Urgent Action Needed

July 25, 2001

To: Officers, Rabbis, Key Contacts
From: Richard B. Stone, Chairman
Betty Ehrenberg, Director, International and Communal Affairs
RE: Temple Mount Preservation Act of 2001

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We are urging your strong support of the Temple Mount Preservation Act, H.R.2566, a bill introduced by Congressman Eric J. Cantor (R-VA) and co-sponsored by Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN). The bill calls for the cut-off of aid to the Palestinian Authority until the desecration of the Temple Mount and the continued illegal excavations resulting in the destruction of remains of the Jewish Temples come to an end. In spite of strong protests by archeological, religious, and governmental leaders, important archeological artifacts of greatest significance continue to be destroyed. This not only has importance for the Jewish community but for individuals all over the world who cherish religious freedom. The remains of our holy Temples are sacred to the Jewish people not only for religious and theological purposes but for historical and cultural reasons as well. This bill would help put a halt to the unauthorized massive constructions and excavations that are taking place.

Despite strong protests by leading Israeli archeologists, American and Israeli leaders, tons of dirt containing precious antique artifacts is being removed from the Temple Mount in an effort to destroy the remnants of Jewish holy places. It is therefore important that we help support the Temple Mount Preservation Act of 2001. 

Currently, the United States is on track to spend $125 million in aid this year to the United States Agency for International Development - USAID - for the Palestinians. This money is part of a $400 million package over three years appropriated by Congress in 2000. Additionally, the U.S. annually provides approximately $75 million in indirect aid to the Palestinians - again administered through the USAID. This bill would provide that this assistance be halted unless the President certifies that no excavation of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is underway.

The continued excavations are an outrageous example of the blatant attempt to eradicate Jewish history from Judaism's holy site, proving again that the Palestinian Authority cannot be trusted with the preservation of holy sites. Call your Representatives at (202) 225-3121 or write to them and urge them to co-sponsor and support the Temple Mount Preservation Act of 2001, H.R. 2566. Have them call (202) 225-2815 to add their names to the list of co-sponsors.

Talking Points

• The illegal construction and destruction of the Temple Mount is a desecration of Judaism's holiest site and a site holy to Christians and Moslems as well. It is an attempt to eradicate vestiges of Jewish history thereby discrediting Israel's claim to sovereignty over the Temple Mount.

• The fact that Arafat and the Palestinian Authority would eradicate valuable archeological evidence of construction and events in Hebrew and Christian religious writings is proof of religious intolerance and evidence that Arafat and the PA cannot be trusted with the preservation of holy sites. This destruction denies Americans the needed historical information to know about and appreciate their religious heritage. This is important to all who cherish religious freedom.

• The destruction of holy sites must be stopped. The world has recently witnessed the outrageous desecration and destruction of sites holy to other religions as well by radical extremists. 

• Not only are the illegal construction and excavations on the Temple Mount an attempt to eradicate history, they are a political attempt by Yassir Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to achieve sovereignty over the Temple Mount. 

Contact your Representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support the Temple Mount Preservation Act of 2001, H.R. 2566. Have them call (202) 225-2815 to add their name to the list of co-sponsors.

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Representative _________________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515 

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(202) 225-3121 
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RBS
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