Library of Congress Errs (UPDATED)

If you read the second half of my previous blog post, you will know that I drew attention to the probability that Rashida Tlaib is definitely not the first "Palestinian" to be elected to Congress.

The first was a Jew, John H. Krebs.

Krebs moved to the Mandate of Palestine in 1933, was educated there and even served in the Hagana before emigrating to the United States to go to university.

In order to enter the United States, he would have had need of a passport.  Since he was born in Germany, and being a Jew, his nationality would have been terminated (and had he remained there, he would have been exterminated).

Logic seems to indicate that he was issued a Palestinian passport.

or, perhaps, a Laissez-passer document.

To be sure, I wrote to the Library of Congress.

The reply, however, was strange:

John Hans Krebs was born in Berlin, Germany, although he did live in Israel from 1933 to 1946 before moving to the United States. Krebs served in the House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979. 

It appears that John Sununu was the first Palestinian-American to serve in Congress. John Sununu is of Lebanese-Palestinian ancestry and was first elected to the House in 1997 and the Senate in 2003. h

Also, Rep. Justin Amash has a Palestinian father. Amash was elected to the House in 2011. 

I responded:

Thank you.

To pursue the issue further, Krebs did NOT live in "Israel" between 1933-1946.The territory at that time was a League of Nations Mandate, assigned to Great Britain for the purpose of reconstituting the historic Jewish national home. Israel came into existence in 1948. Palestine, incidentally, never became an independent geo-political entity.

Like Krebs, Sununu was born outside of Palestine proper, in Havana, Cuba. His father's family had already come to the United States from the Middle East at the turn of the twentieth century. His father, John, was born in Boston. Sununu's mother, Victoria Dada, was born in El Salvador. So there is no direct first or second generation connection with Palestine. In fact, he never, unlike Krebs, ever lived in the area.

As for Amash, he is indeed the son of a Palestinian Christian father whose family immigrated to the United States in 1956 from Bethlehem, I think. Congressman Amash, too, was not born in the territory of Palestine but in Grand Rapids and never lived in the Palestine Mandate which ended in 1948. Between 1948-1967, the former Mandate territory of Palestine outside of the boundaries of Israel, was under the occupation/annexation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. As I do not know when Attalah Amash was born, if it was post 1948, it was not in Palestine but Jordan.

And I added

I think you are mixing up "ancestry" with actual diplomatic nationality. If that is your standard, though, dozens of Jews who have served in the House of Representatives and the Senate are, in a sense, "Palestinians" as that is where all Jews originated before being dispersed due to the conquest and occupation of Judea.

BONUS

Thanks to a Twitter ally, I can now display proof of Krebs' Palestinian nationality:

and

________________________

I have received their second reply:

Hello Yisrael Medad
We apologize if we misunderstood your original question. We thought you were attempting to find the first member of Congress with Palestinian ancestry. Since John Krebs wasn't born in the Palestine Mandate and/or present day Israel, we did not understand what you meant by the first "Palestinian" to serve in Congress.

You are correct that Krebs did not live in Israel since Israel did not come into existence until 1948. We inadvertently took the reference to Kreb living Israel from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, which mistakenly states that he "moved to Israel in 1933..." ...

That being said, John Krebs does appear to be the first member of Congress to have been raised in the Palestine Mandate and/or the land that is present-day Israel. We looked through the book "The Jews of Capitol Hill: A Compendium of Jewish Congressional Members" by Kurt F. Stone and did not find any other examples.

________________

Please read this from Abu Yehuda, who I credited in my previous post on this, with inside photos of the passport of Krebs.

And someone edited at Wikipedia (for how long I do not know)

^

NYTimes: Israel's Fault

Following the opening salvo yesterday, the New York Times continues to concoct the new conspiracy theory that Egypt's woes are all ... Israel's fault.

First, as Leo Rennert points out

...in pursuit of external meddlers aligned against Washington diplomacy, the Times prefers to build a case against Israel and AIPAC...There’s more here than a whiff of Jewish conspiracy theories that fueled medieval anti-Semitism..  Notice that AIPAC is tagged as an ”influential” pressure group presumably capable of swaying the U.S. Senate.  AIPAC cracks the whip, purportedly, and 83 senators jump to Israel’s tune...As for Israel’s  supposed role in taking sides against the Muslim Brotherhood, the authors of the article never bother to identify their sources.   Never mind that Israeli officials from Prime Minister Netanyahu on down are on record as having decided that Israel will avoid  involvement in Egypt’s conflict.   So why rely on dubious, unattributed sources like “the Israelis” and “Western diplomats ” and “the diplomats believed,” and General Sisi “appeared to be”  etc.?  Could it be  that on-the-record pronouncements would have spoiled the conspiratorial atmospherics favored by the Times’ reporters?

