As UNGA kicks off, AJC launches 'EU recognize Hezbollah as terror org'
The AJC bought a full-page ad in Tuesday's New York Times, which criticizes the EU's distinction between the terror group's military branch and the other parts of the organization.
By OMRI NAHMIASLebanon's Hezbollah members hold party flags as they listen to their leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addressing his supporters via a screen during a rally marking the anniversary of the defeat of militants near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in al-Ain village, Lebanon August 25, 2019. (photo credit: REUTERS)
WASHINGTON – As world leaders gather in New York this week to participate in the UN General Assembly, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) is launching a TV ad campaign on major US cable networks, calling on the European Union to recognize Hezbollah as a terror organization.In addition, the AJC bought a full-page ad in Tuesday’s New York Times, criticizing the EU’s distinction between the terror group’s military branch and other parts of the organization. “Hezbollah is a global terrorist organization, armed and supported by Iran,” the ad reads.“Its deadly reach extends to Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia, and across the Middle East. Yet, defying all logic, the European Union insists there are actually two Hezbollahs – one ‘political’ and the other ‘military,’ banning only the latter in 2013. This is self-delusion at its worst and most dangerous, allowing Hezbollah to operate its ‘political’ wing in Europe by recruiting members and raising funds. As Hezbollah leaders themselves declare repeatedly, it is one indivisible organization.”The ad continues: “To date, the Arab League, Argentina, Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Israel, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States have recognized without qualifications the reality of Hezbollah, and added it to their lists of terrorist organizations.”The AJC also launched a new website, which contains short video clips of the bloody terror attacks Hezbollah has been responsible for in the past 35 years. The TV ads will appear on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, i24 and BBC America. The ad emphasizes that Hezbollah poses a threat to Europe.The committee’s website calls visitors to sign a petition asking Congress to urge European governments to designate all of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. AJC will be meeting privately with the leaders of more than 70 countries. “Designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and without qualifications, is at the top of our agenda with many world leaders,” said AJC CEO David Harris.
