Dear Governor Dean:

We are writing to respond to your comments on the Middle East at a recent campaign event and in Tuesday's candidate debate and explain why we believe it is wrong to say the U.S. should "not take sides" in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

 

American foreign policy has been - and must continue to be - based on unequivocal support for Israel's right to exist and to be free from terror. The Palestinians have at best been ambivalent about their willingness to accept Israel's existence and from Yasir Arafat on down they have promoted or acquiesced in the use of terrorism as a tactic in their struggle. It is unacceptable for the U.S. to be "evenhanded" on these fundamental issues.

 

All of us want a genuine peace process to succeed, and all of us accept the legitimacy of a Palestinian state once the Palestinian leadership and people recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and not only renounce the use of violence but at last take action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure inside the Palestinian Authority. Time and time again, the Israeli people have shown their willingness to take risks for peace. But they will only do so with the knowledge that U.S. support for Israel will not waver.

 

It is important for America to help facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but in playing this role we must be true to our values and make sure that all parties clearly understand our policies. This is not a time to be sending mixed messages; on the contrary, in these difficult times we must reaffirm our unyielding commitment to Israel's survival and raise our voices against all forms of terrorism and incitement.

 

Sincerely,

 

Howard L. Berman
Nancy Pelosi
Robert Matsui
Steny Hoyer
Martin Frost
Nita Lowey
Tom Lantos
Edward Markey
Chet Edwards
Ben Cardin
Steve Rothman
Steve Israel
Gary Ackerman
Barney Frank
Rahn Emanuel
Adam Smith
Anthony Weiner
Chris Bell
Adam Schiff
Hilda Solis
Robert Menendez
Shelley Berkley
Robert Andrews
Joseph Crowley
Jose Serrano
John Larson
Ellen Tauscher
Dennis Cardoza
Patrick Kennedy
Linda Sanchez
Harold Ford Jr.
Brad Sherman
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Alcee Hastings

 

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