 

And not given the Times a pretext to build a breach between Israel and the United States?

Jodi Ruderon continues with reliance on an "official, speaking on the condition of anonymity" and publishes:

Israel Escalating Efforts to Shape Allies’ Strategy

and writes:

Israel plans this week to intensify its diplomatic campaign urging Europe and the United States to support the military-backed government in Egypt despite its deadly crackdown on Islamist protesters, according to a senior Israeli official involved in the effort...the message, in part, is that concerns about democracy and human rights should take a back seat to stability and security because of Egypt’s size and strategic importance.

While that is a line of argument and/or persuasion consider that since the MB's Morsi government has been in power, certain human rights and democratic values have been harmed.  That would include the Copt Christians and given the destablization in Sinai, the anti-Israel terror with attacks on Eilat, facilitaitng weapons smuggling, Beduins-turning-into-Al Qaeda, murdering Egyptian soldiers, etc., you'd think we all need to be anti-MB.


Anything real she can depend on?


Nope:

Israeli leaders have made no public statements and have refused interviews since Wednesday’s brutal clearing of two Muslim Brotherhood protest encampments...Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who convened an emergency meeting of his inner cabinet Friday regarding Egypt, has not spoken since the crackdown to President Obama...But Mr. Netanyahu has discussed the situation with Secretary of State John Kerry; Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was in Israel last week; and a visiting delegation of more than two dozen Republicans from Congress, led by the majority leader, Eric Cantor of Virginia.

And its always about the money:

While Israel is careful to argue that Egypt is critical to broad Western interests in the Middle East, its motivation is largely parochial: the American aid underpins the 34-year-old peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, so its withdrawal could lead to the unraveling of the agreement. More immediately, Israel is deeply worried that Egypt’s strife could create more openings for terrorist attacks on its territory from the Sinai Peninsula.

Ah, so regional instability is indeed a factor, one that affects not only Israel but Jordan and Saudi Arabia and are they not allies of the US and receive money too?


Interestingly, she does quote a firm right-winger academic:.

“This is a very big mistake to interfere in what happens in Egypt,” said Mordechai Kedar, a lecturer at Bar-Ilan University and director of its new Center for the Study of the Middle East and Islam...“Israel, by supporting explicitly the army, exposes itself to retaliation. Israel should have done things behind the scenes, under the surface, without being associated with any side of the Egyptian problem.”

And we have this rather contradictory point to the NYTimes' line:

...Yitzhak Levanon, Israel’s ambassador to Egypt until 2011, said the lobbying had not been aggressive.

“We are talking to a lot of friends,” said Mr. Levanon, who teaches a course on Egypt at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. “Pushing? I don’t think that this is the word. We are expressing what we believe is best for the region...We have to choose here not between the good guys and the bad guys — we don’t have good guys. It is a situation where you have to choose who is less harmful.”

So, no one quoted actually knows anything first hand but are punditing.



^
  

Did I Assist Rep. Chabot?

More from Adam Kredo on "Palestinian culture":-

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has allegedly deposited nearly $13 million in U.S. taxpayer aid into a secret bank account, and routinely uses his political connections to profit from the stagnant peace process, according to testimony presented to Congress Tuesday by several Middle East experts. Abbas has enriched himself during his seven years in office through secret land deals, and helped his two sons earn millions of dollars through their stakes in companies that profit from U.S. assistance, the experts said during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing entitled “Corruption within the Palestinian Political Establishment.

...The corruption just scratches the surface of the Palestinian first family’s shady dealings, experts warned.  Abbas has “used his position of power to line his pockets,” declared Rep. Steve Chabot (R., Ohio), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. “Our policy must aim to empower those who seek to serve the Palestinian people instead of themselves.”

...The Obama administration is not providing proper oversight for the $600 million in U.S. foreign aid to the P.A., [Jonathan] Schanzer, [vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies] noted.“Washington should simply acknowledge that there is a problem,” he said. “The staff at the U.S. Consulate General in East Jerusalem reportedly knows that Palestinians believe their ruling elites are corrupt. But for reasons that are not entirely clear, the State Department has yet to issue a clear statement to address the issue, or what it intends to do about it.”...

