AJC Executive Director Calls Ashrawi Remarks Exceptionally Insensitive And Hostile

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 18 March 1997

In a letter sent today to Palestinian leader Hanan Ashrawi, the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee expressed "deep dismay" over remarks she made following the murder of seven Israeli schoolgirls visiting the Israeli-Jordanian border.

"To blame this brutal act perpetrated against innocent children on Israeli settlement policy…demonstrates exceptional insensitivity and hostility," wrote David A. Harris. Mr. Harris has just returned to the United States from meetings abroad with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The letter reads, in part:

"In media reports, you said these murders were created 'in an atmosphere of hostility and distrust which is conducive to violence.' Could you possibly be condoning such an act? Could you be looking to condone future acts of this kind? Are your own words, delivered at a time of deepest sorrow not only for Israelis but for all people of good will, conducive to building trust and understanding?

"Additionally, your sentiments are all the more striking and out of place when compared with the gracious and heartfelt condolences delivered in person by His Majesty King Hussein. The victims' families and the Israeli people were truly moved by the response of this true leader for peace. Indeed, the world community has been touched, once again, by the King's humanity and sincerity to find a peaceful, working solution to the problems that plague the region and claim the lives of too many children - Arab and Israeli.

"These young girls committed no crime, made no political decisions and held no ill will. There is no possible rationalization to justify their senseless deaths and it is unfathomable that you attempted to come up with one. The peace process underway, so fragile and so arduous, is only worthwhile if it can ensure the Palestinian children and Israeli children will one day wake up to a new era without bloodshed and without tears.

"Elected leaders have a particular responsibility to help that process move forward, especially during these difficult times. Your remarks did precisely the opposite and as such damaged the still fragile but ever so precious cause of peace."

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