The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and its Community Relations Council believe the proposed nuclear deal between Iran and world powers is cause for grave concern. We share the Administration’s goal of achieving a negotiated, peaceful solution to Iran’s nuclear activities. We support the efforts of the United States and its allies to arrive at a diplomatic solution, and we are grateful for their efforts.
But the proposed agreement, as it currently stands, has significant flaws:
- The proposed deal does not ensure “anytime, anywhere” short-notice inspections;
- The proposed deal is unclear as to what extent Iran must come clean on its prior nuclear work, nor does it specify explicit consequences for Iran if the International Atomic Energy Association is unsatisfied;
- The proposed deal lifts sanctions as soon as the agreement commences, rather than gradually as Iran demonstrates sustained adherence to the agreement;
- The proposed deal lifts key restictions in as few as eight years;
- The proposed deal only delays critical aspects of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, thus acknowledging or even affirming Iran’s place as a threshold nuclear state;
- The proposed deal would disconnect and store centrifuges in an easily reversible manner, but it requires no dismantlement of centrifuges or any Iranian nuclear facility.
The Iranian regime has clearly stated and acted on its desire to wipe Israel off the map by providing potentially devastating and increasingly sophisticated, accurate and powerful missile technology to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Its intentions were also apparent at a recent public rally calling for Israel’s destruction.
Leaders from across the Israeli political spectrum, from Labor Party head Yitzhak Herzog to Prime Minister Netanyahu, have expressed grave concerns about the proposed deal and what it could mean for Israel’s security. In the very short term, experts agree that lifting sanctions on Iran will mean a boon for Hamas and Hezbollah.
This is a defining moment. As Americans, as Jews and as people who love and support Israel, we are deeply concerned that this agreement leaves the Middle East and the global community less stable and more vulnerable to Iran’s radical agenda.
We acknowledge the many diverse views within our own community, and the best intentions and extraordinary efforts of President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry. All of us who love Israel and yearn for peace can have different ideas about how to achieve our shared goal. We cannot, however, be silent in our opposition to this proposed agreement, one that we believe poses far too many risks to the United States, to Israel and to the entire world.
We encourage members of the community to reach out to their elected representatives in the House and the Senate to express their deep concern, and to urge them to vote against this deal.
Jay Klebanoff
President
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Megan Zuckerman
Chair
Community Relations Council