Dear Friend,
This is important and welcome news.
In a new letter to President Biden, 92 Democratic Members of Congress are speaking out on the current crises unfolding in Israel and the West Bank -- including escalating violence, acts of annexation, and the ongoing assault on key pillars of Israeli democracy.
These Members of Congress expressed their strong support for determined US leadership to de-escalate conflict, protect the viability of a two-state peace agreement, and oppose the Netanyahu government’s steps to compromise Israel’s judiciary and advance annexation.
Led by Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Jim McGovern, and Jan Schakowsky, the letter shares “deep concern regarding the planned changes to the structure of the Israeli judiciary, the fragile security situation in the West Bank, and the threat of partial or full annexation of areas that would most certainly be part of a future Palestinian state.”
It urges President Biden to “use all diplomatic tools available to prevent Israel’s government from further damaging the nation’s democratic institutions and undermining the potential for two states for two peoples.”
J Street proudly mobilized our pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy movement to support this congressional initiative. Our movement helped show Members of Congress just how concerned we are about the current threats to the future of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
Yesterday’s appalling terror attack in central Tel Aviv was a reminder of how the security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, and how much further action is needed to pull back from the brink of violence and destabilization.
The letter notes that violence against both Israelis and Palestinians has surged in recent weeks, and that “consistent and sustained U.S. diplomatic leadership is critical to preempt counterproductive unilateral actions and prevent violent escalations.”
The call is being heard in the White House and beyond, receiving widespread media attention with reports in The New York Times, Politico, JTA, Haaretz and the Times of Israel.
We’re deeply grateful to these elected leaders for standing up for the rights, freedoms and futures of Israelis and Palestinians alike and recognizing the magnitude of this moment.
And we’re grateful to all our supporters who helped press -- and who continue to press -- for strong leadership from Congress and the White House.
Together, we’re doing all we can to make clear that the vast majority of American Jews are committed to Israel’s democracy, a future of Israeli-Palestinian peace, and the founding ideals of justice, equality and freedom enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
Thank you, sincerely, for your ongoing support.
Hannah Morris
Director of Government Affairs, J Street
P.S. You can read the full text of the letter and review the full list of signers here.
