FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2012
Contact: Nathan Diament  202-513-6484

Today, in the wake of scores of rocket attacks launched by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip against innocent civilians in Israel, the leadership of the Orthodox Union – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – wrote to President Barack Obama to express appreciation for his Administration’s support for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system – which has, to date, prevented the terrorists’ rockets from claiming innocent lives, and for the President’s recent statements of support for Israel’s right of self defense.  The Orthodox Union leadership sent a similar letter of appreciation to the leaders of the U.S. Congress as well.

The text of the Orthodox Union’s letter to the President is as follows:

March 12, 2012

President Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, DC

Dear President Obama,

We hope this letter finds you well.

As recently as last week, you publicly spoke of your unshakable commitment to the security of the State of Israel and your Administration’s proactive efforts to strengthen that security.  Among those efforts, you cited the financial support the United States has provided for Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system.

In the space of but a few days that have passed since your statements, we now see terrorists in the Gaza Strip launching scores of rockets at innocent Israeli communities forcing schools to close and men, women and children to spend the day crouching in fear near bomb shelters.  Thankfully, the Iron Dome has performed remarkably well and, to date, prevented civilian casualties from the terrorists’ attacks.  We write to express our appreciation to your Administration for providing the material support that is saving lives today.

Last week, Mr. President, you also strongly endorsed the State of Israel’s sovereign right of self defense.  As we watch on with concern in our eyes and prayers in our hearts for the success of the Israel Defense Forces as they act to defend the innocent, we express our appreciation for your Administration’s call for the rocket attacks to cease and anticipate your support for Israel’s actions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Simcha Katz          Rabbi Steven Burg

President                     Managing Director

Yehuda Neuberger          Nathan Diament

Chair, Public Policy           Exec. Dir., Public Policy