10 June 2011
The European Jewish Congress (EJC) is working to combat the possibility of European nations recognizing a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state at the United Nations in September. EJC President Moshe Kantor wrote a letter to all European heads of state, foreign affairs ministers and EU leadership, laying out the problems with recognizing a unilaterally-declared Palestinian state. “Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state will not bring a solution to the existing conflict or create peace in the Middle East,” wrote Kantor. “On the contrary, it will add new layers to the unresolved and complex legal and political issues. Without a negotiated solution, the chances of even greater violence in the region will be higher, especially at this time of flux for the Middle East.”

Kantor also stated that recognizing a Palestinian state outside of negotiations “stands in opposition to the principles of the Quartet” and “undermine existing bilateral agreements between the Israelis and the Palestinians.” He added: “I am certain it does not need reminding that these agreements were signed on behalf or in the presence of the European Union." The letter also recalles that Hamas, now as part of the Palestinian government, is still calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and aspiring to annihilate the Jewish people.

Kantor and the EJC leadership are meeting with various European leaders, and European decision-makers. In addition, the EJC has called on European Jews to lobby their elected representatives against the Palestinian bid for recognition.

The EJC leader urged Europe to take a more balanced role in the Middle East conflict. “The Palestinians take parts of Europe for granted and they know regardless of how firmly they shut the door on negotiations, incite to violence, negate Israel’s national character and partner with terrorist organizations, some in Europe will continue to support them to the hilt,” he said. “For a true resolution to this conflict, Europe has to tell the Palestinians firmly that they will only gain their aspirations at the negotiating table and nowhere else.”