NEW YORK- The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has praised President Bush’s decision to continue to stand by his nomination of Dr. Daniel Pipes to the board of the United States Institute of Peace.

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein, chairman of the board Dr. Alan Mazurek, and National Policy Coordinator Sarah Stern have sent a letter to President Bush, stating:

“On behalf of the Zionist Organization of America —the oldest, and one of the largest, pro-Israel organizations in the United States, with a strong record of advocating for America’s security interests in the Middle East— we are writing to express our deepest gratitude to you for continuing to support the nomination of Dr. Daniel Pipes to the board of the United States Institute of Peace.

“We agree with you that Dr. Pipes, an eminent scholar of Islam and the Middle East, would make a superb addition to the Institute’s board. His important research on Islamic extremism and supporters of terrorism has played a crucial role in educating Americans about the terrorist threat, especially in the wake of 9/11.

“As you know, Muslim extremist groups are lobbying to block the nomination. Some of the opponents of Dr. Pipes, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) have openly praised terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas; no wonder they want to stop his nomination. It is important to note that moderate Muslims, by contrast, have endorsed the nomination.

“By standing firm on the Pipes nomination, you will be taking another important step towards victory in the war against terrorism.”