Well, well.

Remember my appeal to Congress to oversight US taxpayers' money distribution?

To Chabot?

Did I help?

^

The Ariel Foundation Report on the Visit of Five US Congressmen

The Inaugural Samaria Summit

SAMARIA, ISRAEL – On November 9th, five Congressmen ventured into otherwise uncharted "territory" by traditional diplomatic delegations to Israel. A strong affinity to Israel and genuine frustration with the repetitive and fatal failures of peace plans and processes drove these American leaders to take a fresh look and Israel's heartland.

The historic visit began with a bus tour led by Mayor Ron Nachman along the Trans-Samaria highway, where the delegates learned about Israel's narrow waist-line, security needs and strategic provisions. At the Ariel and Barkan Industrial Parks Mayor Nachman discussed co-existence...Mayor Nachman also showed the group the layout of the Ariel Bloc of communities, and the short distance from the Tel Aviv Coastal Plain...the group proceeded to the Ariel Regional Center for the Performing Arts, where they enjoyed a private performance by Ariel's young singers and internationally renowned dancers.

...Rep. Randy Forbes (R -VA-4th) addressed the Summit by stating his unwavering support for Israel's peace and security. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO-5th) discussed Israel's inherent value and the commitment of the Congressional Republican Israel Caucus and the Israel Allies Caucus which he co-chairs. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1st), who is known for his instrumental role in arranging for Prime Minister to deliver his acclaimed speech to both houses of Congress in May, 2011, explained how Israel cannot sacrifice its own security by relinquishing land to those who are committed to its destruction. They were joined by Congressman John Fleming (R-LA-4th) and Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH-4th), who shared the sentiments of their colleagues. They were accompanied by Ruth Lieberman and Enia Krivine of the International Israel Allies Caucus during their stay in Israel.

The travels through Samaria included a stop at Joseph's Tomb Overlook...[David] Ha'Ivri introduced the delegates to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed. The congressmen were pleasantly surprised to discover that Rabbi Melamed had recently publicized an article which encourages Israelis to be welcoming rather than suspicious of Christians who choose to support Israel. The group then proceeded to the vineyards in the community of Har Bracha, where they met with the Director of the Samaria Regional Council Gershon Mesika. Tommy Waller and the Christian volunteers from across the US who accompany him in the fields of Samaria greeted the group with some of their original music.

Next was a visit to the site of the Tabernacle in Shiloh where the delegation was guided by Eve Harow. They then proceeded to dinner at the Psagot Winery. Yesha Council CEO Naftali Bennet delivered concluding remarks following the previous day's visit to Gush Etzion and their short stay in Samaria...

The 2011 Congressional Initiative was arranged by our dear friend Heather Johnston of the JH Ranch and the Ariel National leadership Development Center, who identified the need for America's leading Congressmen to become familiar with Judea and Samaria and develop ties with Members of Knesset. Each of the delegates was thoroughly appreciative of this groundbreaking educational experience.

My post at the time.

Report of the Jerusalem Post.

^

On The Visiting Congressmen

Finally, a week after my post on their visit, a report in the JPost on the five Congreesmen who visited Judea and Samaria.

^

When Those of Washington Came To Those of Ariel and Shiloh

Several US Congressmen and their wives visited Israel last week and devoted personal time to locations that spoke to them and their deep Christian belief in the Bible. They also wished to view the reality on the ground in Judea and Samaria.  They included Jim Jordan of Ohio, Louis Gohmert of Texas, Doug Lamborn of Colorado, Rep. John Fleming of Louisiana and Randy Forbes of Virginia.

I was privileged to be part of the effort to assure that their visit would be the best possible, along with many others* who assisted, and that the visitors gain the most while here.

Some photographs:-

1.  At lunch on Wednesday at Ariel's Cafe-Cafe.  Ron Nahman, Ariel's mayor, addressing the group.

2.  Congressman Lou Gohmert from Texas:

3.  Congressman from Randy Forbes from Virginia

4.  The crowd, participants and invited guests:

5.  More of the assembled:

6.  Even observing the swimming pool.  That's Heather Johnston embracing Ron Nahman's wife:

7.  More of the lunch participants:

And then there was the later visit to Tel Shiloh that day:

8.  At the pinnacle of the Tel, overlooking the site of the Tabernacle to the north:

9.  Eve Harow, the guide, pointing out the particulars of the newly-discovered Byzantine massive structure:

10.  Further explanation by Eve of the story of the approach of the Benjamite to Shiloh, I Samuel 4:

The official Ariel press release.  Arutz 7 story.

