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May 10, 2002/Iyar 28, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 34
Clarion call to action
Local AIPAC event draws 500 attendees
BARRY COHEN
Editor
The head of the U.S. pro-Israel lobby challenged local supporters to take action in the interest of Israel's safety and security.
"(Congress) is standing with Israel during our hour of need," Howard Kohr, executive director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, told 500 people at the local AIPAC chapter's annual meeting May 5, at the Scottsdale Hilton Resort and Villas.
"We must stand with them as well, (but) ... it is going to require a much greater effort on our part. There are still too few people willing to engage in the political process."
Kohr enumerated a number of ways for Americans to engage in the political process to help Israel, including encouraging congressional leaders to increase funding to Israel. "There has been a tremendous cost of fighting the war against terror," and Israel's economy has been weakened as a result, he said.
Supporters should also urge President George W. Bush to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the Russian transfer of military and nuclear technology to Iran, remarked Kohr. Bush has listed Iran among the "axis of evil" nations that support terrorism, Kohr explained, and a grave concern is Iran's misusing Russian technology to create weapons of mass destruction.
Rep. Jane Harmon (D-Calif.) agreed with Kohr's assessment.
"The critical, immediate threat to Israel and frankly to us, too, because of the range of its missiles ... is Iran." American Jews must pressure Congress and the Bush administration to create a "zero tolerance" of technology transfers from Russia to Iran, she said.
"The future of Israel is controlled by the Congress and the United States, and our support for those people in Congress who are leading the fight is vitally important," said Bob Karatz, a local AIPAC member who attended the meeting.
Supporters of Israel must pay careful attention to future legislation and diplomatic actions affecting Israel, said Rabbi William Berk of Temple Chai, who also attended.
The agenda included a question-and-answer period with Kohr, Harmon, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and former Israeli Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Ariel Levite.
Concerning whether AIPAC would pursue U.S. legislation against the Palestinian Authority, in light of Israel's recent military offensive, Kohr noted the U.S. has contributed $30 million to the United Nations to help run Palestinian refugee camps, plus $200 million to the PA.
"Where is this money going and why?" questioned Kohr. "We first must be careful to prevent the PA from turning that money into more arms and more terrorism and more dead Israelis."
The PA and Arafat must be held accountable for how U.S. funding is used, added Kyl. The PA used prior funding to establish a police force, and then used that police force against the Israelis in the latest intifada, he explained.
"(Congress) cannot allow that from happening again."
Outside the Hilton, a counter-demonstration of approximately four dozen people was sponsored by American Friends for Palestine, a local pro-Palestinian group.
"That's what America is all about," said Gene Schupak, chairman of AIPAC of Phoenix and AIPAC national development chairman, about the demonstration. "We all have the right to say what we think, and then we have the obligation ... to decide for ourselves what's right for us."
Contact the writer at barry_cohen@jewishaz.com.
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