Legislators Discuss Israel Before AIPAC Confab

From Mar. 26-28, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee will host its Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Approximately 15,000 activists are expected to attend the annual gathering.

Among the featured speakers will be Vice President Michael R. Pence, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu (via satellite), U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki R. Haley, and two dozen members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

In advance of their presentations at the conference, five leaders of the latter group recently shared their thoughts with Jmore on the question, “How do you view the development of Israel as a Jewish state and democracy, particularly regarding the issues of peace and security?”

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

“Israel has always been, and will always remain, both a Jewish and a democratic state. I continue to believe that the only way to ensure Israel’s long-term peace as both a Jewish state and a democracy is through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians for a two-state solution.

“Republican and Democratic administrations alike have promoted two states living side by side in peace and security — a Jewish Israel and a Palestinian state with security. I will continue working toward this end goal.”

 

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.),House Minority Whip

“Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East not only because of our shared interests but because of our shared democratic principles. We cherish in common the fundamental freedoms: of speech, of the press, of worship, and of every individual’s right to reach for opportunity. And when any of those freedoms are questioned, America and Israel both have free, fair, and independent judiciaries to safeguard them.

“But Israel is unique in the world as having the historic mission of protecting the Jewish people’s right to exist in their ancient homeland. In my many visits to Israel over the years, I have seen the passion of Israelis across the political spectrum to achieve the long-held dream of a peaceful, secure country in which their children can grow up and continue the traditions of their ancestors I remain committed to furthering a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and ever-closer cooperation between our nations.”

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs

“I believe that a comprehensive, sustainable peace agreement — two states for two peoples – is the best and most viable way to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict and bring about a more secure and stable Israel. In contrast, the alternatives to a two-state solution would mean that Israel would have to choose between its commitment to democracy and the solemn obligation to be a homeland for the Jewish people.

“The parties must come back to the negotiating table to find a mutually agreed-upon solution.”

 

 

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.), Member, House Committee on Homeland Security, and Ranking Member, House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

“First, Israel’s security is always a priority for me. I’m proud to represent a district that has unique ties to the state of Israel and the Israeli people, and I feel I have a responsibility to do everything I can to keep strengthening those bonds. I consider Israel to be one of our closest, most important and most reliable allies in the world. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, Israelis are on the front lines of fights against enemies that we share, and every investment we make in Israel’s security is as much an investment in our own.

“I think a large part of what ties us so closely to Israel are the unbreakable bonds between Jewish Americans and their family members and friends in Israel, which is certainly the case in our district. But we’re also linked by our shared democratic values – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, self-determination. Israel is a Jewish state. It is also a democracy. It can be both, and in order for it to be both – in order for Israel to uphold those democratic values and achieve real, lasting peace – I do think Israel must remain committed to a two-state solution.

“I’ve always believed that the path to enduring peace leads to a two-state solution – and that it can only begin with direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, not with a framework for peace imposed by some third party. That said, I also believe that right now, the Palestinian people do not have leaders that can or will negotiate in good faith. They have leaders who still refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, deny Israel’s right to exist, and openly celebrate if not encourage violent attacks against Israelis.

“So I want to be clear that I recognize that a two-state solution cannot be achieved overnight, there are a lot of major obstacles in the way. But I do believe that a two-state solution remains the most viable means of resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and preserving Israel as both a Jewish state and a democracy, and we should not abandon our commitment to achieving those goals no matter what obstacles stand in the way.”

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Cal.), Senior Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Asia

“There is no viable solution to the conflict other than a two-state solution.  A single state that encompasses all of the Palestinians, as well as Israel, will not be Jewish and democratic for long. One-state solutions are either delusional or dangerous.

“Nobody believes that a two-state solution will be easy to bring about. It has eluded successive administrations since the Oslo process began in the early 1990s. But given the demographic realities, and the desire for Israel to be a pluralistic democratic homeland for the Jewish people, there is no other option but two states for two peoples.

“The now-deceased Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi once proposed a one-state solution he coined ‘Isratine,’ by which was his proposal to eventually end the Jewish state; this would be the end of the Jewish and democratic state as we know it.

“The problem is not solved without a legal status for Gaza, and any one-state solution including Gaza is not a Jewish state.

“Israel should be recognized as a Jewish state, a homeland for the Jewish people within the context of two-states for two peoples. And the Palestinians should recognize this as should the wider Arab and Muslim worlds.  Albeit, the rights of all of its minorities including Arab and Muslim minorities should be well respected.”

Peter Arnold is an Olney, Md.-based freelance writer.

 

 

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