American Jewish Committee Praises President Bush For Principled Stance on UN Racism Conference

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 28 August 2001

The American Jewish Committee has expressed deep gratitude to President Bush for insisting that the UN Conference Against Racism stick to its original agenda and not be allowed to become a platform for singling out Israel for attack.

"Your staunch comments and actions in defense of America's democratic ally in the Middle East and in defense of America's principles on the racism conference earn our continuing appreciation," wrote AJC President Harold Tanner and Executive Director David A. Harris in their letter to President Bush.

The full text of the AJC letter to President Bush from AJC President Harold Tanner and Executive Director David A. Harris, delivered to the White House last night, follows:

"Dear Mr. President:

"Your comments at the press conference on Friday merit our deepest gratitude.

"With admirable – and, by now, familiar – candor, you stated where America stands: with our ally, Israel, and against those who would threaten Israel with violence. You allowed no moral equivalency or forced 'even-handedness' to temper your condemnation of those who would violate sworn commitments and choose the courses of terror and hate over a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Further, you made clear America's refusal to play any part in international efforts to censure and isolate Israel – asserting that our Government would not attend at any level the coming UN World Conference Against Racism if that forum becomes a staging area for political attacks on Israel. Today's announcement that Secretary Powell would not participate in the Durban conference further emphasized your Administration's rejection of ongoing efforts by enemies of the United States, of Israel and the Jewish people to hijack this forum.

"Your staunch comments and actions in defense of America's democratic ally in the Middle East and in defense of America's principles on the racism conference earn our continuing appreciation."

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