September 3, 2013
Contact: Roslyn Singer, 212-613-8227

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, today joined the statement made by the Conference of Presidents regarding potential action against Syria. The OU is a member of the Conference of Presidents.

The full statement made by the Conference of Presidents is below:

CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS STATEMENT ON SYRIA

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said today that the use of chemical weapons violates fundamental international norms and principles. The use of such indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction represents moral challenges that require a strong response. It also poses vital national security concerns to the US and to our interests and to those of our allies in the region.

Those who perpetuate such acts of wanton murder must know that they cannot do so with impunity. Those who possess or seek weapons of mass destruction, particularly Iran and Hezbollah, must see that there is accountability. Failing to take action would damage the credibility of the US and negatively impact the effort to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capacity.

We hope there will be a national consensus that will send a strong bipartisan message to our friends and foes alike of America’s determination to prevent the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction.