American Jewish Committee Applauds Israeli Election As A Testament To A Robust Democracy

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 17 May 1999

American Jewish Committee President Bruce M. Ramer and Executive Director David A. Harris congratulated Gen. Ehud Barak on his victory today in Israel's election for Prime Minister, and issued the following statement:

The American Jewish Committee congratulates Gen. Ehud Barak on his decisive victory today in Israel's election for Prime Minister. Mr. Barak's vision for Israel and which road its should travel to pursue a secure peace differs from that of Prime Minister Netanyahu, but both men are to be commended for their passionate desire for reconciliation, peace and security and for their devotion to the Jewish State.

Once again, Israeli voters turned out in record-high numbers, a testament to a robust democracy. Israel remains a model of freedom in a Middle East plagued by strongman politics, rigged elections and mystery successions.

The transition from Prime Minister Netanayahu to Mr. Barak will be no mystery - it will be smooth, but still a challenge as Mr. Barak seeks in the coming weeks to deal with a number of parties in the Knesset in establishing his government.

We wish Gen. Barak every success in quickly forming a stable governing coalition.

The American Jewish Committee looks forward to working with the new government of Israel to strengthen Israeli security, its quest for peace with its neighbors, U.S.-Israel bilateral ties and the relationship between Israelis and American Jews.

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