World Jewish Congress condemns terrorist attacks in southern Israel

19 August 2011

Ronald S. Lauder: High time for international community to act against terrorists in Middle East

Dan Diker: “Security Council must make fight against terrorism its top priority”

NEW YORK / JERUSALEM – Leaders of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) have strongly condemned today’s terror attacks against civilians near Eilat in southern Israel in which at least seven people were murdered and 25 injured and which according to Israeli government officials emanated from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The WJC urged the international community to act against growing terrorism in the Middle East.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder declared: “Once again, innocent people traveling on Israeli soil have been deliberately murdered by Arab gunmen. With continued political instability and a deteriorating security situation in Egypt and other Arab countries, the threats the Jewish state is facing are increasing. We therefore call on the United Nations to urgently come up with an action plan to fight growing terrorism in the region. Without security on the ground, it is futile to engage in lofty discussions about peace between Israel and the Palestinians.”

WJC Secretary General Dan Diker added: “After yet another brutal attack, the UN Security Council should live up to its name and take concrete steps to increase security in the region: eradicating terrorism and fighting those like Hamas in Gaza that allow it, encourage it and fund it, should be a number one priority. Clearly, these terrorist attacks were planned and executed under Hamas’ watch.

“Instead of derailing the peace process by backing the dangerous unilateralist plan proposed by the Palestinian Authority, which will imperil millions of Israelis, the United Nations must develop a plan to help root out violence, fanaticism and terrorism in the region, like it did ten years ago when al-Qaeda attacked the US from Afghanistan. Coercing Israel into an agreement with the Palestinians by ignoring its security needs will definitely not appease the terrorists in Gaza – it will only encourage them,” Diker said.

 
About the World Jewish Congress

 
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 92 countries around the world. The WJC serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments, parliaments and international organizations.