Other photographs.

And this:

All photographs by YMedad except last one by Heather Meyers.

 

*
Ruthie Lieberman, Eve Harow, Avi Zimmerman, David HaIvri among them.

^

A 1937 Congressional Resolution

Earlier this month, Republican Congressman Joe Walsh introduced a resolution to recommend the extension of Israeli sovereignty to sections of Judea and Samaria, which I blogged.

This was not a unique involvement by an American elected representative.  Back in 1937, New York Senator Roger Copeland, Democrat, protested the British suggested partition as reported by the JTA on August 12, 1937:-

Copeland Introduces Senate Resolution Protesting Partition

This, after denouncing earlier reports in May, calling it 'impracticable'

Senator Royal S. Copeland, attacking reported plans to partition or cantonize Palestine, declared tonight that "its utter impracticability would be apparent even to the writer of the craziest fairy tales."...Recalling the United States-Great Britain treaty on Palestine, Mr. Copeland spoke of Americans' "national responsibilities" to support the Jewish homeland.

In his August remarks, he condemned the partition proposals of Palestine as "outrageous" and introduced a resolution asking for the Senate's "forthright indication of unwillingness to accept modification in the Mandate without Senate consent."  He was supported by Senator William H. King, (Dem. Utah) who condemned Partition by declaring that Britain was "dishonoring pledges and violating the Balfour Declaration" and that this was a "perfidious policy.  King, who visited Mandate Palestine in 1925, had sent a cable to the British Parliament protesting the "unjust and cruel measure" that was partition.  Interestingly, he said this action was warranted "by all Christians."  In 1939, he again sought Congress intervention to protect Jewish rights in Palestine.

Copeland was of the opinion that the territory allotted the Jews by the partition was insufficient to maintain even a small number of Jews.  The etablishment of a small Jewish state

might result in a war between the Jews and Arabs.

And most relevant to those concerned about legal issues, Copeland said Great Britain had not done its duty and pointed to

Article 7 of the British-American Treaty which stipulates that all changes in the Mandate must be approved by the United States....England was absolutely disregarding this country

The Senate should not sit idly by while

England made a scrap of paper of the treaty.

So, there has been a long history of action by members of Congress and the Senate championing the internationally legal rights of the Jewish people in and to its national home.

And we salute those continuing that tradition.

^

And Where Are The Jews?

As I have detailed, the policy of the US Consulate-General in Jerusalem seems to be, except for consular responsibilities such as passports, birth registrations and social security benefits, to practice discrimination against the 350,000 Jews resident in the area under its supervision in Judea and Samaria.  As for the newer nbeighborhoods in Jerusalem, I am not sure.

Here is another activity in which Jews don't get to participate:

Palestinian Volleyball Players and Coaches visit U.S. 2011

Ten high school volleyball players and three coaches from the West Bank are attending a Sports United exchange program in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs. More than just a volleyball training program, the 10-day exchange program also includes teambuilding and leadership activities, meetings with organizations that work with volleyball and other sports in the U.S., workshops on current issues, visits to important historical sites, and cultural activities. The students and coaches come from several different towns and villages around the West Bank, and are visiting the U.S. for the first time

Would those "different towns and villages" include Shiloh, Bet El or Efrat where they play volleyball and other sports?

More:

Building a Business for Palestinian Exports

As part of its activities to help Palestinian businesses compete in global markets, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working with Palestinian agribusinesses and assisted them to attend the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington over July 10–12.

A long list of previous activities.

Cannot we get Congressional oversight on this?


_______________

Sent to me by OS:-

I can't see how the consulate can claim that it gives equal service to Israelis. On the other hand, it's so obvious that they're pro-Palestinians, that I don't see that there's much to complain about. Obviously they're not there to serve us. They provide monetary help to Palestinian settlers (Rawabi, various roads) at the same time that Obama demands Israel stop all building activities in Jerusalem.


In any case, take a look at the consulate website.

Under 'Cultural Programs' -

Throughout the year, our office seeks to bring American performing arts and exhibits to the the Palestinian audiences as a valuable means of strengthening ties and increasing mutual understanding between the United States and the Palestinian people.

