Jewish leaders to press for sanctions
Jewish leaders to press for sanctionsIsrael news photo: Persian Journal

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is planning a “fly-in” next September to press Congress to pass tough sanctions in an effort to convince Iran to halt its nuclear development program. The aim is for “maximum impact” at legislators who will begin considering bills already in the hopper.

 

In a phone conversation while traveling in the U.S., Malcolm Hoenlein, president of the Conference, told Israel National News that the fly-in on September 10 also is timed to precede by two weeks another scheduled visit to the United Nations by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

 

Hoenlein confirmed that the leaked information on the protest is correct and added he is “very upset” about its premature publication by the Jewish Telegraph Agency. The leak was based on an “internal conversation” but before details have been worked out.



Up to 500 leaders of the 51 Jewish groups in the Conference are expected to press Congress to pass a package of proposed legislation. “We are focusing on violations of rights, incitement, genocide and the nuclear program," Hoenlein added.

 

Asked if it is too late to stop Iran, Hoenlein he stated, "It never is too late, but it is too late to do nothing.”

 

He said that the Conference had delayed acting until now in the hopes that Ahmadinejad would lose the election that was held last month. Opponents have charged that the results were rigged. Iranian Revolutionary Guards have backed riot police to clamp down on protestors, and several hundred of opponents have been reported to have disappeared following arrests.

 

The Conference also will ask Muslim and Christian leaders to join for a massive rally on September 24, when Ahmadinejad is expected to arrive in New York.