Jewish Public Affairs Arm Condemns Israeli Extremists for Killing Palestinians; Spare No Effort to Capture Murderers

NEW YORK, July 20, 2001— The chairman of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Dr. Leonard A. Cole, issued the following statement condemning the murder of three Palestinians by Israeli extremists.

“The Jewish Council for Public Affairs stands with Israeli politicians, clergy and citizens of all political stripes who have swiftly and decisively condemned the murder of three Palestinians reportedly by Israeli extremists.

There is no justification for vigilante violence and we add our voice to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Chief Rabbi Meir Lau and leaders of the settler movement who swiftly and forcefully condemned the cold-blooded murder.

No effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the murdered victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

JCPA, the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community, serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 13 national and 123 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations.