Send Page to a Friend JCRC of Greater Boston Welcomes Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the United States; Praises Bold Disengagement Plan (April 12, 2005) The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) praised the Israeli government's bold and courageous disengagement initiative which was discussed during PM Sharon's meetings with President Bush on Monday and Vice President Dick Cheney today.  Nancy K. Kaufman, Executive Director of the JCRC notes "Through the implementation of the Disengagement plan, Israel shows the world yet another affirmation of the risks that it is willing to take for peace.  The Arab world and the entire international community should support these efforts. We strongly support an active United States role in assisting the parties in their efforts to achieve peace.  We are grateful to President Bush for his continuing strong support of Israel and for his leadership in combating terror in the Middle East and throughout the world." JCRC President Susan A. Calechman noted: "The decision to displace thousands of families from their communities in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, understandably, has stirred deep emotions inside Israel.  This painful sacrifice reflects Israel's continued yearning for peace. We urge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to take advantage of this opening for peace by confronting extremist Palestinian groups by taking decisive measures to dismantle their capacity to engage in terrorism. We also urge him to uproot the culture of hatred and violence encouraged by previous Palestinian leaders."