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January 6, 2009 | 12:03 am

Muslim group mad at L.A. mayor for supporting Israel

Posted by Brad A. Greenberg

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At the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles this afternoon, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa voiced his support for Israel’s war against Hamas and invasion of Gaza:

“I’ve been to Sderot and seen the wreckage caused by a constant barrage of rocket attacks. I’ve met parents afraid to let their kids play in the streets and students unable to go to school each day. I’ve walked along empty roads, visited vacant buildings, and witnessed the sheer destruction of a town decimated by eight years of missile strikes.”

“And after all of the attacks – after all of the failed attempts to ignite the fires of peace rather than fan the flames of terrorism – any nation would take action to protect its citizens and ensure the safety and security of its residents. And no country would sit silently while innocent families are threatened and civilian lives are at-risk.”

“Israel is no different. It must act against the Hamas leaders targeting the innocent. And it must be allowed to exercise its right and responsibility to defend itself.”

Having been to Sderot, I share the sentiment. So does President-elect Barack Obama.

But the Muslim Public Affairs Council wasn’t happy and held its own news conference at the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California. You can watch what Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC’s executive director, had to say here. Al-Marayati said the Muslim and Arab community of Los Angeles was disappointed in the mayor:

“Why is the Mayor of Los Angeles dragging himself and his constituents into international conflicts in the Middle East?” Al-Marayati asked. “If he chooses to engage in international issues, he should meet with all sides and discuss the critical perspectives and recommendations from all sides before making a decision on such an important international issue.”

“The Mayor should bring both sides together to talk about how we can prevent the conflict and violence emanating from the Middle East from spilling over onto our streets in America.”

This is not the first time MPAC has been angered by the mayor’s support for Israel’s military actions. In 2006, MPAC criticized his vocal support for Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Villaraigosa, who visited Israel in June, is a passionate supporter of Israel and honorary member of the tribe.

He was joined at the press conference by Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, Federation President John Fishel, Simon Wiesenthal Center Dean Marvin Hier and City Councilmembers Wendy Greuel, Janice Hahn, Jack Weiss and Dennis Zine.

“I just celebrated Christmas, with the hope of peace on earth,” Hahn said. “But I do know there will be no peace and there will hardly be room to talk until these rockets cease being fired on civilians.”

6 Comments — Leave your comment

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Here are some photos from Villagairosa’s May visit to Israel.

Comment by The Web Guy on 1/06/09 at 1:49 am

i have to agree with part of what the MPAC said.  Why is the Mayor of LA even involving himself in this?  His job should be making sure there is reconciliation and understanding in the city of LOS ANGELES not the middle east.  This is so far above his paygrade…his comments only create stress where there needn’t be.

Doesn’t he have more important things to do here locally?  I don’t mean to diminish what is taking place, and I certainly am not defending Hamas…but our Mayor should focus on doing his job and being Mayor.

He is pandering to voters/constituents by inserting his comments on international events that he has no influence upon.  Totally uncalled for and unfortunate for any palestinians within LA.  We don’t have to agree with Hamas actions to respect palestinians within LA’s city borders.

Just my thoughts.

Comment by ethan on 1/06/09 at 3:02 am

It’s funny you mention that. At press conferences like this, there is invariably a lot of self-congratulating and metaphorical baby kissing.

Talking about the mayor’s commitment to Israel, ouncilman Weiss made a comment that I found a bit comical. I’m not clear on the exact wording of the second half of the quote, but it was along the lines of: “When our friends 6,000 mile away are under attack and acting to defend themselves, it’s good to know they have not only the support of the U.S. government but of the city of Los Angeles.”

I can only imagine that such a showing of solidarity means more for the Jews of Los Angeles than the Jews of Israel. I mean, when was the last time the LA City Council passed a bill that sent billions of dollars or military technology to Israel?

Comment by Brad A. Greenberg on 1/06/09 at 3:18 am

“The Mayor should bring both sides together to talk about how we can prevent the conflict and violence emanating from the Middle East from spilling over onto our streets in America.“

I guess that threat escaped everyone. I guess we should just bend over & become Europe?  Look at France—England, & The Netherlands… yet these countries have bent over backwards to accomodate their guests & still it is not enough.  WAKE UPPPPPPPPP

Comment by Watcher on 1/06/09 at 8:28 pm

When New York City was attacked on 9/11, it received material aid, prayers, and moral support from cities across the US. Totally appropriate.

And the concern for any implied disrespect and slighting of ‘palestinians’ within the city borders is just patronizing. There are Arabs who recognize the merits and moral case for Israel in this conflict. And if not, I and perhaps the mayor would make the case that at least in the current conflict Israel’s case is indisputable and the Hamas case is no more than a subscription to evil. Political neutrality can be overdone and the mayor is to be applauded for NOT pandering to such as the When New York City was attacked on 9/11, it received material aid, prayers, and moral support from cities across the US. Totally appropriate.

And the concern for any implied disrespect and slighting of ‘palestinians’ within the city borders is just patronizing. There are Arabs who recognize the merits and moral case for Israel in this conflict. And if not, I and perhaps the mayor would make the case that at least in the current conflict Israel’s case is indisputable and the Hamas case is no more than a subscription to enduring evil. Political neutrality can be overdone and the mayor should be applauded for taking a stand and NOT pandering to such as the Muslim Public Affairs Council.

Comment by Ben Plonie on 1/07/09 at 1:51 am

A little cut and paste error but I think my point survives.

Comment by Ben Plonie on 1/07/09 at 1:52 am

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