To: lorne who wrote (2756 ) 9/25/2002 7:46:36 PM From: Haim R. Branisteanu Respond to of 3467 Sep. 25, 2002 - NY comptroller: PA is a terrorist organization with fancy stationery By MELISSA RADLER NEW YORK New York state and municipal officials sent holiday greetings to the people of Israel yesterday and pledged to stand with them against Palestinian terrorism, at the Jewish community's annual succot celebration at the Isaiah Wall near the United Nations. "This year, [succot] is a joyous celebration tinged with sadness," NY Governor George Pataki said. He was heckled during his speech by protesters demanding increased compensation for injured workers. He called for an end to attacks in Israel and criticized the UN as he prayed and ate with other leaders inside a succa built by the Lubavitch Youth Organization. "Sadly, too often, the United Nations has failed to act in a balanced way toward the people of Israel," he said. His opponent in the upcoming governor's election, State Comptroller Carl McCall, said the Palestinian Authority is "nothing more than a terrorist organization with fancy stationery." He urged Americans to unite with Israelis in their fight for peace. "Americans must understand that we are targets of these same enemies and that we must stay strong in the face of those who would seek to destroy us," he said. Other officials present included the Brooklyn district attorney, Bronx Borough president, NY state assembly speaker, and Chinese-American community leader Fred Tang, who thanked the Jewish community for helping his community's new immigrants. The executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Michael Miller, whose group organized the event, urged the international community to stop unwarranted criticism of Israel. "There cannot be a double standard," he said. "There can only be one standard, a standard for peace, a standard for tolerance, and a standard for well-being of all." Previous article Next article