Last year Bill Kirchen came to Israel. The US Consulate offered free concerts in Ramallah and East Jerusalem (http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/pr112310.html). He also appeared in West Jerusalem, but that was not part of the US consulate's program.

Under 'Grant Opportunities'

The Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General Jerusalem runs a Small Grants Program designed to assist Palestinian organizations

They have an 'Arabic books' program

And let's take a look at their events, all of which were directed at Muslims and/or held in Muslim cities.

Ramadan Kareem! PD Jerusalem Kicks Off a Month of Ramadan Outreach Programming with two Quiz Nights in East Jerusalem and Bethlehem (August 19, 2010)


America House Kicks Off Ramadan Activities in East Jerusalem (August 19, 2010)


Consulate General Announces Winners in the Environmental Awareness Essay Contest Winners (July 22, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Supports the Opening of the Al-Jib Museum in the West Bank (May 18, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Continues Its Celebration of Earth Day 2010 with a Quiz Night Focusing on Environmental Awareness (April 29, 2010)


Wayne State University Professor Conducts Creative-Writing Workshop Using Poetry and Hip-Hop to ACCESS Students in Jericho (April 29, 2010)


Jericho Documentary Project Highlights American Corner Jericho as Part of its 10,000th Anniversary Celebrations (April 28, 2010)


American Corner Salfeet Hosts Environmental Quiz to Celebrate Earth Day (April 27, 2010)


American Corner Salfeet Organizes Clean-up and Planting Campaign (April 26, 2010)


Consulate Honors Palestinian Woman of Courage (April 26, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem celebrates Women's History Month with a Quiz Night Event in Ramallah (March 31, 2010)


American Expert in Social Responsibility Conducts DVC with Pal-Tel Group (March 29, 2010)


American Corner Jericho Celebrates Mother's Day and Women's History Month (March 26, 2010)


American Corner Salfeet Celebrates Women’s History Month with a Quiz Competition (March 25, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Searches for the next Palestinian Idol€ with˜Ghaniha (March 21, 2010)


American Professor Inspires Palestinian Youth with the Magic of Writing (March 05, 2010)


ACCESS Students Perform Sketches and Skit to Celebrate Achievements of Women and Minorities (March 04, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Hosts Digital Video Conference with American Author Jay Parini (February 10, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Recognizes Great American Thinkers at a Special Quiz Night Competition (February 06, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Supports Cooperation Between Police and Youth Throughout the West Bank (February 03, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Honors 97 Graduates of the English ACCESS Micro-scholarship Program (January 22, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Hosts American Musician Peter Yarrow and Members of Operation Respect in Ramallah (January 21, 2010)


U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Continues to Inspire Palestinian Youth with Production of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper (January 08, 2009)

Regarding the olive harvest in Turmusayya, I'm pretty sure I saw it somewhere, but all I can find now is about a UN envoy.

The US Consul, on the other hand, joined Fayyad to pick olives in Aboud.

U.S. Consul General Participates in Annual Olive Harvest with Prime Minister Fayyad, October 11, 2009

Jerusalem: US Consul General Daniel Rubinstein joined Prime Minister Fayyad in the West Bank town of Aboud on Sunday to take part in the community's annual olive harvest. The Consul General also met with the Palestinian Minister of Agriculture and members of the local community.  Commenting on the significance of the event, Mr. Rubinstein said that "The symbolism of the olive harvest to Palestinian identity and Palestinian political aspirations is clear, and I am pleased to be able to be here today to underscore US support for the Palestinian people."

For more information please contact the Consulate Press Office at 02-622-6909 or Information Assistant Hassna Dajani at 054-542-0943.

P.S.  Turmos Aya was in Haaretz.
^

If Weprin Is With Soros, Then I'm Not With Weprin. But Is He?

In previous expressions of mine about the Congressional race in New York for District 9 in Brooklyn and Queens, David Weprin seemed to be the better choice based on a better commitment ot Israel as well as specifically the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.  And, yes, loylaty is a value of mine and I do know David since before his Bar Mitzvah.

In the NY Post, as I was alerted by a senior Republican Party contact, it is reported that Weprin is the recipient of big-bucks - more than a half-million bucks:-

Are DC’s donkeys scared? Uh, ya think?

