American Jewish Committee International Leadership Delegation on Solidaritiy Mission to Israel

American Jewish Committee
Sunday, 22 July 2001

An international American Jewish Committee leadership delegation is visiting Israel this week in a demonstration of support for the people and government of Israel.

"We have come to Israel to demonstrate our firm solidarity with the people of Israel in their continuing quest for peace, " said Harold Tanner, president of the American Jewish Committee, who is leading the 25-member delegation. "This also is an opportunity for the AJC leadership, who last visited Israel in February, to discuss with Israeli government officials and policy makers the latest developments."

The AJC delegation includes representatives from across the United States and Jewish leaders from several other countries with whom the AJC has close ties.

The AJC has long spearheaded American Jewish advocacy for Israel, in the United States and around the world, especially as Israel has confronted during the past year a campaign of violence and terror launched by the Palestinian Authority after Yasser Arafat spurned a generous peace offer from Israel.

During their visit to Israel this week, the AJC leadership delegation will meet privately with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, President Moshe Katsav, the families of Israeli victims of Palestinian terrorism, and Israeli security and intelligence experts.

"The international community's diplomatic assault against Israel, such as the call for international intervention by the G-8 Summit, adds further unnecessary pressure upon Israel which is under daily physical assault from the Palestinians and their Arab supporters," said Mr. Tanner.

"Prime Minister Sharon has exhibited enormous restraint, and the international community, in particular European leaders, should acknowledge this while bringing pressure to bear on the Palestinian leadership to end their campaign of violence and terror, a prerequisite to resuming peace negotiations."

AJC was the first American Jewish organization to establish a permanent office in Jerusalem nearly 40 years ago, and AJC leadership visits Israel frequently. Despite the continuing conflict, AJC's Project Interchange program continues to bring to Israel monthly groups of Americans from different professions.

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