NEW YORK (Press Release) — The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global Jewish advocacy organization, is urging governments worldwide to condemn unequivocally Palestinian terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, and to press the Palestinian Authority to make every effort to deter, rather than incite, further assaults.
“Hamas rockets and missiles may be quiet for the moment, but Palestinian individuals, affiliated with terrorist organizations, are using other methods to kill and maim,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris.
A Palestinian drove a van into groups of people at two light rail stops in Jerusalem today, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen. Two weeks ago, another Palestinian drove a car into a group, killing two pedestrians, including a three-month old baby at a light rail stop. And, Yehuda Glick, an Israeli political and religious activist, was seriously wounded in a shooting attack by a Palestinian on a Jerusalem street.
“Whatever the alleged ‘political’ motivations, such terrorist attacks would not be tolerated by any UN member state against their own citizens,” said Harris. “Astonishingly, PA President Mahmoud Abbas lauded the Palestinian who shot Glick, and to date has said nothing against the other terror attacks. To the contrary, he has resorted to incitement. Is this the language of a reliable peace partner with whom Israel is to pursue a two-state accord?”
“Indeed, Abbas dangerously changed the discourse at the UN in September, when he outrageously charged Israel with committing ‘genocide,’ drawing a strong rebuke from the United States,” Harris continued. “Now, his uncompromising, threatening rhetoric regarding Jerusalem encourages those who, as we have seen in recent days, seek harm and violence. Who will stand up to condemn his stance? Such incendiary behavior must not be met by silence or rationalization in those countries that profess an interest in seeking to advance prospects for peace.”
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Conference of Presidents condemns terror attacks
NEW YORK (Press Release) — Conference of Presidents leaders Robert Sugarman, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO condemned the attack on Wednesday, Nov. 5, by a Palestinian terrorist that took one life and injured others, several seriously, again, victims of a car driven into pedestrians exiting the light railroad. This is the latest in a series of terror attacks that have taken a heavy toll recently, including a 3-month old.
The perpetrators are not youths, but adults who are often incited to violence by the statements of Palestinian Authority officials including President Mahmoud Abbas. He has recently made extreme inciteful statements regarding Jerusalem and particularly the Temple Mount, that he knows is most sensitive and will escalate tensions and violence. This behavior is unacceptable on any grounds but especially for one who is supposed to be a partner in negotiations.
At a time when the international community is providing assistance and countries are taking symbolic steps to recognize a Palestinian state, President Abbas and others must be held to account. Israel has demonstrated great restraint while its holiest places come under attack and civilian populations going about their daily lives are assaulted. We urge our government to make clear to President Abbas that the incitement must stop immediately and that those responsible for supporting or engaging in acts of violence will be brought to justice. It is also important that he renounce the calls for a third intifada and take steps to restore order on the Temple Mount and all of Jerusalem.
The light rail service has benefited both Arab and Jewish communities, bringing them together on a daily basis. These attacks damage residents of all communities and make the efforts to bring down barriers far more difficult.
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AJN: Israelis and Palestinians should de-escalate
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)– Americans for Peace Now (APN) strongly condemns Wednesday’ss terrorist attack in Jerusalem, in which a Palestinian motorist rammed his van into a crowed of civilians at the seam-line between East and West Jerusalem, killing an Israeli policeman and injuring several bystanders. This is the second such attack in Jerusalem in two weeks.
As Jerusalem is swept by a wave of escalating violence, reciprocal provocative acts, and mutual incendiary rhetoric, Americans for Peace Now is again urging Israelis and Palestinians to de-escalate. Both Israelis and Palestinians, and in particular their political and religious leaders, must act responsibly to calm the tensions in Jerusalem.
The current crisis sends a resounding message to both publics and to leaders on both sides, a message that goes beyond the need for immediate action to calm the tension in Jerusalem: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Jerusalem and beyond, cannot be “managed.” It must be resolved, and both sides must engage to find a way toward a political resolution of the conflict. Absent a political horizon, long-term escalation is inevitable.
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Preceding culled from news releases