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January 26, 2006
Union of
Orthodox Jewish Congregations States “Grave Concern” Over Hamas’
Victory in Palestinian Elections; Urges all Governments to
Refuse Meetings With Hamas Unless it Demonstrates Concrete
Reform of Violent Goals
Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish
umbrella organization, stated its grave concern regarding the
terrorist group, Hamas,’ strong performance in yesterday’s
Palestinian parliamentary elections and its new leadership role
in a Palestinian Authority government in light of Hamas’stated
objective - the annihilation of the State of Israel. Union
president Stephen Savitsky and executive vice president Rabbi
Tzvi Hersh Weinreb issued the following statement:
We, along with all people of good will, are gravely concerned
over the election victory by Hamas in yesterday’s elections.
We are gravely concerned that even in the wake of historic
efforts by the Israeli government and citizenry to afford the
Palestinians an opportunity to govern themselves and to
demonstrate their willingness to build a democratic state which
is prepared to live in peace with Israel they have cast their
ballots with Hamas – a terrorist group which remains committed
in word and deed to the murder of innocent Jews and the
destruction of Israel.
We are gravely concerned that even as the United States and all
nations of good will fight the evil of terrorism worldwide and
keep menacing authoritarian regimes at bay, some might suggest
that in the wake of the Palestinian vote these elected
terrorists should be dealt with like any other government.
We call upon the international community to be mindful of the
“Quartet’s” statement on December 28, 2005, that “those who want
to be part of the political process should not engage in armed
group or militia activities, for there is a fundamental
contradiction between such activities and the building of a
democratic state. In this regard, the Quartet calls on all
participants to renounce violence, recognize Israel's right to
exist, and disarm.” We applaud President George Bush for his
leadership and commitment to ensuring a strong and secure
Israel. In remarks directed toward Hamas yesterday, the
President stated: “not until you renounce your desire to destroy
Israel will we deal with you.”
Now is a time of testing for the civilized democracies of our
world to remain firm in the face of terrorists and rogue regimes
and insist that they not only speak appropriately but act
appropriately if they wish to be welcomed into the community of
nations.”
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