NEW YORK (Press Releases) — Various Jewish communal organizations and leaders reacted on Friday to the announcement that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has stepped down and has passed power to the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces.
Anti-Defamation League: Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement: “The announcement that President Mubarak has left office is an extraordinary historic development for Egypt and the Middle East. We join with the Egyptian people and the international community in hoping this new era will unfold peacefully and smoothly. The demonstrations by the people of Egypt against the regime’s authoritarianism and repression, and their demands for greater freedom, political accountability and transparency, have been inspiring to all who cherish democracy and liberty. There are many unknowns about who will lead Egypt in the short and long term, what their guiding ideology will be, and what kind of Egypt will emerge from this turmoil. It is uncertain what the new role of the military is and how they will govern. There are serious questions about what role the Muslim Brotherhood will play in the transition and beyond, and how this will impact Egypt’s policies, and its relations with the West and the State of Israel. The people of Egypt must now channel their passion for change into the more difficult task of building the foundations for a true open, inclusive and stable democracy. A truly democratic Egypt will involve the structural, legal, and political reforms, the building of democratic institutions with checks and balances, the growth of a vibrant civil society which is inclusive of minorities and tolerant of dissent. It is essential for the United States government and the international community to support peaceful transition in Egypt, and urge that those who manage this transitional period commit to sustaining regional stability, including through maintaining and enhancing peaceful relations and security cooperation with Israel. “Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-California): “The world is hopeful for the people of Egypt that this is the beginning of an open and inclusive political process. Now the government of Egypt can finally begin to address the social, economic, and political grievances found within Egyptian society. Americans and people worldwide who strove for their own freedom and democracy can identify with the exuberance felt by Egyptians today.As the people of Egypt chart a new political course, significant challenges remain. I am hopeful that Egypt and the United States will maintain a strong strategic partnership which is so vital toward long term peace in the region and that the next government in Cairo will maintain strong ties with their partners in Israel and the region.”J Street welcomes the announcement that Hosni Mubarak has stepped down as President of Egypt. We applaud the bravery of the Egyptian people who have inspired the world through their nonviolent movement to secure an Egypt that guarantees representative government, opportunity and dignity. The cries of the Egyptian people for freedom and democracy have echoed across the globe with people of all races, religions and backgrounds who have known oppression and tyranny. We have all been inspired by the courage of those who, against all odds, took to the streets and changed the world – in particular, the younger generation which has led the way, seeking not only greater freedom but a better future for themselves and their families. We hope that the military council which has taken control of Egypt will fulfill its commitment to hold elections and manage a smooth and rapid transition toward democracy and civilian rule, in keeping with the nonviolent spirit of the people on prominent display before the world these past few weeks. Today, a new chapter opens in the history not just of Egypt, but of the Middle East. We pray it is a chapter rooted in freedom, dignity and respect for others. As Americans, Jews, and friends of Israel, we hope as well it is a chapter rooted in peace, and that the treaty between Israel and Egypt remains, as it has been, a bedrock of stability in a volatile region. The epic changes underway in the broader Arab world have important implications for Israel, beyond simply its bilateral relationship with Egypt, as well as for the United States. It is now even more imperative to seriously pursue a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert provided the following advice this week to his successor Benjamin Netanyahu in light of events in Egypt: ‘Don’t wait. Move, lead and make history. This is the time. There will not be a better one.’ The tides of history are with those seeking their freedom, and it is imperative for the United States and Israel to work proactively to achieve a two-state solution to the conflict. Today’s news from Egypt only increases the urgency, making clear once again that in these historic tides, an unsustainable status quo will not hold.”
J Street — Jeremy Ben Ami, president of J Street, said: ”
National Jewish Democratic Council: Marc R. Stanely and President and CEO David A. Harris jointly issued the following statement: “Today’s resignation of President Hosni Mubarak is a truly historic moment for Egypt and the entire Middle East. The ability of the Egyptian people to make their voices heard in favor of democracy and liberty was an inspiration to all of us who regard these freedoms as paramount. We recognize that President Barack Obama and the entire Administration has worked vigorously to ensure the core principles that the United States was founded upon are observed during the events in recent week — and we are proud of how the White House has represented the United States during this tremendously fluid time. As the President noted in his comments this afternoon, a difficult transition lies ahead. Significant questions remain about Egypt’s relations with Israel — and Israel’s own critical security needs. We are confident that President Obama and America’s allies will help encourage a newly free Egypt to embrace peaceful coexistence with its neighbors — and stability throughout the Middle East — as key benchmarks moving forward. The hallmark and proof of this real transition will be genuine democracy; it’s up to America and all freedom-loving people to help ensure this transition, for the sake of the Egyptian people.”
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Union for Reform Judaism: Rabbi Eric Yoffie, its president, said: “We are inspired by the ongoing commitment to reform demonstrated by the Egyptian people over the past several weeks. Their acts of peaceful civil disobedience, even in the face of violence and intimidation, are evidence of the human desire for freedom and self-determination. For too many generations, Egypt’s leaders have failed to allow their people the democratic advances that are a source of strength in any nation. Today we reassert our belief in the rights of all citizens of the world to peacefully assemble and openly express their opinions without fear of repression. Certainly there have been failures and abuses of the Mubarak government. We welcome today’s development as a step toward a fair and legitimate electoral process for Egypt. At the same time there can be no denying the role that Mubarak played in forging and maintaining a secure relationship with Israel and his impact in making Egypt a true ally of the United States. As Jews we are taught that “A ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted.” (Babylonian Talmud Berachot 55a). We hope and pray that the transition in Egypt will be one of calm and peace and that the next leader of Egypt will be chosen through open and democratic elections. We further pray that the next government will continue Egypt’s leadership in the area of regional security and work to protect both Egypt’s and the world’s interest in continuing peace with Israel.”
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Preceding compiled from a variety of sources