The Orthodox Union today praised Mayor Rudolf Giuliani of New York for not accepting a $10 million contribution for the World Trade Center relief efforts from Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. While ostensibly trying to show solidarity with New York by making the contribution, the Prince accompanied the donation with criticism of American Middle East policy saying “Our Palestinian brethren continue to be slaughtered at the hands of Israelis while the world turns the other cheek.” Mayor Giuliani, in turning down the donation, said that “There is no moral equivalent for this terrorist attack. The people who did it lost any right to ask for justification when they slaughtered 5,000 – 6,000 innocent people…not only are those statements wrong, they’re part of the problem.”

The Orthodox Union praises Mayor Giuliani for his principled position and rejection of the contribution, which are in keeping with the outstanding remarks he recently made at the United Nations, telling the world body that terrorism cannot be tolerated and that the so-called rationalizations of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are irrational and unacceptable. There can be no justification for the evil that was done. These terrorist attacks were perpetrated on the people of America by those who are angry, jealous, and full of hate towards those who stand for freedom and democracy. We praise Mayor Giuliani’s vigilance in the battle against terrorism, his adherence to this principle, and his outstanding efforts in making New York City safe for all its citizens.