Ed Koch blasted Reform movement leaders for suggesting pro-Israel resolutions in Congress should express concern about Palestinian humanitarian issues. In a letter to David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, a copy of which was obtained by JTA, the former New York City mayor said Jews are their own worst enemies. “It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Palestinian supporters would send a letter with criticism of the support by the president for the State of Israel,” Koch, a Democratic supporter of President Bush, told JTA. “But when Jews do it, they are in fact injuring the State of Israel.” Mark Pelavin, the Religious Action Center’s associate director, said its letter last week to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed support for the Bush administration, U.S. engagement in the Middle East and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Gaza withdrawal plan. “I don’t think it’s anti-Israel to note that Palestinians have legitimate! concerns,” Pelavin said.
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