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July 12, 2005
Union
of Orthodox Jewish Congregations
Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Netanya;
Criticizes Abbas for Saying Much
but Doing Little to
Confront Terrorists; Asks U.S. to Hold
Abbas Accountable
Today, the
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America condemned the
terrorist bombing perpetrated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the
coastal town of Netanya.
Leaders of the organization issued the following statement in
reaction to this tragic event:
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations condemns today’s
terrorist act against innocent Israelis in Netanya. Our thoughts
and prayers are first and foremost with the victims and their
families.
While we appreciate the fact that Palestinian Authority Chairman
Abbas quickly condemned this despicable act by Palestinian
terrorists, words alone are an insufficient reaction. Mr. Abbas
has condemned violent acts before, but what he has committed – to
Israel and to the United States – to do is confront the terrorists
within the Palestinian areas and dismantle their ability to
conduct such acts. To date, there is no evidence that Mr. Abbas
has attempted to fulfill this responsibility. He must fulfill this
critical responsibility or be consigned to history as another
failed leader of the Palestinian populace.
The Orthodox Union appreciates the Bush Administration’s
recognition that “there is no justification for the murder of
innocent civilians,” that Israel has every right to defend itself
and the security of its citizens, and that the first step in the
Road Map plan for peace is that Palestinians are obliged to
dismantle the terror groups. President Bush and his foreign policy
team must hold Mr. Abbas accountable for this threshold
commitment. Mr. Abbas must concretely demonstrate his capacity to
confront and dismantle the terrorists within the Palestinian
populace or face the withdrawal of American support.
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