More upheaval threatens the Middle East

To the editor:

The Jewish Federation is deeply saddened and disturbed by recent events in the Middle East. Thursday's series of terrorist attacks in Israel's south near Eilat and along the border with Egypt targeted both civilians and soldiers. At least seven Israelis were killed and dozens more were wounded.

For perspective, this would have been equivalent to 282 Americans being killed and hundreds more wounded.

We grieve with the families that lost loved ones in these wanton attacks and pray for the quick and full recovery of those injured. We hope the perpetrators are promptly brought to justice. These were barbaric attacks. Both Egypt and the Palestinian Authority need to address the lawlessness in the Sinai and Gaza where the terrorists are suspected of passing through.

To Israel's north in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad continues to violently repress his people's peaceful calls for democratic reforms. President Obama condemned the violent response from the Syrian government and said Assad must step down. We applaud the president's statement which demonstrates to the world that human rights are a core value to the United States and our national security and foreign policy.

Sadly, unless President Assad steps down, we believe he will continue to abuse his authority, resulting in more senseless killings of his own people. President Obama's call for him to resign, in conjunction with stronger economic sanctions are steps in the right direction. It sends a clear message that violent repression in response to legitimate demands will not be tolerated.

Assad's behavior is destabilizing to a region that already has enough difficulty remaining stable. We sincerely hope the international community will come together and support the stance of the United States and President Obama on this matter.

We continue to pray and work for the safety and security of all people's in the Middle East in the pursuit of peace and the hope that there will not be more lives lost to senseless acts of violence and terror.

Elliot B. Karp

Las Vegas

The writer is president and CEO of The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.