NCSJ-COP - 08.11.2008

Jewish Leaders Urge Immediate End to Georgian Conflict

NCSJ and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Joint Statement

Media Contacts: Malcolm Hoenlein, 212-318-6111; Mark Levin, 202-898-2500

New York - The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and NCSJ: Advocates on Behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, The Baltic States and Eurasia are deeply concerned about the troubling developments of the past days in Georgia. We urge that the cease-fire be implemented fully and immediately and that the status quo ante be reestablished. We are pained by the loss of life and injuries to people on all sides and to civilian populations in the region. We urge the international community to assist the victims and those seeking refuge from the areas of conflict. We also believe that the territorial integrity of Georgia must be recognized and upheld.

In February of this year we visited Georgia, as we have other countries in the region in recent years. This was in recognition of the close ties between the United States and Georgia and its movement towards democratization. We have long had ties to the ancient Jewish community that has been in Georgia for more than 2,600 years. The personal relationships that we developed add to our anxiety over the ongoing violence. Any issues should be dealt with at the negotiating table.

We applaud the efforts of the United States government and other countries to resolve the current crisis and we support the redoubling of all efforts to bring about a speedy resolution.