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $483,500; the Democratic Super PAC House Majority, another national group (funded by radical lefty moneyman George Soros), rushed in with another $100,000 --

I would, of course, go along partially with this thinking: as regards Soros

The electorate of the 9th district needs to know that casting their votes for Weprin is approval for Obama and his hostile to Israel agenda and for Soros and his support for Palestinian causes and his mission to destroy America, Israel and the West.

To my mind, though, it would be more of a leverage to have within the Democratic Party a potential anti-Obama member although, true, I am not sure of Weprin's backbone on this.

It took me some time but I finally found this source which identifies House Majority PAC as the 'guilty party'. This source notes that that PAC received $75,000 of Soros money.

Now, it would seem to be convoluted and quite distanced to associate Weprin, who is of course viewed as belonging to the very liberal wing of the Democratic Party, to that money but nevertheless to actually be connected with Soros?  The link is, at present, indirect.  That news above is just a bit misleading. 

As noted here:

The Democratic super PAC House Majority PAC has also bought advertising time in the district as well.

"Has also".  In other words, for their own ideological reasons and perhaps, I am not sure, because Weprin aksed for it and identifies with their own ideological slant.

I know, and we all know, that politics is politics and a lot passes under the ethical wire during a hotly contested election campaign. Nevertheless, this phrasing - "another national group (funded by radical lefty moneyman George Soros), rushed in with another $100,000" - does not directly support a claim that Weprin received Soros money and is not exactly the whole truth.

You can look at this election as one of internal American politics, as one on American foreign policy and as combined. If so, much has to be taken into account. Including Israel.

As I noted here, Weprin

....opposes President Barack Obama’s position that Israel go back to its pre-1967 boundaries. “On this issue, I feel [Obama’s] very wrong,” Weprin told the seniors at the center at 71-25 Main St., saying that Israel’s security “would be in danger” if it went to its original borders. “I hope to be a strong voice … speaking out when the president is wrong.” “I don’t think you can find a member of the House that has a stronger record on Israel than I do,” Weprin said.

In his Jewish Press piece, Weprin wrote:

An issue especially close to my heart is Israel. I have led a number of missions there and also traveled as part of a delegation during the Lebanon War in 2006 to help raise soldiers' morale and transfer food and clothes to shelters. We actually came under rocket attack ourselves while helping out.

As a Democrat, I was very outspoken against President Obama's suggestion that Israel use pre-1967 borders to come to an agreement with Palestinian negotiators. One of the missions I've led to Israel was to Beitar Illit, a city of over 40,000 people. I have seen first hand the communities that would be displaced if Israel would return to pre-Six-Day War borders.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, when he endorsed my candidacy for Congress a few weeks ago, stated clearly and unequivocally that the best way to send a message to President Obama in disagreement with his Mideast policies is through me, not a new member of the Republican majority whose criticism would be dismissed as partisan politics.

I believe Jerusalem is and will always be the capital of Israel. I believe Israelis want peace and are ready now, as they have been for years, to negotiate with a willing partner - but I am unsure that such a partner exists.

It is in America's interest to have Israel as a secure ally in the region, and I will be passionate about explaining that to those in Washington who are uninformed or have been fed lies by Israel's enemies.

Back in July, this is how Weprin was talking:

Democratic Congressional candidate David Weprin criticized President Barack Obama over his Middle East policy and defended his own record in support of the state of Israel.  He accused the president of striving to seem impartial in the long-running dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, especially during Obama’s speech earlier this year in which he called for a return to the pre-1967 borders for Israel.

“I think it was done to send a message to the Arab world that ‘I am trying to be fair,’ that kind of thing,” he said. “I don’t think you can equate the two because it’s not a question of being neutral. It’s a question of Israel is the only ally we have had for so many years. I don’ t think it is a moral equivalent.”

Weprin said that he thought it was untenable for Israel to retreat to its pre-67 borders, noting that the country has had those boundaries for more years than it had its previous borders...“I wouldn’t want to give credence to some of the adjoining countries that haven’t even officially recognized the state of Israel,” he said. ”Israel voluntarily gave back the land and what happened right after that? There were Kaytusha rockets being shot from the very homes that they gave up on Greater Israel...I thought it was outrageous the way he treated Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was at the White House,” he said...if Weprin were to win, he would be the only Orthodox Jew in Congress, and he hit back over the notion that he was not a strong supporter of Israel or that he would be unwilling to challenge the leader of his party.

And this:

Weprin added, “I don’t think we should be going back to the pre-’67 boundaries. It’s clearly been part of Israel for many, many years.” That’s a distinct break from President Obama’s position, but one many Democrats — especially those from New York — have also made.

