Palestinian plan for unilateral statehood declaration endangers peace in Middle East, Jewish lawmakers to warn United Nations
NEW YORK, 6 September 2011 - Ahead of a critical vote at the United Nations later this month which looks set to have serious repercussions for Israel and the wider Jewish community, the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP) – a partner organization of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) – is to convene in New York City and Washington DC this week.
Top on the agenda will be the Palestinians’ effort to win the endorsement of the UN General Assembly for a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. Other issues to be discussed will include security requirements for a viable Middle East peace and the efforts by Iran to gain nuclear weapons.
The ICJP is chaired by Fiamma Nirenstein MP, Italy, and its leadership also comprises the following (in alphabetical order):
· Rep. Gary Ackerman, House of Representatives, USA
· Mark Adler MP, House of Commons, Canada
· Irwin Cotler MP, House of Commons, Canada
· Michael Danby MP – House of Representatives, Australia
· Luis Fishman Zonzinski – Legislative Assembly, Costa Rica
· János Fónagy MP, National Assembly, Hungary
· MK Shai Hermesh, The Knesset, Israel
· Lord Greville Janner, House of Lords, United Kingdom
· Floriano Pesaro, São Paulo Municipal Council, Brazil
· Viviane Teitelbaum, Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
The delegation will be hosted by World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder and Secretary General Dan Diker and will meet a number of UN ambassadors, notably of European countries. After their deliberations in New York, the Jewish lawmakers will travel to Washington DC for a briefing with Israel’s ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, on the current situation in the Middle East, and for meetings with Congressional leaders and colleagues who deal with foreign affairs.
Interviews with parliamentarians and WJC leaders can be arranged; please contact one of the persons listed below.
About the ICJP and the WJC
The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians brings together Jewish legislators, parliamentarians and government ministers from around the world, with the aim of promoting dialogue, upholding the principles of democracy, furthering the cause of human rights, promoting the rule of law, combating racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, terrorism and Holocaust denial, supporting Israel and contributing toward the creation of enduring peace in the Middle East.
Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1936, the World Jewish Congress is the leading international Jewish organization representing Jewish communities in 92 countries around the world. The WJC serves as the diplomatic arm of the Jewish people to governments and international organizations.
