NEW YORK, NY (April 4, 2002) --- Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, issued the following statement in response to the decision to send Secretary of State Powell to the Middle East:

"We welcome the decision of President Bush to send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Middle East. We believe that in order to stop terror against Israeli civilians, resume political negotiations, and find a long-term solution to the conflict, strong American mediation and engagement in the region is essential. We hope for the success of Secretary Powell's mission, and we pray for a time when peace will reign between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."