AJCommittee Writes To Arafat Calling His Condemnation Of Tel Aviv Bombing Unconvincing

American Jewish Committee
Friday, 21 March 1997

The American Jewish Committee has written to Palestinian Chairman Yasir Arafat to express its "dismay" over the bombing in a Tel Aviv café that killed three and wounded over forty others. "We find your condemnation of this act of terrorism, as well as statements that you have been doing your utmost to prevent terror attacks, unconvincing," the AJC letter states.

The letter, signed by AJC President Robert S. Rifkind and Executive Director David A. Harris, adds that the Palestinian Authority's release from detention of more than 130 Hamas activists "raises very serious questions."

The letter further asserts that when disagreements arise between the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel "there is an established procedure" for handling them. "Instead, however," the letter contends, "terror has once again become part of the Palestinian arsenal. There is no policy disagreement that can justify a call to arms - or even a nod or wink in that direction. Surely the road to terrorism will only bring about the destruction of the peace process."

Recalling Mr. Arafat's recent U.S. visit -- including a meeting with Jewish leaders which Mr. Rifkind attended -- the AJC leaders commented on the Chairman's remarks about the need to end violence. "Yet, when we visited Israel and the Palestinian Authority last week we heard comments from some Palestinians which led us to believe that violence was to be used as a negotiating strategy and a pressure tactic against Israel. If true, then we all have reason to fear the future.

"Still," the AJC letter continues, "we cling to the hope that the next weeks and months will bring a measure of calm and reason to the peace process, so that Israelis and Palestinians alike might look forward to progress toward the realization of peace, genuine peace, for all. An end to terrorist attacks, such as occurred today in Tel Aviv, is a sine qua non for any such progress."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org