Hezbollah, which is recognized as a terrorist group in Israel, the United States, and Canada, usurped political power in Lebanon and is now participating in forming a unity government. Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets into Israel and was responsible for the 2006 Lebanon War.

B’nai B’rith sent the following letter of concern to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

March 6, 2009

The Right Honorable Gordon Brown
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London SW1A 2AA
United Kingdom

Dear Prime Minister:

On behalf of B’nai B’rith International’s more than 200,000 members and supporters in 50 countries around the world, we write to express our deep concern over the British government’s decision to reestablish contact with a wing of the militant group Hezbollah. We fear this move runs directly contrary to what we feel should be a foremost priority of the European Union, namely, recognizing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization (as the United States has done) and banning its activities in Europe.

More than a mere political organization that plays a destabilizing role in Lebanese politics, Hezbollah is an armed group that is responsible for a lengthy series of attacks against Israeli, European, and American targets. Hezbollah’s armed campaign against Israel is helped immeasurably by its efforts to generate funds and other resources in Europe. The organization has also targeted European countries and their interests abroad and could do so again in the future.

We hope that the European governments will add Hezbollah to its proper place on the EU terrorism list. Such action would allow law enforcement officials and intelligence operatives to curb Hezbollah’s criminal activities and terrorist financing. We urge the British government to help lead this effort by restoring its ban on contacts with Hezbollah.

Thank you very much for your attention and cooperation. We look forward to remaining in communication with the Government of the United Kingdom on this and other important matters of mutual concern in the near future.

Respectfully,

 

Moishe Smith		Daniel S. Mariaschin
President		Executive Vice President