ACLJ Calls President Obama's Remarks Against Israel Damaging, While Rewarding Hamas, a Terrorist Group

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) said today President Obama's decision to side with the Palestinian Authority damages U.S.-Israeli relations and rewards Hamas, a terrorist group that vows to eliminate Israel.

"It's extremely troubling that President Obama would side with the Palestinian Authority in an effort to jump-start peace talks in the Middle East.  President Obama is not the negotiator-in-chief for the Middle East and to make sweeping demands and characterizations not only hurts the peace process, but damages U.S.-Israeli relations," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.

Sekulow added:  "It's troubling that the President called Israel's legitimate West Bank settlements an 'occupation,' and by calling for a return to the 1967 borders, he is calling for a divided Jerusalem.  By endorsing the 'unity government' of the Palestinian Authority, he has rewarded Hamas - a terrorist organization that calls for the elimination of the Jews.

"For decades, Israel has been our most important ally in the region.  Sadly, with the President's remarks, and decision to side with Palestinian Authority, it appears he no longer believes that is the case."

Sekulow says the ACLJ will launch a national campaign to support Israel - a campaign that will include a petition for Americans to reject President Obama's position and to stand with Israel during this time.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org.

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SOURCE American Center for Law and Justice