For most, the jury is still out
Jewish organizations and others were busy Tuesday, issuing statements on a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers. Most urged a close study of the document before voting “good deal” or “bad deal” Here is a sampling:
AIPAC
During these negotiations, we outlined five critical requirements for a good deal [Inspectors must be permitted unimpeded access to suspect sites; Iran must fully explain its prior weaponization efforts; sanctions relief must commence only after Iran complies with its commitments; Iran’s nuclear weapons quest must be blocked for decades; Iran must dismantle its nuclear infrastructure so it has no path to a nuclear weapon]. We are deeply concerned based on initial reports that this proposed agreement may not meet these requirements, and thereby would fail to block Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon and would further entrench and empower the leading state sponsor of terror.
Hadassah
We remain acutely concerned that the proposed agreement will fail to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Hadassah urges Congress and the White House to take all necessary actions to ensure that Iran can never acquire nuclear weapons capability.
National Jewish Democratic Council
While many have quickly jumped to conclusions on whether today’s announced agreement with Iran is a “good deal” or a “bad deal,” we call on all organizations and members of Congress to take partisan politics completely out of this situation. We call on the entire community to take the necessary time to read and review the details of the agreement. The pro-Israel cause is hurt when the world’s only Jewish state is, once again, used as a partisan wedge issue.
Americans for Peace Now
We urge American Jewish organizations which have launched campaigns against this Iran deal to cease and desist. American Jewish organizations can play an important role in identifying and amplifying legitimate Israeli concerns related to this deal, and can work with the Administration and Congress to find avenues for further U.S.-Israel assistance, cooperation and coordination in order to address these concerns.
Reform Movement Leadership
As the U.S. Congress, other world leaders, and the American public, including the Jewish community, evaluate the details of the proposed agreement, we recognize that thoughtful people can and do hold strongly different opinions as to whether this agreement is the best obtainable result in securing our shared goals and upholding the ideal that solutions should be found through the negotiating process rather than a military confrontation.
Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.
It’s now time for Congress to do its due diligence in a purposeful and rigorous way. Congress must determine if this deal has the robust verification levels needed to ensure Iranian compliance. The deal also must provide for immediate snapback sanctions should Iran fail to comply with every requirement and obligation. A good deal must block all pathways to a bomb.
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md.
Congress has an obligation to vigorously and judiciously review the deal announced today with a seriousness of purpose. Negotiators have spent painstaking time and untold effort working on this accord. Congress in turn must fulfill its oversight responsibilities and conduct a thorough, rigorous and evenhanded review.
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va.
Today’s deal is in line with the April 2nd framework agreed to in Lausanne and imposes significant obstacles blocking Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon in exchange for sanctions relief, dependent on critical nonproliferation commitments.
Jewish Federations of North America
President Barack Obama and his administration have repeatedly said that any deal with Iran must shut down Iran’s uranium enrichment pathway to a weapon, cut off all four of Iran’s potential pathways to a bomb, and track Iran’s nuclear activities with unprecedented transparency and robust inspections throughout its nuclear supply chain. We agree. We urge Congress to give this accord its utmost scrutiny.
Jewish Voice for Peace
This opportunity for the diplomatic process to succeed in avoiding war with Iran is too important to discard over partisan politics. This is a strong deal, and we urge our elected leaders to vote in favor of the agreement when it comes before Congress.
StandWithUs
While StandWithUs welcomes international efforts to end Iran`s nuclear program through diplomacy, the details emerging about the agreement reached yesterday, July 14, 2015, between the P5+1 and Iran raise serious concerns. It appears the deal will not prevent Iran`s regime from developing nuclear weapons, moderate its aggressive policies, or persuade it to stop sponsoring terrorism. Rather it only delays its pursuit of nuclear weapons and allows it to continue promoting violence and instability around the world. We hope that Congress, which has 60 days to review the agreement after it is submitted by the administration, will ensure that the deal protects the U.S. and our allies, and prevents nuclear proliferation in the region.
Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs.
Zionist Organization of America
The deal paves the way to provide nuclear weapons to [Iranian leader Ali] Khamenei, the Hitler of the Mideast, and hundreds of billions of dollars to Iran, the Nazi Germany of the Mideast, enabling them to fund, arm and increase Islamic terrorism throughout the world. Even if they fulfill every aspect of this, it allows Iran to attain nuclear status in 10 to 15 years.
–Compiled by Washington Jewish Week
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