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July 9, 2004
Orthodox
Union Condemns ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israel's Security Fence
The Union of
Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America condemned today the
advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice
regarding the legality of Israel's security fence, declaring, "The
ICJ, not having jurisdiction over political issues, should have
declined to hear the case rather than be party to an initiative
made by those whose perpetration of terrorist acts made the fence
necessary." The OU further declared, "It is appalling that the
advisory opinion willfully ignores the brutal campaign of
terrorism that is integral to any serious consideration of
Israel's security fence, which has proven to be an effective way
of protecting lives."
"It is important to remember that the fence has warded off many
terrorist attacks," the OU said. "In the north of Israel, where
the construction is completed, terror attacks have dropped
dramatically, saving Israeli and Arab lives. It is this reduction
in terror that will help increase the chances for a genuine and
lasting peace; the unfortunate misuse of the ICJ can only
encourage more terrorism. The Orthodox Union calls upon member
states of the UN not to support the Court's opinion nor related UN
resolutions which would reward this abuse of international law."
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