04/03/2015
A Statement on the Iran Deal
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The Jewish Federations of North America Urges Caution and Congressional Review of Any Iran Deal
The Administration has repeatedly reaffirmed that "it is unacceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon." Even during the current negotiations, the White House has often said, "a bad deal is worse than no deal."
We appreciate the good faith efforts made by the Administration and the other members of the P5+1. We all hope that a diplomatic solution to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is possible.
However, the framework presented today leaves vital issues woefully unresolved. The agreement provides scant detail on how the phased sanction relief will be implemented. It contains insufficient clarity on how Iranian adherence to the agreement will be verified. And it is ambiguous on what penalties will be imposed if Iran fails to fulfill its commitments.
A weak agreement presents a clear and present danger to all nations. It is also likely to lead other countries in the region to seek their own nuclear capabilities, resulting in a proliferation of nuclear weapons in a part of the world already destabilized by Iranian proxies spreading terrorism and fomenting extremism.
And of course, a nuclear Iran, a regime which declares its intention to wipe Israel from the map, represents an existential threat to the Jewish State.
We are heartened by the President’s statement that he will engage Congress as the U.S. continues the negotiation process. We urge the Administration to present any agreement to Congress for review.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Siegal, Chair of the Board The Jewish Federations of North America
Jerry Silverman, President & CEO The Jewish Federations of North America
