Related Links:

The behind-the-scenes story of Resolution #7

Resolution #7.

May 12. Remove PLO from NYC! The March in Support of The Koppell Resolution To Shut Down The PLO Mission.

Yevreiski Mir

July 9. Hearings on the Koppell resolution.

July 9. Hearings on the Koppell resolution was held Tuesday, July 9th at City Council Chambers in lower Manhattan.

Council Member Koppell was joined by Rabbi Avi Weiss and Rabbi Shmuel Hertzfeld of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale on the steps of City Hall to urge the City Council to pass Resolution #7, introduced by Koppell in January, calling for President Bush to declare the Palestinian Organization and the Palestinian Authority to be terrorist organizations, and, consistent with U.N. treaty obligations, to close the Mission office of the Palestinian Authority in New York City.

Council Member Koppell was joined by Rabbi Avi Weiss on the steps of City Hall.

Koppell said, "The Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Liberation Organization have not only failed to take actions against terrorist attacks in Israel that have killed hundreds of civilians in the last 18 month, but have themselvs, sponsored terrorism and given haven to terrorist organizations. As a government entity that sheltered terrorists groups, the U.N. Mission of the Palestinian Authority poses a clear danger to New Yorkers".

Rabbi Weiss, national president of the Coalition for Jewish Concerns, said that, "As long as terrorist are allowed to stay in New York, New Yorkers are not safe".

Testifying at the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations, followind the press conference, Council Member said, "With US military operations around the world imed at the eradication of terrorism and the countries that harbor terrorists, there must be measures taken here in New york City to closee the Mission offoce of the Palestinian Authority, an organization that both ideologically, and in documented activities, supports terrorism. Now is the tie to root out a terrorist organization right here in New York City.

Statemet by Speaker Gifford Miller
I am plesed that the New York City Council is having a hearing on issues related to Israel and anti-Semitism, especially during this time of great crisis in the Middle East.

Council Members Oliver Koppell and Michael Nelson.

The welfare of the people of the State of Israel as well as the civilian Palestinian population is of greatr concern of the residents of the city. After the brutal September 11th terrorist attack perpetrated upon the people of the City Of New York, all New Yorkers understand the untold grief and great personal loss suffered by the famalies of terrorist victims. That is why this hearing before the Cultural Affairs Commitee is appropriate and necessary

I am strong and unwavering supporter of the State of Israel, our only democratic ally in the Middle East. As such, it is my hope and fervent prayer for a quick and expedient end to the violence perpetrated by terrorists against innocent civilian population. Indeed, I was proud to author one of the resolutions being considered before the Commitee which deals with condemning these vicious suicide bomb attacks.