March 19, 2003

Subject: AR166, " Express Support for Israel in Its Fights Against Terrorism"

Dear Assemblyman McKeon:

I am writing to you to express my outrage at your proposed resolution “expressing support for Israel in its fight against terrorism” and claiming that it represents the feeling of NJ residents.  Our Arab community and friends urge you to reconsider your decision.

It is not the business of the State legislature to engage in foreign policy matters especially issues that are of such volatile nature. If you must, then you should propose a resolution that supports President Bush's calling on Israel to end its 35-year old occupation of the Arab and Palestinian lands and the creation of a Palestine State. To equate Israeli actions against the Palestinian people with our fight against Alqaeda in Afghanistan is morally reprehensible. The Palestinians are under a brutal and most oppressive form of occupation. While we should all denounce terrorism but the reason for Palestinian actions are the result of Israel's most persistent and deliberate state terrorism. A balanced resolution calling both sides, the Palestinian and the Israelis, to cease hostilities and to return to negotiations would assuredly advance the cause of peace and further enhance our standing in the Middle East. To claim that that all of NJ citizens would support your one sided and morally corrupt resolution is a farce and a reflection of politically immaturity and disregard to the positions of our community and those who support justice and know the truth about the reasons for violence in the Middle East.

I know that you are a person with great knowledge and compassion and that you will reconsider your resolution, as it serves no purpose other than appease the Israeli lobby and hinders impartial and honest discussion of this important issue.

I am sure that if you consulted with the citizens of NJ, you would have found other views on the subject of total and blind support for Israel.  A recent poll by CNN-Time Magazine showed that about 60% of Americans favored pressuring Israel or conditioning our aid to that country to its policies towards a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians. The Palestinians have legitimate and undeniable rights, which have been denied by Israel. Israel’s security and peace will finally be assured when security and peace are guaranteed for the Palestinian people as well. You should support our President who has committed the full weight of our country as he attempts to bring both sides to stop violence. Violence begets violence. Occupation is the mother of all violence because it targets civilians; it destroyed their property, lives and dreams. Akin to slavery, occupation denies the occupied their humanity and natural rights to freedom and sovereignty.

Of course, it may be advisable that you concern yourself with the business of local and state government, as we believe your constituents did not elect you to represent them in foreign affairs. We respect your personal opinion but please do not misuse your mandate as an Assemblyman to claim our support for such misguided and most biased resolution.

We look forward to meeting with you to introduce the Arab American community and to share with you our concerns as citizens of this great State.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Aref Assaf