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Arab Americans Demand Bush Not Certify Funds to Israel

Posted on Tuesday August 6, 2002

Washington, DC – On August 6, the Arab American Institute (AAI) wrote to President George W. Bush asking that he not proceed with certification of $200 million earmarked for Israel as part of the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

“With the recent Senate foreign operations appropriations subcommittee’s approval of $2.1 billion in military assistance for Israel for FY03, additional funding will only highlight the perception of the U.S. government’s pro-Israel bias and further impede negotiations,” said James Zogby, AAI President.

To stop the cycle of repression and retaliation, Zogby called on the United States to use its entire means to restore some semblance of humanity in otherwise inhuman conditions.

“To make inroads toward peace, the administration must stop authorizing financial rewards to Israel and instead create a realistic political strategy. Use of American weapons against Palestinians will not build opportunities for dialogue. Nor do the actions of militants on the Palestinian side who sacrifice the humanity of their own people for political goals,” Zogby added.

The letter states:

“Israel does not require additional funding at a time when the Sharon government is engaged in collective punishment against the Palestinian people. Tensions between Palestinians and Israelis have reached intolerable levels. To allow additional funding for ‘security-related’ equipment and supplies at this time will be perceived as contributing to the continued U.S. bias in favor of Israel.”

“Israel and the Palestinian civilians are bearing the brunt of these offenses against common sense and dignity. Postponing the designation of this funding for Israel until there is more cooperation in reaching security and negotiations agreements with the Palestinian leadership will send a clear message that both sides must work for peace and not allow extremists to control the agenda.”

The text of the letter follows:

The Honorable George Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
August 6, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing you to ask that you do not certify the recent $200 million for Israel added to the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill as an “emergency”. Israel does not require additional funding at a time when the Sharon government is engaged in collective punishment against the Palestinian people. Tensions between Palestinians and Israelis have reached intolerable levels. To allow additional funding for “security-related” equipment and supplies at this time will be perceived as contributing to the continued U.S. bias in favor of Israel.

While Israel is actively combating terrorism, its use of American weapons against Palestinian civilians does not build opportunities for dialogue. Nor do the actions of militants on the Palestinian side who sacrifice the humanity of their own people for political goals. To stop this cycle of repression and retaliation, the United States must use all of its means to restore some semblance of humanity in otherwise inhumane conditions.

Israeli and Palestinian civilians are bearing the brunt of these offenses against common sense and dignity. Postponing the designation of this funding for Israel until there is more cooperation in reaching security and negotiations agreements with the Palestinian leadership will send a clear message that both sides must work for peace and not allow extremists to control the agenda.

We look forward to your making this small yet critical step in restoring U.S. leadership in the search for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Best regards,

James Zogby
President