JFNA Statement in Response to Israel's Ban on Visit by U.S. Congresswomen

"The Jewish Federations of North America believes that every member of Congress, without exception, should be allowed to visit Israel, irrespective of whether we agree with their point of view. The relationship between Israel and the U.S. Congress is longstanding and unique, and has served as the bulwark of America’s bi-partisan support for Israel for decades."

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) represents 147 Jewish Federations and over 300 Network communities. 

Conference of Presidents Response to

Congressional Resolution on Anti-Semitism 

Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement:

We strongly condemn, and unequivocally reject, the recent abhorrent anti-Semitic statements and particularly, the unacceptable and unfounded accusations of dual loyalty which strike at the heart of participatory American democracy, civil liberties, and the constitutional right of advocacy. Attempts to misrepresent and squelch the voices of pro-Israel advocates of all faiths, with age-old canards and baseless allegations, cannot be tolerated. These are blatant attempts to intimidate and silence citizens and public officials alike who find detestable such prejudice and who value the importance of the special US-Israel relationship.

While we oppose all forms of racism and bigotry regardless of the source, we note that anti-Semitic attacks represent the majority of hate crimes in the United States and are increasing. This is a challenge to every principled and caring American.

We recognize that the overwhelming majority of the members of both houses and both parties, reflecting the views of the American people, find intolerable the acts of anti-Semitism both verbal and physical, the efforts to delegitimize and boycott Israel, and the efforts to divide the American people. We respect that there can be criticism of specific Israeli policies, but we all must reject those who challenge Israel’s right to exist.

The scourge of anti-Semitism requires concerted and ongoing vigilance, as well as strong and uncompromised responses by governmental, community, religious and academic leaders alike.

We have learned from history that words matter and foreshadow actions. Hateful and false accusations have taken a heavy toll in our past and we will not allow them to be espoused with impunity. There can be no accommodation and no obfuscation. There can be no excuses or exceptions. Those who promote such bias must be held to account.

The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 50 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. 

White House Announcement on Jerusalem

President Trump recently signed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 into law.

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey share the views of The Jewish Federations of North America, who issued the following statement:

“Today, the U.S. administration announced a plan to move the Embassy of the United States in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, honoring a bipartisan commitment made over 20 years ago in the Jerusalem Embassy Act. The U.S. administration also proclaimed its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The Jewish Federations of North America welcomes this decision, as it upholds our long-standing policy. We also welcome the affirmation of a two-state future negotiated between the parties in which Israelis and Palestinians live side by side with secure and recognized borders.”

JFNA’s predecessor organization first endorsed this legislation in 1994. Below is some additional background information.

BACKGROUND 

The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is law. However, because presidents have claimed a waiver on the grounds of national security — the Act includes a provision that gives the president waiver authority to suspend the cutting of some funds to the State Department, as outlined in the text of the Act, “if he determines and reports to Congress in advance that such suspension is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States” — the Act has yet to be implemented. Presidents have also thought the Act itself was a constitutional issue, viewing it as a congressional infringement on the executive branch's constitutional authority over foreign policy.

JFNA’s William Daroff interviewed The Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Dr. Robert Satloff on this topic in January; here is a set of videos from that conversation. Topics covered include why moving the embassy is such a big deal. Please watch and share the videos.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, please read Dr. Satloff’s written analysis on the topic and this Foreign Policy magazine article.​

Why Trump is right in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital (Alan Dershowitz/The Hill)

Statement from The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (of which JCRC is a member of) on the President's decision.