To:        Officers, Rabbis, Synagogue Leaders

From:   Richard B. Stone, Chairman
             Betty Ehrenberg, Director, International and Communal Affairs

RE:      Emergency Aid Package for Israel

During this time of crisis in Israel, it is crucial for the American Jewish community to focus Congressional attention on Israel’s safety and security.  It is imperative that Congress send a strong signal to the international community that the United States stands by Israel, our only reliable ally in the Middle East.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Washington D.C. on December 4^th to complete this year’s spending bills.  It is unclear at this time whether or not Congress will consider any new initiatives before adjournment.  However, the Jewish community is encouraging Congress to consider and pass two important pending items that would demonstrate the strength of US support for Israel at this crucial time.

1. Emergency Aid for Israel

President Clinton has officially asked Congress for $450 million in emergency aid for Israel to help pay for Israel’s courageous and costly withdrawal from Lebanon last May and for countering long range security threats from Iran and Iraq.

Israel has incurred $950 million in costs associated with its withdrawal from Lebanon.  Israel requires special one time assistance to help defray these costs.  Please call the members of Congress at 202-224-3121 to urge support for this crucial aid package during this time of crisis for Israel.

2. Oppose the Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian Statehood

Yassir Arafat has stated, “Our people our continuing on the road to Jerusalem, capital of the independent Palestinian state, whether he (Barak) accepts or does not accept, let him go to hell.”  Senators are considering legislation, S.3250, to counter this threat.  The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Diane Fienstien (D-CA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY), would prohibit US recognition of a unilaterally declared state; prohibit US assistance to a unilaterally declared state; and downgrade the status of the Palestinian office in the United States if a Palestinian state is declared unilaterally.                  

Please call Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to co-sponsor and support S.3250, opposing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. (The House has already passed a similar bill by a 385-27 margin).

Strong support of this important legislation in Congress will send a clear signal to Yassir Arafat that any attempt to establish a Palestinian state outside the negotiating process will have serious repercussions on Palestinian relations with the United States and entail diplomatic, political, and economic costs.

Urgent Action Needed

Call and write members of the House and Senate today at 202-224-3121 and ask them to support the supplemental aid package for Israel.  Call Senators at 202-224-3121 and ask them to co-sponsor and support S.3250.

Kindly call us at 212-613-8124 with any questions you may have.

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