FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORTHODOX UNION PROTESTS U.S. AID TRANSFER TO PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, protested President Bush’s decision to waive Congressional restrictions to directly transfer $150 million to the Palestinian Authority

U.S. aid money is typically not transferred to the PA directly, but rather channeled through the UN and other non-governmental organizations, in an effort to keep money out of the hands of terrorists. Citing the need to secure loans, President Bush authorized the direct transfer of a portion of the $500 million earmarked for the Palestinians to the PA.

UOJCA Director of Public Policy Nathan Diament stated:

“In light of the PA’s continued inability to reform its security services, clamp down on anti-Israeli incitement in its educational system, and similar shortcomings which would justify the unrestricted release of such funding, we strongly protest the President’s decision to waive the Congressional restrictions on direct aid transfers. The restrictions were put in place to ensure that the money reaches those who need it the most and not to fund terrorist activities against Israel. At this time the Palestinian Authority has not shown its ability to clamp down on anti-Israel activities, and we therefore see no reason to release these funds. The Orthodox Union urges Members of Congress to alter the regime for these funds so that such restrictions cannot be waived by the President.”

###