Combined Jewish Philanthropies believes the proposed nuclear deal between Iran and world powers is cause for great concern. We share the goal of achieving a negotiated, peaceful solution to Iran’s nuclear activities and we support the efforts of the United States and its allies to arrive at a diplomatic solution and we are grateful for their efforts.

But the proposed agreement, as it currently stands, only delays critical aspects of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, thus acknowledging or even affirming Iran’s place as a threshold nuclear state.

It does not permit essential “anytime, anywhere” inspections of Iranian facilities. Nor does the nuclear deal do anything to curb, and may well provide additional resources, to fuel Iran’s longstanding aggression toward its neighbors as well as its funding of terror organizations around the world.

The Iranian regime has clearly stated and acted on its desire to wipe Israel off the map by providing potentially devastating and increasingly sophisticated, accurate and powerful missile technology to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Its intentions were also apparent at a public rally calling for Israel's destruction just this past week. These very real dangers seem to have been ignored in the discussion over curbing Iran’s nuclear weapon-building capacity.

Leaders from across the Israeli political spectrum, from Labor Party head Yitzhak Herzog to Prime Minister Netanyahu, have expressed grave concerns about the proposed deal and what it could mean for Israel’s security. In the very short term, lifting sanctions on Iran will mean a boon for Hamas and Hezbollah.

This is a defining moment. As Americans, as Jews and as people who love and support Israel, we are deeply concerned that this agreement leaves the entire Middle East less stable and more vulnerable to Iran’s radical agenda.

We acknowledge the many diverse views within our own community, and the best intentions and extraordinary efforts of President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry. All of us who love Israel and yearn for peace can have different ideas about how to achieve our shared goal. We cannot, however, be silent in our opposition to this proposed agreement, one that we believe poses far too many risks to the United States, to Israel and to the entire world.

We encourage members of the community to reach out to their elected representatives in the House and the Senate to express their deep concern, and to urge them to vote against this deal.

* AIPAC makes communicating with your elected official easy. Click on their site to find information and forms to make your correspondence simple and ensure that it’s seen.

* Know the facts. The Jewish Federations of North America has a new page with the latest news, statements and commentary on the Iran agreement.

* Share news articles on social media and via email to spread the word about the risks of this agreement and the danger Iran continues to pose to the world. Visit Times of Israel, Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post.

Reprinted from CJP statement