October 28, 2011 – New York – Calling Protestant leadership support for UN recognition of Palestine “unhelpful,” AJC urged the heads of four denominations to encourage the Palestinian Authority leadership to return to direct negotiations with Israel. The leaders of Christian Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Methodist Church, and United Church of Christ joined in the statement, issued this week, backing the Palestinian UN gambit.

“Putting the cart before the horse will not move the peace process forward,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations. “Direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations is the only path to sustainable peace,” Marans continued. “Diverting the drive for Palestinian statehood to the UN without an agreement with Israel will not achieve the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for peace and security.”

AJC has long supported a negotiated two-state solution, a goal endorsed by four consecutive Israeli prime ministers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the UN General Assembly on September 23, declared that Israel will be the “first country to welcome a Palestinian state as a new member of the United Nations,” after the Palestinians sign a peace agreement with Israel.

“Protestant leaders could contribute to the cause of seeking peace by assertively encouraging the Palestinian leadership to return to the direct talks with Israel,” said Marans.

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