The Honorable Senator or Representative
United States Senate or House of Representatives
Address
Washington, DC 20510-____

Dear Senator or Representative:

The past weeks have taught the world and the U.S. that the path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians is complex and difficult, but absolutely critical. A wrong pathway taken or strategic decision made by the United States can result in even more destruction and loss of life than has already occurred. We write, therefore, to ask that the Congress cease any legislative initiatives designed to punish the Palestinian people or limit their representatives to conduct much-needed diplomatic efforts and negotiations toward implementing a cease-fire and negotiating a peaceful solution.

President Bush’s strong condemnation of Palestinian suicide bombing attacks on Israeli civilians, and of those who incite and entice the suicide bombers, is appropriate. Certainly, all who encourage these tactics betray the Palestinian people, imperil the justice due them and taint international support that their cause deserves. The President now offers an alternative to terrorism and violence, a road to justice and peace through negotiations.

We are especially heartened by the President’s willingness to re-assert the constructive leadership of the United States in order to bring about implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1402 and the Tenet and Mitchell plans. We commend the President’s dispatch of Secretary of State Powell to the region to re-energize this process, even in the face of raging violence.

The close bonds between the governments of Israel and the United States are very important. That relationship must not, however, be reduced to reflexive support for the provocative and destructive actions and policies that are being implemented by Prime Minister Sharon at this time. These policies have the effect of maintaining Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land, destroying Palestinian civil and political society, harming overall U.S. foreign policy goals, and demolishing the very security that Israel seeks and deserves. President Bush’s recent appeals to Prime Minister Sharon for restraint have underscored the need for Israel to immediately conclude its current military operations. Congressional support for Israel should remain consistent with the goal that Israel be afforded its due recognition as a state with peace, security, and normal diplomatic relations with its neighbors.

Churches for Middle East Peace will continue to work through the channels of Congress and the Administration to advance these goals. As a coalition of sixteen national denominations and church-based organizations, both Protestant and Catholic, many of us work closely with our indigenous partner churches in Israel and Palestine. In this manner, we seek to build reconciliation, build interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and to enhance the possibilities for political security and peace.

Again, we urge you to continue to offer beneficial ways in which the Palestinians and Israelis can end the current cycle of violence and return to constructive negotiations and not to offer or support punitive initiatives directed at the Palestinian people or that hinder negotiations.

We look forward to continuing to work with you to establish lasting peace and security for all peoples of the Middle East.

Sincerely,