American Jewish Committee Deplores Bombings In Jerusalem; Asks Arafat Again: Peace or Jihad?

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 30 July 1997

The American Jewish Committee vehemently deplores the twin bombings today in a Jerusalem open-air market that left at least eleven people dead and nearly one hundred fifty more wounded. As Israel mourns and prepares, yet again, to bury its innocent citizens, we extend our hands, open our hearts and offer our prayers as we share in their grief and anguish.

While it is not yet clear who is responsible for today's attack, it has become evident in recent months that Palestinian leaders have used, and threatened the use of, violence as a means to exert pressure on Israel.

Chairman Arafat has reportedly expressed his condemnation of this terrorist attack to Prime Minister Netanyahu in a private phone conversation. This is necessary, but insufficient. The Chairman's condemnation, to be convincing, must be accompanied by swift action to prevent further terrorist atrocities. Further, he must wholly commit himself and all those under his authority to work cooperatively with Israeli authorities, consistent with agreements he has entered into with Israel and the U.S., to seek out and punish those responsible. Arafat's words, public and private, both for Western and domestic consumption, must be backed up by aggressive steps, or they are simply hollow rhetoric. If he cannot control violence, if he cannot stop the bloodshed, if he cannot put away those individuals who threaten the cause of the peace, then any progress already achieved toward the goal of peace will surely be lost and hopes for the future stifled.

We commend President Clinton for his strong words against this terrorist act and his call on Chairman Arafat to do more "to increase security operations" and "strengthen security cooperation between Palestinians and Israelis," as well as for his decision to postpone the scheduled visit of U.S. mediator Dennis Ross to the region. Clearly, there can be no negotiations over the wails of mourners.

On March 28, 1997 in a New York Times full-page ad, we asked Mr. Arafat a question we repeat today with special urgency: "Chairman Arafat, which will it be? Peace or Jihad?" Only Chairman Arafat, as the leader of the Palestinian people, can unite the resources in the fight against terror in the interest of Palestinians as well as Israelis. For everyone's sake, we pray that his decision is for peace.

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