So, where does all this information leave me?

I would wish that David announce that the politics of George Soros are not his politics and his outlook is certainly not his. I do not need a strong supporter of Israel in Congress who might be influenced by the radical anti-Zionism that is at the base of Soros' thinking, which has been, for all intents and purposes, almost anti-Semitic.

I do think Weprin is a better candidate for Israel and that the fact that many of the opposition from within the more Orthodox Jewish constituency is centered on his pro-gay marriage vote indicates for me a less-than-enthusiastic orientation to judge Weprin over his Israel position, I am reserving any pro-expressions of support until he clarifies those Soros links.

If the Soros money item and Weprin's pro-gay say is what makes you decide, so be it. But there are other considerations.


^

The Right to "Annex"

112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 394

Supporting Israel's right to annex Judea and Samaria in the event that the Palestinian Authority continues to press for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 8, 2011

Mr. WALSH of Illinois submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Supporting Israel's right to annex Judea and Samaria in the event that the Palestinian Authority continues to press for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.

Whereas within the framework of the Oslo Accords, the Road Map, and other relevant Middle East peace agreements signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, it is agreed that all future agreements are to be bilateral, negotiated between and agreed to by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority;

Whereas Section 31 of the 1995 `Interim Agreement', also signed by the Palestinian Authority, states that `No party alone may take steps which will change the status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip until the end of negotiations on the final status';

Whereas throughout this year the Palestinian Authority has acted in violation of these aforementioned agreements by unilaterally seeking a United Nations declaration of recognition for a Palestinian State without the consent or cooperation of Israel;

Whereas the Palestinian Authority has further breached its responsibility under these agreements, specifically its responsibility to renounce terrorism and end any incitement to violence against Israel, by signing a unity agreement with Hamas;

Whereas this unity agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas on May 4, 2011, was reached without Hamas being required to renounce violence, accept Israel's right to exist, and accept prior agreements made by the Palestinian Authority (the `Quartet Conditions');

Whereas Hamas, an organization responsible for the death of more than 500 innocent civilians, including 24 United States citizens, has been designated by the United States Government as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a specially designated terrorist organization;

Whereas Hamas continues to forcefully reject the possibility of peace with Israel;

Whereas the Hamas Charter states that it `strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine';

Whereas current United States law prohibits assistance to a Palestinian Authority which shares power with Hamas, unless Hamas publicly accepts Israel's right to exist, renounces all terrorism and incitement to violence against Israel, and adheres to all prior agreements and understandings with the United States and Israel;

Whereas despite billions in foreign aid from the United States, the Palestinian Authority has failed to create accountable leadership or viable government in the West Bank or Gaza Strip;

Whereas the Palestinian Authority's financial stability and continued existence is dependent on income from foreign aid;

Whereas commitments of foreign assistance to the Palestinian Authority from Arab nations have proven unreliable and, as a direct result, have weakened the stability of the Palestinian Government;

Whereas the potential for a failed Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria remains a clear and present danger to the people of Israel;

Whereas the Palestinian Authority therefore does not meet the criteria for a viable and functioning government with all the authority and responsibilities thereof;

Whereas the Jewish people have had a presence in Judea and Samaria for thousands of years;

Whereas Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that if there is an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the Palestinian Authority will not permit the presence of one Israeli within its limits;

Whereas Jews living outside the green line in Judea and Samaria have the same right to life and liberty as Jews and Arabs living inside the green line; and

Whereas in the absence of a peaceful agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority it is the responsibility of the Israeli Government to do everything in its power to ensure the security of its citizens, including those residing in Judea and Samaria: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives firmly supports Israel's right to annex Judea and Samaria in the event that the Palestinian Authority continues to press for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.

As I have published, I prefer that the Congress support Israel's continued retention of the territories at this stage.

^

Jew vs. Israel - Tells Congressmen: 'Don't Go to Israel'

From David Rothkopf's blog:

This week's reports that 20 percent of the U.S. Congress will be visiting Israel this month are stunning. Eighty-one members of Congress -- two thirds of them Republicans, 47 of them freshmen -- apparently think it is more important to be visiting Israel than it is to be at home dealing with the worst economic crisis in modern memory. America's economy is in flames and these guys are taking lobbyist-funded trips to what, watch Israelis take to the streets to protest the high-cost of living in that country? This Jewish, Israel-supporting, foreign policy specialist says, "It's time to come home, ladies and gentlemen."

