Commentary on WCBS NewsRadio88 by David A. Harris, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee

American Jewish Committee
Monday, 17 September 2001

David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, issued the following statement today in a commentary broadcast on WCBSNewsRadio88 in New York. The commentary will air through the end of the week.

The full text of Mr. Harris' commentary follows:

As our nation reels from the deadliest terrorist attacks in our history, we seek comfort in our national unity, our personal faiths, and the examples of those who were taken from us.

This is David Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.

We mourn the loss of thousands of lives.

We cannot find enough words to thank the city's heroic policemen, firemen, and other emergency workers, too many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

We thank city and state officials for their exemplary leadership.

We have confidence that our government will take measures necessary to punish the individuals, groups and countries responsible for these horrific terror attacks. Justice demands no less.

And let us all agree:

We shall refuse to give up hope.

We will not let fanatics undo our democratic way of life.

We must never be cowed.

This is David Harris of The American Jewish Committee wishing us all a year ahead that brings us closer to the realization that we are one human family created in God's image.

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