My Breakfast With Gary (Ackerman)

On Sunday, March 8th, Congressman Gary Ackerman gave a policy briefing to constituents at a Long Island synagogue.  The Democratic lawmaker represents the 5th Congressional District of New York, encompassing the North Shore of Queens (New York City) and parts of Nassau County (Long Island).  Representative Ackerman is presently serving his 14th term in the House, where he is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Chairperson of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.  The event, sponsored by UJA Federation-New York's Long Island Chapter, allowed Rep. Ackerman to discuss his feelings about the current state of affairs in Israel, Palestine, and the greater Middle East.

Congressman Ackerman spoke about the enormous regional influence of Iran, Iran's effect on regional stability, the narrowing of power within the governmental and non-governmental entities in the Middle East, and the recent war in Gaza and Southern Israel.

According to Congressman Ackerman, the most immediate threat to the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the world is the government of Iran.  He discussed the financial, military, and political influence that Iran has created in the region.  The governments of Qatar and Libya have formed a greater bond with Iran due to Iran's growing power and economic assistance.  Hezbullah in Lebanon and Syria, Hamas in Gaza, and The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt have all received funding, financing, weaponry, and support from the Iranian government.

Compounding this growing Iranian influence is the the fact that they have a huge army, large amounts of traditional weaponry, and a quest for nuclear weaponry.  Putting this all together, says the Congressman, it is plain to see that the very existence of Israel is on the block.

For the last eight years, the U.S. government avoided engagement with Iran.  In the Congressman's opinion, this did not work out well, since it contributed to Iran's gain in regional power.  The idea of an international boycott also failed since many nations, including Russia, refused to go along with it.  He is certain that Israel, at this moment, has the technological and military advantage thanks to the United States.  However, the regional dynamic is changing, and Israel, as well as the United States, need to learn the lessons that it is not only important to be strong, but smart, in order to survive.  He feels that we need to find out what other nations need and want in order to stop this growing threat.

With respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Congressman believes it is an area where Israel needs to cut a deal while they are still in a position of power.  Like Iran and the Arab nations, the Palestinians are increasing their technological and military capabilities.  Israel and the United States know that the Palestinians want their own State.  He is aware that the Palestinian people elected Hamas, partly due to the fact that Fatah did not deliver a Palestinian State to its people.

In addition, the erosion of the Palestinian's land by Israeli settlements has contributed to a feeling of anger, anxiety, and hopelessness in the Palestinian people.  Although not justifying their actions, he noted that this loss of hope is so powerful that it has forced some people to become suicide bombers.

The Congressman believes we must revisit the inequities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  He stated that the Israelis know that the smaller settlements must go, and the larger ones that remain must be consolidated.  He also supports Abu Mazen (President Mahmoud Abbas) and (PA Prime Minister) Salam Fayyad as people that can work with the Israelis in negotiating a peace plan.  He is concerned, however, with the recent news that Mr. Fayyad has offered his resignation effective the end of March.

With respect to the recent conflict, the Congressman noted that Israel left Gaza in 2005.  In his opinion, the Palestinians, instead of building a State, used the control of Gaza to fire 8,000 missiles into Israel.  This continuous bombing, which elicited no large scale international demonstrations and condemnation, forced Israel to defend itself this past December and January.  He believes that Israel has a right to defend its citizens against attack in any manner it deems appropriate.  He strongly stated that the idea of a proportionate response is nonsense and felt that Israel should have attacked in a stronger manner.

In his conclusion, Congressman Ackerman believes that tough decisions need to be made based on Israel's survival, since the balance of power between Israel, the Palestinians, and the Arab world is getting closer.  In additon, with Iran gaining strength, it is vital that the two-state solution peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians move forward as quickly as possible.

While not a progressive politician regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Congressman Ackerman's recent comments, challenging Israeli settlements, archaeological digging in Jerusalem, and settler pogroms in Hebron, have reflected a move away from his previous positions.  This has resulted in attacks from Morton Klein of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and Abe Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), while earning positive responses from the left-leaning Brit Tzedek v'Shalom and The Forward's Leonard Fein.  Sunday's briefing continued his ideas of the need for immediate regional diplomacy, a partial understanding of the frustrations of the Palestinian people, and the negative effects of the settlements.

As the Chair of the Subcommittee on The Middle East and South Asia, the Congressman's voice is a powerful and important one.  Those of us who desire a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict need to work at supporting his initial positive statements and help move him farther along the progressive path.  Individuals can work alone and comment directly to his office, which may have limited influence (especially for non-constituents) or they can attempt to gain a larger voice through alliances with more progressive Congressional advocacy groups.

If people are interested, please contact the following groups to discuss the ideas in this diary, as well as to find a way of becoming part of a larger voice in the Congressional aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

1. JStreet: Steven Krubiner, Assistant Political Director, [e-mail] or [e-mail],[phone]

2. Brit Tzedek v'Shalom: Deepa Domansky, Advocacy Coordinator and Washington Liaison,[e-mail],[phone]

3. American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Commitee,: Tom Albert, Director of Governmental Affairs,[e-mail], [phone]

4. Arab-American Institute: Leigh O'Neill, Government Relations and Policy Analyst, [e-mail], [phone]

5. Churches For Middle East Peace,: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Legislative Coordinator, [e-mail], [phone]

6. Americans For Peace Now: Lara Friedman, Director of Policy and Government Relations, [e-mail], [phone]

7. Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: Barbara Weinstein, Legislative Director, [e-mail], [phone]

8. American Task Force On Palestine: Gaith al-Omari, Advocacy Director, [e-mail], [phone]

Here are some ideas to discuss with these advocacy groups regarding Congressman Ackerman:

1. Broaden the range of experts invited to The Middle East Subcommittee Hearings

2. Co-Sponsor HR 130, and use his leadership position to gain more signatories for this symbolic Resolution supporting Middle East Envoy George Mitchell

3. Publically support Congressmen Ellison and Baird on their recent visit to The West Bank, Gaza, and Israel

4. Lead a delegation of Subcommitee members on a similar trip to the region in order to gain a more balanced view of the situation

5. Work in conjunction with House Foreign Affairs Chair Howard Berman and Senate Foreign Relations Chair John Kerry on a more detailed and structured plan for the two-state peace process

6. Publicly discuss the penalties associated with the continued expansion of the settlements

7. Tone down the rhetoric concerning Hamas and Iran, no matter how much he believes it