The pro-Israel group AIPAC has succeeded lately in getting the signatures of some three-quarters of the members of Congress in support for Israel’s side of the Gaza flotilla incident.
The letter, whose first signers are Texas Republican Ted Poe and Michigan Democrat Gary Peters, calls on President Barack Obama to “unequivocally reiterate that the United States stands behind its longtime friend and ally” and to block any condemnation or investigation at the United Nations.
“Israeli forces used necessary force as an act of self-defense and of last resort,” says the letter, labeling the passengers who battled the Israeli commandos “extremists who sought to aid the Iran-backed terrorist Hamas regime.”
Among those who signed the letter was Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Democrat who represents New York’s 11th congressional district (which includes Crown Heights).
In response she has received the following letter:
6/23/2010
Dear Congresswoman Clarke,
We wish to acknowledge your signature on the recent Poe-Peters Congressional letter to President Obama. That letter strongly asserts Israel’s legal right of self defense in the flotilla incident and beyond.Furthermore, your support and signature rightfully lays blame at the feet of the Turkish-led flotilla for the unfortunate loss of life due to the provocative and completely avoidable actions of the IHH activists.
Time and again Israel’s international critics paint her as the aggressor when
the overwhelming facts, when viewed impartially, prove otherwise. The aftermath of this Israeli naval action, designed only to prevent a declared enemy from acquiring arms that would be used against civilians, overwhelmingly demonstrates the blatant double standard and hypocrisy to which Israel is subjected by the UN and the world. That abhorrently unfair situation must be challenged.
Congresswoman Clarke, you and your congressional colleagues deserve credit and acknowledgment for setting the record straight.
In recent months we have met with you several times, individually and collectively, to explain and articulate how important your signature and stature is to Israel’s defense and to our community. Your signature on this letter is particularly meaningful to us. We write you today to thank you for your commitment to the defense of America’s best friend and most trusted ally in the Middle East, Israel.
We are heartened by your conviction, and that of your colleagues, to show strong and principled support to Israel during these very dark days. Our community particularly appreciates your public identification with Israel’s safety and security now and in the future.
All best wishes,
(alphabetically)
Chaskel Bennett – Agudas Israel/COJO Flatbush
Eli Cohen – Crown Heights Jewish Community Council
Leon Goldenberg – Agudas Israel/COJO Flatbush
Rabbi Shea Hecht – National Committee the Furtherance of Jewish Education
Malcolm Hoenlein – Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations
Elly Kleinman – Agudas Israel/COJO Flatbush
Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz – Agudas Israel/COJO Flatbush
Rabbi Michael Miller JCRC
Rabbi Yechezkel Pikus – COJO Flatbush
Yeruchim Silber – Midwood
Chanina Sperlin – Crown Heights Jewish Community Council
Zaki Tamir – Crown Heights Jewish Community Council
Rabbi Gedaliah Weinberger – Agudas Israel/COJO Flatbush
ain hachi nami, me’iker hadin you’re right. Zaki hasn’t officially taken office yet.
If that is the case then how is it that Zaki Tamir also signed as CHJCC? I can understand that since the new has not yet been elected entirely, the old va’ad is still in office, but they can’t both be members of the current va’ad, either the old one is in or the new one you can’t have it both ways.
TAMIR SPERLIN HECHT
Great to see askonim from all communities stand together, caring for our brethren in Israel.
WE STAND AS ONE FOR SHOLOM for RUBASKIN.
WE STAND AS ONE FOR SHOLOM for KLALL YISROEL.
Thank you congresswoman, for being part of this CLEAR message, not only to the US, but to the whole world.
As the bylaws say the past vaad hakohol, brownstein, cadaner, sperlin & poltrack stay in office untill a new official (3 or more) comes in, which means the past vaad brownstein, cadaner, sperlin & poltrack are in office untill after the runoff
Actually he is.
He may be a lame duck but he’s not out of office yet.
the letter is notr signed by Clarke
Zaki I’m fan. Don’t fall in to the trap have A back Bone
its not a big deal for chanina to sign the letter but he should not write that he is from the CHJCC when he is not!!
Thank you leaders! We must continue to keep tabs on Ms. Clarke and others who represent our community in governmental bodies.
Ms. Clarke’s support for Israel has not been 100% consistent, but with your help, leaders, please Hashem, her support can be made 100% consistent!