American Jewish groups reacted quickly to the July 14 announcement that a nuclear agreement had been reached with Iran. Most opposed the deal, in line with Israeli government opposition.
Anti-Defamation League leaders Barry Curtiss-Lusher and Abraham Foxman said they were “deeply disappointed” by the deal, stating that “[t]he thrust of the deal relies entirely on Iran’s good faith.”
A statement by the American Jewish Committee called out specific concerns in the agreement, including “Iran’s ICBM program, which cannot be explained except for ominous military purposes.”
Some Jewish groups called for more study before offering judgment.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will go back to our trusted experts … to better understand the consequences of this proposed agreement,” the Reform movement said in a joint statement by its three major bodies. “We urge all committed parties to take similar, carefully considered approaches before rushing to conclusions.”
J Street also urged caution, warning of the “likely consequences of its rejection: a collapse of diplomacy and international sanctions as Iran pushes forward with a nuclear program unimpeded.”
Most of these groups expressed concern over Iran’s repeated calls for the annihilation of Israel and “death to America.” — j. staff