Stop Iran is an organization newly created by the Jewish Community Relations Council for the purpose of opposing Iran's efforts to obtain nuclear weapons. The group hopes to partner with other community and religious groups and held its first event in Boca Raton at Zinman Hall in the Jewish Federation Campus on Thursday, November 15.

The special briefing entitled "National Security and the Threat of a Nuclear Iran" featured R. James Woolsey and Ofer Bavly. Mr. Woolsey, a former CIA director and Co-chair of the Committee of Present Danger, spoke about the historical, political and religious situation in Iran. He stated that the Iranian government is working hard on developing nuclear weapons and that the United States should do everything in its power to prevent a nuclear Iran. He said that he does not favor using force, but that if the alternative would be to allow Iran such weapons, then U.S. air power should be used. Mr. Woolsey explained that because of the ideological differences a nuclear Iran is not comparable to a nuclear Soviet Union. He concluded that Iran must be stopped before it reaches the point where it has the technology to produce a nuclear weapon.

Mr. Ofer Bavley, the new Consul General of Israel for Florida, agreed with Mr. Woolsey's comments and recommended economic sanctions as a viable alternative for stopping Iran's nuclear program. He noted that the State of Florida has divested from companies that do business with Iran. He explained that if there was worldwide support of economic sanctions, Iran would have the dilemma of deciding between a nuclear program or feeding its people.

As made clear by the speakers, the threat of a nuclear Iran is a frightening proposition. This group is certainly in the forefront of addressing this issue and will hopefully continue to put the spotlight on this very important issue.

For additional information about this group, email jcrc@jewishboca.org.

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