Jewish Community Relations Council Condemns Reckless Statements by Iranian President
Boston (December 9, 2005) - The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston condemns the outrageous statements made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad when he renewed his call for Israel's destruction and denied that the Holocaust had occurred. This follows on the heels of President Ahmedinejad's pronouncement that Israel should be "wiped off the map" at a conference in October which garnered widespread international criticism.
On Thursday, Ahmadinejad stated that, "Some European countries insist on saying that Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in furnaces…we don't accept this claim…" He concluded, "If the Europeans are honest, they should give some of their provinces in Europe…to the Zionists, and the Zionists can establish their state in Europe."
In response to President Ahmedinejad's reckless statements, JCRC Executive Director Nancy K. Kaufman issued the following statement:
"It is unfathomable that a world leader can deny the incontrovertible truth of the Holocaust's occurrence. The shocking statements by the Iranian President show callous disregard for the memory of six million innocents who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis. By repeating the call for Israel's destruction, the statement demonstrates Iran's lethal intentions."
"In a week that witnessed the murder of 5 more innocents at the hands of terrorists in Netanya, Israel, these words carry a deadly significance. Even as JCRC extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack, we pray for the full recovery of those who were wounded. Yet, the linkage between a vicious act of cowardice and continued words of incitement are clear. Islamic Jihad, a well-known terrorist organization financed by the Iranian government, perpetrated the Netanya suicide bombing and must be held accountable."
"The international community is called upon once again to reject these words of hate, recognize their chilling impact on the lives of Israel's citizens and work towards ensuring peace and security for all people of the Middle East."
