Congressman Jerrold Nadler spoke against the bid for Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian Statehood at a bi partisan rally September 26. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler, asked by the Algemeiner for his response to the targeting of Israeli soldiers and Israeli citizens for prosecution by Turkish authorities, said “The IHH is a terrorist group.”  Naming these Israelis is a “call for assassination, or, at best, a threat of prosecution by the International Court of Justice – that is, Injustice.”  The collection of names is a virtual “lynch party for Israeli citizens and soldiers,” said the federal legislator.

The Congressman was responding to a report in the popular Turkish newspaper, Zaman, stating that a list containing the names and personal information of 174 prominent Israeli leaders and IDF commanders and soldiers had been acquired through the “offices” of the terrorist organization IHH.  Said to have been compiled using photographs on Facebook and Twitter and comparison of images taken on board the Marmara, the names are said to have been verified by Turkish intelligence agents sent to Israel to confirm the information. According to Zaman, the list has been presented to, and accepted by prosecutors in the Turkish Ministry of Justice.  Istanbul’s prosecutor has acknowledged that it “will be examined.”

President of the City Council Christine Quinn said the Turkish action was “an attempt to drive a wedge against the State of Israel.” She called the IHH’s list “a terrorist action.  Speaking loud and clearly,” said the Speaker, “we recognize Israel’s right to exist.”

The Turkish journal reports that Israeli officials including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Defense Ehud Barak former IDF chief of General Staff Lt. – Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi, as well as individual soldiers who directly participated in the raid are named. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has termed the flotilla raid a “cause for war.”

The comments were made shortly after a Press Conference sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of bipartisan opposition to the Palestinian Authority’s unilateral bid for statehood as promulgated by its President Mahmud Abbas, Nadler called that move “short sighted,” concluding that “the resolution by the General Assembly will diminish the Palestinian Authority. “Bilateral negotiation is the only possible process.” He continued, saying that “the United States will not sacrifice Israel in gamesmanship. All the parties have an obligation to go for an outcome that works for all.” Abbas’s decision “is not a step towards peace.”

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said she is “troubled by Abbas’s presentations, and according to his statements, questions how Israel will be part of the future of the Middle East.” By omitting reference to Israel, she said, “Abbas missed the opportunity to say there would be real negotiations.”

Michael Miller of the Jewish Community Relationships Council noted that support for the bid against UDI was wrong. In a very short period of time, more than 105,000 verified signatures have been collected in support of a petition calling for bilateral negotiations. “Yes to Peace through bilateral negotiations,” declared Miller. The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) has been a lead sponsor of “a national grassroots campaign against the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian State.”

In Israel, investigation of the circumstances surrounding the “flotilla” continue under the auspices of the Turkel Commission, which has promised a report concerning information released by the Office of the Military Advocate General by Sukkot.

Jewish Community Relations Executive Vice President Michael Miller greets Congressman Charles Rangel. Christine Quinn, Speaker of the City Council, is to Rangel's left. Photo: Maxine Dovere.