On September 18, 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared, “The pretext (Holocaust) for the creation of the Zionist regime (Israel) is false … It is a lie based on an unprovable and mythical claim.” He later said that, “confronting the Zionist regime is a national and religious duty,” and that Israel “has no future.” Ahmadinejad was speaking to thousands of Iranian government supporters and dozens of opposition activists who gathered for marches commemorating Quds Day, Jerusalem Day, an annual event condemning Israel and expressing solidarity for the Palestinians. The event ended with violent clashes between Ahamdinejad supporters and opposition leaders. Read more from Haaretz and the New York Times.

Ahmadinejad’s hate-filled remarks come days before he is scheduled to address the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York City and as the deadline for talks with the West approaches.

As we enter into the Jewish New Year, the Days of Awe and of Reflection, we must redouble our efforts to confront an Iranian regime that calls for the destruction of the Jewish State, denies the Holocaust, suppresses its people, and pursues nuclear weapons capability. We must continue to make our voices heard and show the world that Ahamadinejad’s regime poses a grave threat to the international community, humanity, and peace.

On September 24, 2009, in conjunction with the opening of the UN General Assembly, Americans will participate in “Stand for Freedom in Iran” events around the country. From New York City to Los Angeles, diverse voices, reflecting a broad range of political, ethnic and religious perspectives, will fill the public arena to voice solidarity with the Iranian people as they seek freedom and human rights. In addition, these events will underscore the urgency of the US and the international community coming together to persuade the Iranian regime, using strong diplomatic and economic measures, to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Participating communities include Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, St. Louis, and Washington, DC.

Please consider creating your own event. The time for concerted community action is now.