Abbas to visit U.S. next month--Jewish groups placed on security alert

JTA ^ | 3-26-08

[SJackson]

[url=http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/breaking/107729.html]Jewish groups placed on security alert [/url]

Citing an increase in threats and attacks, a U.S. Jewish security network warned its members to be alert to a "new set of circumstances."

"The convergence and timing of several events coupled with escalating tensions in the Middle East create a new set of circumstances that have commanded our attention," said the alert issued Tuesday by the Secure Community Network. "The current heightened threat environment poses challenges and issues, particularly when there is a need for a balanced approach to securing our institutions, agencies and organizations."

The alert cited among other circumstances the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imad Mughniyeh, the Hezbollah terrorist chief assassinated in Syria, and a call by Ayman al-Zawahiri, an al-Qaida chief, to "strike the interests of Jews" in retaliation for escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has denied a role in the Mughniyeh killing, but Hezbollah blames it nonetheless and has threatened to retaliate by attacking Jews outside of Israel.

"In the past 30 days, we have noted an increase in reported threats and attacks in the United States," the alert said. "While most of these incidents are isolated, and many are still under active investigation, the increase in frequency and brazenness of threats and attacks are a cause to be more vigilant and conscientious about your security preparedness and operations."

The alert lists seven threats and attacks since Feb. 14, and notes that the Department of Homeland Security has instructed its officials to inspect Jewish sites across the country.

The United Jewish Communities, the federations' umbrella that has led lobbying for federal funds to increase security at Jewish institutions, said the alert underscored the threat that made such investments necessary.

"These incidents are further evidence of the risk faced by the nonprofit sector generally, and the Jewish community in particular, in the post-9/11 environment," UJC's Washington director, William Daroff, told JTA.

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Abbas to visit U.S. next month

Mahmoud Abbas will visit Washington next month.

Aides to the Palestinian Authority president said Wednesday that he will fly to the United States for talks with President Bush on April 24.

The meeting will precede Bush's May visit to Israel for its 60th Independence Day, when he also intends to give a final push for the foundation of a Palestinian state.

Before visiting Washington, Abbas will go to Moscow for talks with Russian leaders, who wants to host an Israeli-Palestinian peace summit.

[edcoil]

Here to have Bush give him more money.

[SJackson]

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Makes sense. The majority party of the pa government threatens Jews throughout the world, including the US. So their President comes over the discuss what's needed before GWB attends Israel's 60th anniversary celebration, at which we'll apply appropriate pressure to accomplish the cornerstone of American foreign policy, a palestinian state by the end of 2008.

[Convert from ECUSA]

Isn’t that the truth!