...These folks should be back at their desks and hard at work. The president ought to take to his podium and demand they return...The political objectives behind these Israel trips are clear and they reveal the opportunity costs to the American people associated with campaign season. Every moment spent jumping through a hoop for a potential group of supporters is a moment spent failing to address one of the many urgent issues confronting the United States. When will these pretenders grow up or make way for serious, committed adults who have the appetite and the spine to grapple with our current challenges?...

You wouldn't know Rothkopf is Jewish from his Wikipedia entry. Nor from his FP bio.

Yes, two years ago, he socked it to Malt and Marshmellow Walt and Mearsheimeir, writing:

They may not be anti-Semites themselves but they made a cynical decision to cash in on anti-Semitism by offering to dress up old hatreds in the dowdy Brooks Brothers suits of the Kennedy School and the University of Chicago. They did what the most desperate members of academia do, they signed up to be rent-a-validators, akin to expert witnesses who support the defense of felons with specious theories served up on fancy diplomas. They would argue that they were daring to speak truth to power. In reality they were giving one crowd in particular precisely what it wanted to hear.

The AIPAC missions are annual and haveing been conducted for many years. Israel is a significant issue. A half week visit is not a great time loss for a Congressman. Congress has done what it can for the economy and there's no rush for any emergency legislation.

One only wonders to which crowd was Rothkopf playing?

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Will "Israel" Be The Most Popular Word in Congress?

No, not Israel the country.

Israel the US Congressman:-

Rep. Steve Israel will head up the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2012 election cycle, a move that will vault the 52-year-old New Yorker into his party’s leadership ranks during what promises to be a political season for House Democrats.

Israel was tapped by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for the DCCC on Friday, according to Democratic insiders...Pelosi and her fellow Democrats lost more than 60 seats on Nov. 2, with huge losses coming in the ranks of moderate and conservative Blue Dog Democrats. Israel will have to find candidates who can win back these districts if Democrats can regain control of the House.

^

This Would Be A Nice Jerusalem Day Gift

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. CON. RES. 131

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 25, 2007

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina (for himself and Mr. PENCE of Indiana) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.

Whereas for 3,000 years Jerusalem has been the focal point of Jewish religious devotion;

Whereas there has been a continuous Jewish presence in Jerusalem for three millennia and a Jewish majority in the city since the 1840s;

Whereas the once thriving Jewish majority of the historic Old City of Jerusalem was driven out by force during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War;

Whereas, from 1948 to 1967, Jerusalem was a divided city, and Israeli citizens of all faiths, as well as Jewish citizens of all states, were denied access to holy sites in the area controlled by Jordan;

Whereas, in 1967, Jerusalem was reunited by Israel during the conflict known as the Six Day War;

Whereas, since 1967, Jerusalem has been a united city, and persons of all religious faiths have been guaranteed full access to holy sites within the city;

Whereas this year marks the 40th year that Jerusalem has been administered as a unified city, in which the rights of all faiths have been respected and protected;

Whereas each sovereign country, under international law and custom, has the right to designate its own capital;

Whereas this year marks the 59th anniversary of Israel's independence;

Whereas Jerusalem is the seat of the Government of Israel, including the President, Parliament, and the Supreme Court;

Whereas the United States maintains its embassy in the functioning capital of every country except in the case of Israel, a friend and strategic ally of the United States;

Whereas the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45), which became law on November 8, 1995, states as a matter of United States policy that Jerusalem should remain the undivided capital of Israel; and

Whereas the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) directs that the Secretary of State shall, upon the request of a citizen or a citizen's legal guardian, record the place of birth of a United States citizen born in the city of Jerusalem as Israel: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) congratulates the residents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel on the 40th anniversary of the reunification of that historic city;

(2) congratulates the people of Israel on the 59th anniversary of their independence;

(3) strongly believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected as they have been by Israel during the past 40 years;

(4) calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to repeatedly affirm publicly, as a matter of United States policy, that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of the State of Israel;

(5) strongly urges the President to discontinue the waiver contained in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45), immediately implement the provisions of that Act, and begin the process of relocating the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem;

(6) further urges United States officials to refrain from any actions that contradict United States law on this subject; and

(7) reaffirms Israel's right to take necessary steps to prevent any future division of Jerusalem.