http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c55_a13440/Editorial__Opinion/Opinion.html

Last Shabbat we read in the Torah that descendents of Moav and Ammon could never become part of the Jewish people, even though such a prohibition did not apply to others who sought to destroy the Jewish people. The question is posed, What made their evil intentions so much more serious? In short, it was because they were driven by an irrational, baseless hatred so extreme that even their own vital interests were superseded by their animosity.

This was also true of Hitler, who diverted vital manpower, munitions and resources from critical battlefronts to fulfill his maniacal obsession to destroy the Jewish people.

Today, we see this same hatred expressed by Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in his threats to wipe Israel (and the U.S.) off the map, his Holocaust denial, and his support for Hamas and Hezbollah whose avowed goal is to destroy the Jewish state. The cost to his people and nation matter little as he seeks to implement his extremist ideology. He stated his willingness to see half his country destroyed in his drive to eliminate Israel. Already Iran is experiencing the greatest brain drain in history; more than 10 percent of the population has left.

History teaches us that we must take seriously the threats of dictators, especially those driven by blind hatred. Ahmadinejad means what he says and says what he means. And through his rapidly advancing nuclear weapons program, he seeks the means to implement his oft-stated goals. The financial, military and political support he provides terrorist groups globally has earned him the distinction of being the leading state sponsor of terror. His brutal repression of his own citizens, including the execution of women and children, and the persecution of dissidents and minority groups, puts him at the top of human rights violators in the world.

The world seems to have learned little from history. The United Nations allows Ahmadinejad to speak from its podium despite his threats to destroy another member state, his blatant disregard of numerous Security Council resolutions condemning his nuclear weapons program as well as numerous other violations of the letter and spirit of the UN Charter.

For 18 years Iran has been engaged in the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran used this time to engage in numerous efforts to deceive, obfuscate and blatantly lie. Iranian officials protested that this program was for peaceful purposes. Today even their earlier defenders recognize the true intent. If Iran were to achieve its goal, it would set off an unprecedented arms race in the region and beyond. Already, more than a dozen Arab countries have begun the process of acquiring some form of nuclear power. Without even producing a weapon, Iran could intimidate and threaten its neighbors. Iran still lays claim to Bahrain and has recently made aggressive moves on islands claimed by the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Harmouz, let alone its costly war against Iraq.

Iran has demonstrated repeatedly its readiness to use the weapons at its disposal and to provide them to groups like the insurgents in Iraq and Hezbollah. Iran has long been recognized as the leading state sponsor of terrorism globally. Through its terrorist network led by Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groups that are armed, financed and supported by Iran, Ahmadinejad has been able to foment unrest, violence and instability far beyond his country’s borders. Just imagine if he had the capacity to produce nuclear weapons and could provide them to his terrorist allies.

Iran should not be a partisan issue. It requires a strong and unified response here and abroad. The major candidates agree that all options are on the table and that military action would be an absolutely last resort. There are many other things that can be done by implementing and enhancing the existing sanctions and adding new ones.

Domestically, there can be a program to divest from companies that continue to do business in Iran particularly in the banking and energy sectors. We have seen the impact to date of the Security Council resolutions, even though many European countries have implemented the sanctions in a half-hearted fashion. Those among our allies who do not yet understand the imminent danger should be reminded that Iranian missiles, which today can hit any target in the Middle East, will soon be able to hit most of Europe.

We must let world leaders who gather next week here for the UN General Assembly know that we will not be silent. We must let the people of Iran know that they are not alone in rejecting his hate filled leadership. We must let out children and grandchildren know that we care about their security. We must show that “Never Again!” is not a hollow rally chant but a pledge each generation must take anew – not just in word but in deed.

I can think of no more impactful or important way to do this than by coming to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza at 11:45 a.m on Sept. 22 to join people of all faiths and races to declare that we are united against a nuclear Iran. That Iran must be stopped – now. That the UN and the international leaders gathered must resolve to act decisively to implement strong economic and political sanctions and isolate Iran. We must make our voices heard along with the tens of thousands who will gather across from the UN. Future generations will be watching. n

Malcolm Hoenlein is executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.