The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America condemned today the advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice regarding the legality of Israel’s security fence, declaring, “The ICJ, not having jurisdiction over political issues, should have declined to hear the case rather than be party to an initiative made by those whose perpetration of terrorist acts made the fence necessary.” The OU further declared, “It is appalling that the advisory opinion willfully ignores the brutal campaign of terrorism that is integral to any serious consideration of Israel’s security fence, which has proven to be an effective way of protecting lives.”

“It is important to remember that the fence has warded off many terrorist attacks,” the OU said. “In the north of Israel, where the construction is completed, terror attacks have dropped dramatically, saving Israeli and Arab lives. It is this reduction in terror that will help increase the chances for a genuine and lasting peace; the unfortunate misuse of the ICJ can only encourage more terrorism. The Orthodox Union calls upon member states of the UN not to support the Court’s opinion nor related UN resolutions which would reward this abuse of international law.”