The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America denounces United Nations Security Council Resolution 1322 that unilaterally condemns Israel for this week’s Middle East violence and the failure of the United States to veto this resolution. We reject as well the reference to the visit of opposition leader Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount since the Waqf was notified of it a week in advance and approved it, while preparations for the Palestinian attacks were made at least a month prior to the visit.

It is widely known that the Palestinian riots were orchestrated by Mr. Arafat as a direct result of his failure to galvanize Arab support following the breakdown of the Camp David summit. We condemn the Palestinians’ use of violence and the cynical placement of children in harm’s way in order to advance their political agenda. Israel has the right to defend and protect itself and the obligation to restore all order.

One-sided UN resolutions that distort the truth undermine any hope for a chance of a true peace and further encourage the Palestinians to continue to use violence to achieve their goals.

We call upon our leaders and Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates to denounce this contemptible resolution. We urge them and all responsible leadership to join us in support of Israel, America’s most dependable ally in the Middle East, at the Solidarity Gathering in New York City on Thursday, October 12, 2000, at 12:15 pm at 42nd Street and Second Avenue.