Westchester Legislators Condemn Iranian President’s Hate Speech
All seventeen members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) have signed a letter today condemning Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his hate-filled and anti-Semitic remarks in anticipation of his scheduled address Tuesday to the General Assembly of the United Nations.
The BOL letter, which is addressed to the leadership of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Westchester Jewish Council, notes that it is unfortunate that “Ahmadinejad’s appearance at this week’s meeting of the United Nations General Assembly will give this reckless dictator another forum in the world media for his evil point of view.”
The full text of the letter is as follows:
“We, the undersigned members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, strongly object to and condemn Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his hate-laced speeches and anti-Semitic comments. Unfortunately, Ahmadinejad’s appearance at this week’s meeting of the United Nations General Assembly will give this reckless dictator another forum in the world media for his evil point of view.
“The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—the Days of Awe—are among the holiest on the Jewish calendar. To have this hate-filled, anti-Semitic leader in New York City at this time is a profound affront to all those who wish peace in the Middle East and around the world.
“We look forward to the United States and other nations beginning a serious dialogue with the Iranian people about existing and living together in peace, and sincerely believe this is possible. But as long Ahmadinejad pursues an abject course of conflict with Israel and other nations around the world, the chances of building this peace are slim.
“In this regard, we want to thank the Jewish Community Relations Council in battling the poisonous purveyors of hate speech, like Ahmadinejad. The fight for justice means vigilance against those who want to spread evil. There can be no rest when it comes to safeguarding our future and ensuring peace in the world, and your organization certainly fully understands this.”
