The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is deeply concerned with the announced terms of the deal with Iran. While we will review each of the specifics of the deal in greater detail, it appears that The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has serious shortcomings and will not prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

At this point in time, when President Obama is threatening to veto any vote in Congress disapproving the JCPOA, it is vital that Congress carefully scrutinize this agreement. In doing so, Congress must take into account national security concerns as well as the consequences of a more powerful Iranian regime. Iran is a nation that consistently calls for the destruction of both the United States and Israel, is the leading State Sponsor of Terrorism and terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and is one of the worst violators of human rights in the world. These concerns are not addressed in the deal, but must be considered by Congress.

The thrust of the deal relies on Iran’s good faith and the ability of the IAEA to effectively carry out inspections. With Iran’s history of acrimony, deceit and terror, it is difficult for us to have confidence that this deal will prevent a nuclear Iran.

Anyone who is truly interested in peace between Israelis and Palestinians does not engage in intentionally provocative and false accusations. These ads only serve to tear at the fabric of communal harmony in New York and impede efforts for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This effort is merely the latest manifestation of a broader, vicious campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel and demonize every element of its society.

Statement of Ronald G. Weiner, President and Michael S. Miller and Executive Vice President and CEO
Jewish Community Relations Council of NY

Yesterday’s ultimate sacrifices by Police Officer Wenjian Liu and Police Officer Rafael Ramos were an all-too poignant reminder of the courage and professionalism demanded of every member of the NYPD when they put on their uniform and go out to protect the communities that they serve. We join in the grief felt by their immediate families and that is shared by every one of their brothers and sisters in blue.

The callous execution of these two officers was an outrageous attack on every value that we hold dear. In this atmosphere of heated rhetoric we should all remember two important principles: words do matter and can have ominous consequences and most significantly, the lives of all, do matter.

The JCRC-NY announced a fund to benefit the families of the two officers brutally murdered on Saturday. Miller explained, “This horrible and tragic event affected all New Yorkers. Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos made the ultimate sacrifice. We hope that people will join us in our wish to assist their families as they try to rebuild their lives. In this small way we can honor their service and the dedication and courage of all of the men and women of the NYPD.”

The JCRC-NY will transmit 100% of the proceeds to the Silver Shield Foundation, which has been helping the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty since 1982, as its conduit. It was initially established by the Steinbrenner family.

Anyone wishing to contribute to JCRC-NY’s Fallen Heroes Fund can do so athttps://jcrcny2022.wpengine.com/donate, designating that the funds be directed to the Fallen Heroes Fund.