Meridor to Jewish Agency leaders: We need your support

Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor told hundreds of Jewish leaders from around the world on Monday morning that Israel needs the support of the Jewish world in order to cope with what is happening around it.

Addressing the Jewish Agency Assembly and Board of Governors, Meridor, the minister of intelligence and atomic energy said that the world is currently “trembling.”

Citing recent developments in Egypt, Syria and Iran, Meridor expressed optimism for the future, but emphasized that, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program, international pressure is required. Meridor said that all of the sanctions than could be applied against Iran have been applied, and now is the time for determination and leadership to bring to an end the struggle between Tehran and the rest of the world.

Meridor said that while Israel is carefully watching what happens now in Egypt, it also respects the democratic process and electoral results that elevated Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi to the position of president. Meridor added that he is hopeful that the Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt would continue to be respected.

Meridor said that the Syrian regime, because of its cruelty, deserves to fall, which in turn would be a serious blow to Iran.

The annual Assembly and Board of Governors meeting is currently taking place in Jerusalem, and includes over 400 leaders and representatives of Jewish communities and organizations from Israel and around the world. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Bringing Jews to Israel and Israel to Jews.”