Tuesday, July 15, 2008 President Peres: I pardon - but don't forgive - Kuntar

PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE

PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SENDS LETTER TO JUSTICE MINISTER PROF. DANIEL
FRIEDMANN REGARDING SAMIR KUNTAR

Jerusalem, 15.7.08

President Shimon Peres, a few minutes ago, sent a letter to Justice Minister
Prof. Daniel Friedmann, in which the former made use of his authority to
grant pardons, for Samir Kuntar ( http://tinyurl.com/5bhmbg ), in the
framework of the deal to return the abducted IDF soldiers in Lebanon, Eldad
Regev and Ehud Goldwasser ( http://tinyurl.com/6psa8l ).

In his letter, President Peres wrote: "I would like to inform you that I
received your request and made use of the authority vested in me to grant
pardons, in accordance with Article 11b of Basic Law: The President of the
State ( http://tinyurl.com/ywatb ), regarding the person in question, in the
wake of the Government's 29.6.08 decision ( http://tinyurl.com/5j5vy5 ),
which was ratified today (Tuesday), 15.7.08 ( http://tinyurl.com/6k7k4p ),
concerning the release of the abducted IDF soldiers in Lebanon, Eldad Regev
and Ehud Goldwasser. I made this difficult decision after speaking to the
Shahar, Keren and Haran families, the victims of the abominable murderer
Samir Kuntar.

I, along with the entire nation, feel their bitter and unbearable pain. I
should like to emphasize what is self-evident - that this decision in no way
constitutes forgiveness to the murderer for his abominable and reprehensible
crimes. I neither forget nor forgive."

Shortly after signing the letter, President Peres personally informed the
Goldwasser and Regev families of his decision.

Spokesperson's Office
Office of the President
spokesperson@president.gov.il 02-6707295 Fax 02-6707251/256

Unless the Jews of Israel rise up and throw these people from the Knesset, I question if we deserve to keep the Jewish State. I am filled with shame by the actions of the leadership of Israel.