"In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand. To seek progress toward a secure and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors, we have appointed an envoy to sustain our effort. To meet the challenges of the 21st century –- from terrorism to nuclear proliferation; from pandemic disease to cyber-threats to crushing poverty -– we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all elements of our national power.-President Obama 2/24/09
Secretary Clinton and Special Envoy Mitchell are heading to the Middle East for the March 2nd summit in Cairo to raise money for post war Gaza. There are two simple steps we can take to give them our support.
Today, Senator Diane Feinstein (CA) drafted a letter to Secretary of State Clinton strongly supporting her upcoming diplomatic mission to Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt. She is circulating the letter for other Senators to co-sign. The letter will be delivered to Secretary Clinton this Friday, February 27th.
This campaign is presently supported by J Street, Americans For Peace Now, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom. Please contact your Senators, through the Toll-Free Capitol Switchboard, (877)762-8762 or (800)828-0498, and ask them to co-sign this letter.
"...Your trip sends another important signal of the Obama Administration's seriousness about dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
"We commend both you and President Obama for these statements and we urge you to use your upcoming visit to Israel and the West Bank to underscore your personal commitment, and that of President Obama, to Israel's security and to achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace. Both are vital U.S. national security interests that must not be neglected. The continuing launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the ongoing challenge of formalizing an Israel-Hamas truce, underscore the importance of tenacious American leadership and engagement, now and in the future."
On February 4th, Representative William Delahunt (MA-10) introduced House Resolution (HR) 130, supporting President Barack Obama’s appointment of former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell as his Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. This legislation was created to send a signal of bi-partisan Congressional support for the Envoy’s efforts.
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates Senator George Mitchell on his appointment as Special Envoy for Middle East Peace;
(2) commits to supporting President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and Special Envoy Mitchell in their vigorous pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflicts based on the establishment of 2 states, the State of Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, and with recognized borders;
(3) reaffirms that peace between Israel and the Palestinians and Israel and the Arab world are essential national security interests of the United States; and
(4) expresses its appreciation to those engaged in support of Middle East peacemaking and the recent cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, and calls on the international community to aggressively pursue efforts that facilitate a just and lasting resolution of these conflicts.
As of today, a diverse group of 65 Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Arab-American Representatives, Democrat and Republican, have signed on to Co-Sponsor HR 130. A partial list of Co-Sponsors (55) can be found here.
This campaign is supported by The Arab American Institute, Churches For Middle East Peace, Israel Policy Forum, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, Americans For Peace Now, Religious Action Center Of Reform Judaism, and J Street
If your Representative has not co-sponsored this Resolution, please call them through (877)762-8762 or (800)828-0498 and urge them to support it. If he or she has signed on, please call and thank them.
President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and Envoy Mitchell are going to need support from citizens and Congressional members that want an even-handed approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict to counteract other forces that will be pressuring him to continue the status quo. Please do your part to provide peace and justice to the peoples of Israel and Palestine.
