessive and disproportionate use of force by Israel gruesomely captured in film has shocked Arabs and brought out anger against Israel and the United States.”

James Zogby has openly supported Hezbollah, a terrorist organization funded by Iranian fundamentalists that is on the official US State Department list of terrorist organizations and is responsible for the 1983 bombing of the US Marine barracks in Lebanon that killed 241 Americans.

Dr. Mandell Ganchrow, OU President, said “ In light of James Zogby’s record of anti-Israel activity we are deeply concerned about this appointment. A Senior Advisor on Ethnic Americans to a potential president of the United States must be someone who is able to genuinely reach out and build bridges to other communities, not one who foments hatred and divisiveness amongst the American people.  We strongly urge Vice President Gore to revoke this appointment.”

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