SWC Condemns So Called Prisoner Swap “Deal” with Iranian Regime

September 12, 2023

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) condemned the recent deal struck by the United States and the Iranian Regime that would release $6 billion in oil funds from South Korea in exchange for American hostages. 

While the SWC welcomes the release of the detained Americans, this deal will only ensure increased terrorism and future hostage situations. 

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the SWC, released the following statement in response to exclusive reporting by NBC News that the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the money will be spent “wherever we need it:”

“This so-called deal is rewarding $6 billion to a murderous, terrorist-funding regime. No one – absolutely no one – believes for one minute that they will use this windfall for humanitarian purposes.”

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Shawn Rodgers at srodgers@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).