Thursday, April 15, 2010

Congress Sends a Resounding Message of Pro-Israel Support by Esther Levens


PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 15, 2010
CONTACT: Esther Levens - 913.648.0022 - elevens@israelunitycoalition.org
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Congress Sends a Resounding Message of Pro-Israel Support

Strong letters of support for Israel have been signed by 3/4 of the Congress, 333 Members of the House of Representative and 76 Senators. The Congressional letters were addressed to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a powerful response objecting to the Obama administration shift in US policy. They stress the strong and enduring US-Israel relationship, and object to the current emphasis on pressuring Israel by making demands for preconditions in order to entice the Palestinians to the negotiating table.

These letters, by responding in a very forceful way to the crisis created by the Administration's stand against Israel, put the Congress at odds with the President.

They express the American public's long-standing approval of the US - Israel relationship and disapproval of the Obama Administration's fomenting of hatred among Israel's enemies and intensifying the conflict (as witnessed by recent Palestinian riots in Jerusalem).

These dissenting Congressional letters have generated hundreds of thank you letters signed by individuals and heads of organizations. They express appreciation to the pro-Israel support Congress is now providing for a beleaguered Israel.

The Congressional letters are very important because they demonstrate to Prime Minister Netanyahu a strong, bi-partisan American support for him personally and for Israel. Addressed to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, the writers made clear that Israel remains our only reliable democratic ally in the Middle East.

Excerpts from the House of Representatives' letter to Secretary of State Clinton:
"Above all, we must remain focused on the threat from Iranian nuclear weapons program to Middle East peace and stability. From the moment of Israel's creation, successive US Administrations have appreciated the special bond between the US and Israel. For decades, strong, bi-partisan Congressional support for Israel, including security assistance and other important measures, have been eloquent testimony to our commitment to Israel's security, which remains unswerving. …
"Our valuable bilateral relationship with Israel needs and deserves constant reinforcement."
The Senate letter to Secretary Clinton stated:
"We urge you to continue to re-affirm the unbreakable bonds that tie the United States and Israel together and to diligently work to defuse current tensions...
"From the moment of Israel's creation, successive US administrations have appreciated the special relationship between our two nations. Israel continues to be the one true democracy in the Middle East that brings stability to a region where it is in short supply. Israel has been a consistent, reliable ally and friend and has helped to advance American interests."
The many groups and individuals who expressed this appreciation to the Congress reflect the judgment of most Americans who feel strongly that the United States must defend an embattled Israel.

The letters applaud Congressional awareness that Israel is on the front line of protecting our freedoms and Judeo-Christian values in the face of today's war against a mutual genocidal terrorist enemy.