RJC Criticizes Obama’s Call for Muslim Nations Summit

Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2008) — Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks responded today to the recent comments made by Sen. Barack Obama in an interview with Paris Match (January 31, 2008).

As reported by Reuters, Sen. Obama said in this interview:

“Once I am elected, I want to organize a summit in the Muslim world with all the heads of state, to have an honest discussion about ways to bridge the gap that grows between Muslims and the West… I want to ask them to join our fight against terrorism. We must also listen to their concerns.”

“We are deeply troubled by Senator Obama’s desire to ‘hold a summit in the Muslim world, with all heads of state’ — many of whom have yet to renounce terrorism or refrain from anti-Semitic incitement,” said Brooks. “Nowhere in the Paris Match article does Senator Obama affirm Israel’s right to exist. Nor does he condemn the repeated terrorist strikes against Israel — the only stable democracy in the region.”

“Further in his interview, Senator Obama said he wanted to listen to the ‘concerns’ of these nations. For many, their biggest concern is Israel’s existence. It’s worrisome that Senator Obama wants to ‘listen’ to those calling for Israel’s destruction. It’s also worrisome that he didn’t use this interview to call on Muslims to stop teaching hateful anti-Semitic and anti-Israel propaganda in their schools and textbooks.”

“By asking Muslim nations, some of whom actively train and fund Hezbollah and Hamas, to ‘join our fight against terrorism,’ Senator Obama once again demonstrates his shaky foreign policy judgment and raises questions about his commitment to Israel’s security. For all those who care about Israel, Senator Obama’s Muslim nations summit is a cause for alarm and concern,” said Brooks.