The Indianapolis JCRC has been monitoring the ongoing developments at the United Nations Security Council over the past 48 hours. Despite Egypt withdrawing their call to introduce the resolution, the countries of Malaysia, Senegal, Venezuela, and New Zealand pushed the resolution forward. There were bipartisan calls from legislators and from Jewish organizations across the spectrum urging the Obama administration to veto the resolution. That is not what unfolded today; the United States abstained from the vote and the resolution passed the security council.
Here is a range of statements from national Jewish organizations responding to today’s UNSC vote:
- ADL: “ADL Condemns U.S. Failure to Veto Biased Security Council Resolution Against Israel.” Read the statement here.
- AIPAC: “AIPAC Statement on U.S. Abstention from UNSC Resolution Vote.” Read the statement here.
- JCPA: “Jewish Council for Public Affairs Calls Upon President Obama to Veto Destructive UN Resolution.” Read the full statement here.
- AJC: “AJC “Deeply Disappointed” by U.S. Vote on UN Security Council Resolution.” Read the full statement here.
- IPF: “Israel Policy Forum Statement on UNSC Resolution Vote.” Read the statement here.
- JFNA: “Jewish Federations across North America are deeply disappointed that the United States abstained from today’s vote…” Read the full statement here.
- JStreet: “J Street Welcomes US Abstention on UNSC Resolution.” Read their statement here.
- RJC: “RJC Statement on Today’s Disgraceful Security Council Resolution Vote.” Read the statement here.
- StandWithUs: “StandWithUs Condemns One-Sided UN Security Council Resolution”. Read the full statement here.
- TIP: “The Israel Project Releases Statement on Israel Resolution at the United Nations.” Read the statement here.
- URJ: “Statement of URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs On Proposed U.N. Resolution On Israeli Settlements.” Read the statement here.
- ZOA: “ZOA Urges Veto of Disgraceful Anti-Israel UN Resolution on Jewish Communities.” Read the statement here.
Statements from Political Officials:
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Watch the video statement here.
- President-Elect Donald Trump: “The resolution being considered at the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel should be vetoed.” Read the full statement here.
- Secretary of State John Kerry: “Today, the United States acted with one primary objective in mind: to preserve the possibility of the two state solution, which every U.S. administration for decades has agreed is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.” Read the full statement here.
- House Speaker Paul Ryan: ““This is absolutely shameful. Today’s vote is a blow to peace that sets a dangerous precedent for further diplomatic efforts to isolate and demonize Israel.” Read the full statement here.
- NY Senator Chuck Schumer: “Extremely frustrating, disappointing & confounding that the Administration has failed to veto the UN resolution.” Read more here.
- US Senator Lindsey Graham: “I will work to form a bipartisan coalition to suspend or significantly reduce United States assistance to the United Nations.” Read the full statement here.
- IN Congresswoman Susan Brooks: “I stand with Israel-a model of democracy in the Middle East. The decision to abstain from today’s vote doesn’t move us closer to peace. I will work with my colleagues in Congress and the incoming Administration to reverse the damage done.” Read the tweets here.
- IN Congressman Luke Messer: “It’s unclear which is worse: today’s politically motivated anti-Israel vote by the United Nations or the Obama administration’s silence…” Read the tweet here.
- IN Congressman Todd Rokita: “Instead of abstaining on anti-Israel UN resolution, the Obama administration should have vetoed.” Read the tweet here.
- IN Congresswoman Jackie Walorski: “Obama admin refusal to veto this shameful UN resolution is indefensible & dangerous. America must stand with Israel.” Read the tweet here.
- IN Congressman Andre Carson: “I support the Obama administration’s decision to allow the resolution to pass.” Watch the full segment here.
Statements from other JCRCs:
- Boston JCRC: JCRC Urges Withdrawal or Veto of U.N. Security Council Resolution. Read the full statement here.
- JCRC of Greater Washington: The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington Condemns U.S. Failure to Veto Today’s Security Council Resolution. Read the full statement here.
