OU COMMENDS REP. ACKERMAN, REP. ROS-LEHTINEN AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR DEMANDING IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF CAPTIVE ISRAELI SOLDIERS

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America commended members of the House of Representatives for passing a resolution that calls for the immediate and unconditional release of three Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. The resolution, sponsored by Representative Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and others, passed in a voice vote on Tuesday. The three soldiers are Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, who were abducted by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006 and Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Hamas on June 25, 2006. The Red Cross and Red Crescent have repeatedly been denied access to the soldiers, and no concrete information has been released as to the soldiers’ welfare.

The resolution further condemns Hamas and Hezbollah for cross border attacks that led to the kidnappings last year and condemns Iran and Syria for their continuing support of international terrorism. The resolution also expresses vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and encourages strong support and deep interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Nathan Diament, Director of Policy at the UOJCA, stated:

All people of decency and good will must be offended and outraged by the continuing captivity of Ehud Goldwasser, Gilad Shalit and Eldad Regev. Torn by terrorists from their families and their communities, those who hold these young men against their will and those who refrain from forcing their safe return are to be condemned by civilized society. We commend Representative Gary Ackerman, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and the members of the House of Representatives for giving new attention to this crime and pray that their efforts and those of all people of good will result in these sons of Israel being returned to their families very soon.