Jewish Council for Public Affairs Condemns Assassination of Rechavam Zeevi

Leonard Cole, chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs released the following statement today condemning the assassination of Minister Rechavam Zeevi and calling on Chairman Arafat to bring justice to the assassins:

"Together with the citizens of the Israel and Jews around the world, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) mourns the death of Major General (res.) Minister Rechavam Zeevi, who was assassinated this morning.

We also wish to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. The assassination of Rechavam Zeevi is a despicable act of terrorism. The JCPA unequivocally condemns this attack on democracy and the rule of law by radicals who seek to undermine the chance for peace and stability in the Middle East. We will not be defeated by terrorism.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine has claimed responsibility for this outrage. We call upon Chairman Yasser Arafat to pursue and bring to justice the perpetrators of this despicable act. If Chairman Arafat wants to be seriously considered as an ally in the emerging international coalition against terrorism, then he must respond to this killing promptly and effectively.

Chairman Arafat has fostered an environment that encourages violence against civilians. The murder of an Israeli government minister elevates the situation to a dangerous new level. Chairman Arafat must now demonstrate concretely the sincerity of his stance against terror, and his ability to control and prevent it."

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The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community and serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 13 national and 123 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations.