Beslan Tragedy - 09.07.2004

Beslan Tragedy: Russia Receives NCSJ Condolences 


NCSJ letter to President Putin


NCSJ letter to Foreign Minister Lavrov


Related item: Russia, Israel Sign Counterterrorism Memo

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September 7, 2004

His Excellency Vladimir V. Putin
President of the Russian Federation

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of NCSJ and its constituent membership of local and national American Jewish organizations, we extend our deepest condolences to you and the Russian people following the horrific events of the past week.

Just three years after the attacks on New York and Washington, the American Jewish community stands with Russia and with all states facing the threat of terrorism. Your ongoing cooperation with the United States, Israel and other democracies is indispensable to the eventual victory over anarchy and violence. We continue to see the Russia-U.S. relationship as a cornerstone of security and stability in this new century.

At a time when no group has the monopoly on humanitarian or political grievances, our society must forswear any and all appeals to violence and hatred. Citizens must be able to proceed with their lives free from fear and persecution. We look forward to continuing our work with you and your government on issues related to international stability, human rights, and religious freedom.

Respectfully,

[signed]

Robert J. Meth, M.D.	Joel M. Schindler, Ph.D.	Mark B. Levin
Chairman	President	Executive Director

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September 7, 2004

His Excellency Sergey Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Russian Federation

Dear Minister Lavrov:

On behalf of NCSJ and our member agencies, we extend our deepest condolences to you and the Russian people following the horrific events of the past week.

Just three years after the attacks on New York and Washington, the American Jewish community stands with Russia and with all states facing the threat of terrorism. Your ongoing cooperation with the United States, Israel and other democracies is indispensable to the eventual victory over anarchy and violence. Your visit yesterday to Israel underscores the vitality of this international alliance against terror. We continue to see the Russia-U.S. relationship as a cornerstone of security and stability in this new century.

We look forward to the opportunity of delivering our condolences in person when you visit New York later this month for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, and to continuing our discussion on strategies to combat terrorism as well as anti-Semitic violence. 


Respectfully,

[signed]

Robert J. Meth, M.D.	Joel M. Schindler, Ph.D.	Mark B. Levin
Chairman	President	Executive Director

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