Published: July 02, 2011

JCRC of Greater Washington Praises Greece's Decision to Halt Gaza Flotilla Ships

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ROCKVILLE, Md., July 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, the public affairs and community relations arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, representing over 100 Jewish organizations and synagogues throughout the region, today issued the following statement:

We applaud the courageous decision of the Greek government to prevent Gaza bound ships from departing from its waters, and encourage other governments to take similar action.

The true intention of the planned flotilla is to provoke a confrontation with Israel and score points in the international media, not to provide humanitarian aid. Israel does not restrict the entrance of civilian goods into Gaza; the only goods that are restricted are weapons, military equipment and civilian items that can be used militarily. Since Israel's disengagement from Gaza in Aug. 2005, terrorists have fired more than 2,745 Qassam rockets into Israel, threatening her civilian population.

We condemn the flotilla organizers for attempting to provoke a confrontation with Israel, sympathizing and lending support to the Hamas terrorist organization, and falsely asserting that there is a humanitarian crisis. Their actions only undermine chances for peace.

SOURCE Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington