The Vice Prime Minister called the demonstration a “rally of schlimazels” as they demanded the government call new elections or hold a referendum on the plan to evict 8,000 Jews from 25 Jewish communities and withdraw all Israeli soldiers from the areas, which are scheduled to be handed over to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The OU also noted that Peres unnecessarily distinguished between secular and obervant Jews.
“Our love of the land of Israel and our attachment to our Biblical and historic heritage is rooted in our faith, tradition and history,” the OU stated. “While we believe that there are serious and legitimate opinions on all sides of the withdrawal debate, the circumstances surrounding the proposed Gaza withdrawal and removal of Jewish communities cannot fail to be an emotionally charged and delicate situation facing not only the communities directly affected but the Jewish community as a whole.
“We believe that no matter what decisions will be taken by the Israeli government regarding these communities, the residents must be treated with utmost understanding and sensitivity. There is no justification for verbal attacks that denigrate the residents of those communities nor the Orthodox Jewish community. There is no excuse for intemperate speech directed against any of the citizens of Israel. Name calling and irresponsible remarks, especially when coming from Israeli leaders, is offensive and wholly inappropriate.
The members of the Orthodox Jewish community all over the world are among Israel’s most loyal supporters. We pray for genuine peace between Israel and its neighbors and hope that together we can safeguard Israel’s physical and spiritual foundations through our demonstration of regard and respect for all segments of the Jewish people. We trust that, upon reflection and reconsideration, you will recognize the impropriety of your remarks and will set an example to your fellow leaders by apologizing for them. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further and look forward to your timely response to this request.”
The letter was signed by OU president Stephen J. Savitsky and executive vice president Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb.
The OU also noted that Peres unnecessarily distinguished between secular and obervant Jews.
“Our love of the land of Israel and our attachment to our Biblical and historic heritage is rooted in our faith, tradition and history,” the OU stated. “While we believe that there are serious and legitimate opinions on all sides of the withdrawal debate, the circumstances surrounding the proposed Gaza withdrawal and removal of Jewish communities cannot fail to be an emotionally charged and delicate situation facing not only the communities directly affected but the Jewish community as a whole.
“We believe that no matter what decisions will be taken by the Israeli government regarding these communities, the residents must be treated with utmost understanding and sensitivity. There is no justification for verbal attacks that denigrate the residents of those communities nor the Orthodox Jewish community. There is no excuse for intemperate speech directed against any of the citizens of Israel. Name calling and irresponsible remarks, especially when coming from Israeli leaders, is offensive and wholly inappropriate.
The members of the Orthodox Jewish community all over the world are among Israel’s most loyal supporters. We pray for genuine peace between Israel and its neighbors and hope that together we can safeguard Israel’s physical and spiritual foundations through our demonstration of regard and respect for all segments of the Jewish people. We trust that, upon reflection and reconsideration, you will recognize the impropriety of your remarks and will set an example to your fellow leaders by apologizing for them. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further and look forward to your timely response to this request.”
The letter was signed by OU president Stephen J. Savitsky and executive vice president Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb.