AJC Urges German Parliament to Pass Resolution Demanding Shalit Release

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Jul 06, 2010, 02:12 ET

BERLIN, July 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC sent a letter to all five party groups in the German parliament expressing deep disappointment at the recent passage of a cross-party resolution condemning Israel's blockade of Gaza. The letter also urged German parliamentarians to pass a resolution demanding the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas terrorists four years ago.

"The signal this unfortunate resolution sends is that Israel's closest European ally has joined the choir of those countries calling Israel a pariah state," said Deidre Berger, director of AJC's Berlin office. "A new resolution demanding Gilad Shalit's immediate release from Hamas captivity would therefore be a welcome reminder of Germany's friendship for Israel and an important acknowledgment that Germany understands the deep-seated concerns about security which drive Israeli policy towards Gaza."

The AJC letter, signed by Berger, states: "The German parliament does not routinely denounce partner countries for political policies, whether they agree with them or not. Therefore, AJC was greatly troubled by the decision of German parliamentarians across party lines to single out Israel and undermine Israel's sovereign right to take the necessary measures to protect its citizens."

The letter adds: "A resolution by the German parliament demanding the release of Gilad Shalit, four years after he was taken hostage, would be a strong acknowledgement of German-Israeli ties. As Shalit's captivity is a key factor in maintaining the Gaza blockade, a German parliamentary resolution to demand his release would be a major contribution to helping overcome the situation that has led to the blockade."

AJC was the first American Jewish organization to reach out to Germany shortly after the Second World War. AJC's Berlin office runs a number of programs to enhance understanding between Germans and American Jews as well as promoting close relations between Germany and Israel.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee