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June 22, 2001/Tamuz 1, 5761, Vol. 53, No.38
Let's do it
Editorial
American support for Israel derives from the unique United States/Israel relationship, and Israel's vaunted position as the only democracy in the roiling Middle East. Yet, even as we define the importance of a free and democratic Israel in terms of our own national interests, we often fail to utilize those very freedoms on Israel's behalf.
Our free flow of information enables any concerned citizen to keep apprised of critical issues impacting Israel. The wonders of technology allow for easy access to our duly elected officials. It's easy to stay up to speed on key legislative concerns and make our voices heard where they count - in Washington, D.C.
A trio of issues currently warrants a brief phone, e-mail or fax message:
- Thank the Arizona delegation for supporting the Iran Libya Sanctions Act, which punishes foreign companies for doing business with Iran and Libya. Urge our representative to oppose shortening extension of the act from five years to a proposed two years. The act sends a clear message that we will not tolerate international terrorism, and it is critical to Israel's security interests.
- Urge support of the Middle East Peace Compliance Act, now in committee in both the U.S. House and Senate. The bill gives President Bush the power to impose sanctions on the Palestinians if they fail to comply with promises previously made to Israel. These include: curtailing incitement; arresting individuals suspected of inciting violence; preventing acts of terrorism against Israel; preventing the establishment of military forces other than the Palestinian Authority; and establishing a systematic program for collection of illegal arms.
- Urge continued foreign aid to Israel. A $2.8 billion package currently is being considered - $2.04 billion for military and $720 million for economic aid.
Concern about the continuing cycle of violence in Israel - and the concomitant war of words being played out in the press - continues. And we have the freedom and the means to access our elected officials and to impact Israel's future in a meaningful way.
Just do it.
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