FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HHS SECRETARY THOMPSON AFFIRMS U.S. TIES
WITH ISRAEL IN CLOSING ADDRESS TO
UNITED JEWISH COMMUNITIES GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Washington, DC – November 13, 2001 -- U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Tommy G. Thompson today called close U.S.-Israeli ties "essential" for the victory over terrorists and the vitality of democratic values in both countries and around the world.

"Supporting Israel is absolutely essential to the security of the United States and to the advancement of freedom and democracy in our time," Thompson said at the closing session of the 2001 United Jewish Communities (UJC) General Assembly (GA) in Washington, DC.

"It's not an overstatement to say that we are fighting the same spirit of tyranny today that we fought in the Second World War," the former Wisconsin governor continued. "And so much of that tyranny is committed under the pretext of religion. Many of you in this room understand and empathize with the suffering of those persecuted for their religious beliefs. And should Bin Ladin have his way, the Jewish people would be persecuted yet again.

"While he might strike the Jewish state, he will not defeat it. On behalf of President Bush, I can tell you that America will stand with Israel - period. We cannot, and will not, let those who would hurt us, hurt our friends and allies, and hurt their own people, succeed."

Thompson's remarks were delivered just hours after the UJC Delegates Assembly meeting at the GA adopted a resolution that, among other steps, condemns international terrorism, supports U.S. government efforts to defeat it, and condemns stereotyping and scapegoating of Muslim-Americans and Arab-Americans and calls on leaders of those groups to denounce anti-Semitic pronouncements. The resolution was prepared by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago in consultation with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

The resolution also cites the historical U.S.-Israeli bond in light of the anti-terrorism campaign, reading in part: "While understanding the considerations which come into play when building as broad an international coalition as possible, we have confidence that America will maintain its historic friendship with Israel, a long-time ally and staunch democracy that well knows the suffering and disruption which brutal terrorism against civilians brings. In this regard, we are heartened that, despite a cynical and misguided campaign pointing to America's friendship for Israel as the cause of the terrorists' hatred for America, a series of public opinion polls have shown that the American people well recognize the basis and importance of America-Israel ties. Our hope is that the current situation will bring these two countries even closer together, in recognition of their shared principles and in expression of their shared opposition to the scourge of international terrorism."

The Delegates Assembly, representing Jewish federations and communities across North America, also passed resolutions on Jewish education, faith-based services and the public sector, Jewish renaissance, workforce development, the Israel Now and Forever Campaign, Jews living in the former Soviet Union, the National Initiative on Ethiopian Absorption, Solidarity with Israel and transportation for seniors and the elderly. (Editors note: Text of resolutions on terrorism and other issues can be found at www.ujc.org)

Secretary Thompson noted the key role played by UJC and the Federations of North America in responding to human service needs following the September 11th terrorist attacks, and he cited the UJC Emergency Relief Fund, so far totaling more than $4 million.

"Any charity that distributes $2 billion every year to help build better lives for untold thousands of men, women and children deserves abiding gratitude - gratitude for your generosity, your commitment to others and for the example you are setting for our entire country.

"Most especially, let me thank you for the help you have provided to the victims of the September 11th attack on America. The UJC Emergency Relief Fund has already helped so many people whose lives were permanently altered by the vicious terrorist assault on our nation."

Michael Melchior, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, also spoke at the closing plenary, and he carried with him a message of solidarity from the people of Israel to Americans.

"Last year in Chicago I stood before you and shared the difficulties we faced in Israel with the renewal of violence and terrorism," he said. "I counted on your sympathy and support, and thanked you for being there with us ... This year, in circumstances more tragic than any of us could have imagined, I come to the United States to offer the sympathy and support of the people of Israel. To say: We are here with you."

Nearly 4,000 delegates attended the GA, which each year is the largest gathering of Jewish communal and community leaders from throughout North America and Israel.

United Jewish Communities (UJC) represents 189 Jewish Federations and 400 independent communities across North America. Together, they continue to demonstrate unparalleled philanthropic success. Last year, 700,000 people contributed more than $826 million to the UJA Federation Annual Campaign and another $1.2 billion to endowment funds, capital campaigns, foundations and other special projects. In all, UJC is a $2 billion annual enterprise that provides life-saving and life-enhancing humanitarian assistance to those in need, and translates Jewish values into social action on behalf of millions of Jews in hundreds of communities in North America, in towns and villages throughout Israel, in the former Soviet Union, and 60 countries around the world.