The Iranian American Jewish Federation Voices Its Strong Support for Congress' Initiatives HR 282 and S 333

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2005--The Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) today voiced its strong support for HR 282 authored by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and S 333 authored by Senator Rick Santorum.

"We have recently witnessed a statement issued by a small group which appears to be sympathetic to at least some elements of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy goals, falsely implying that the Iranian American community opposes these initiatives by an overwhelming majority," said Elias Eshaghian, Chairman of the Board of the IAJF.

"Accordingly, the IAJF felt that it was necessary to make it clear that not only does NIAC (National Iranian American Council) not represent the views of our community, but that indeed the IAJF strongly supports both of these initiatives and deeply appreciates the support of their authors and co-signers in the U.S. Congress."

Mr. Eshaghian added that: "The policy of the IAJF is rooted in support for the wishes of the majority of the Iranian people. In this respect we are in full agreement with the President's policy of standing with the People of Iran and we support all initiatives that would be conducive to free expression of opinion by those people."