[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8652-H8655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING NGO WORK ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE
Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1369) recognizing nongovernmental organizations
working to bring just and lasting peace between Israelis and
Palestinians.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1369
Whereas the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has cost many
innocent lives and continues to bring terrible suffering to
both peoples;
Whereas despite the ongoing conflict, Israeli and
Palestinian individuals and nongovernmental organizations
have been working for decades to build bridges between the
two peoples, to address humanitarian concerns, and to further
the cause of peace;
Whereas such individuals and nongovernmental organizations
that are committed to nonviolence, recognize Israel's right
to exist, and are dedicated to achieving a two-state solution
deserve recognition and encouragement to continue their
important work;
Whereas the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is currently at a
critical juncture, and sustained progress towards peace
depends on the commitment of individuals and organizations
that choose dialogue, friendship, and openness;
Whereas the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public
Law 109-446) permits the provision of United States
assistance to nongovernmental organizations to provide for
basic human needs, the protection of basic human freedoms,
and the promotion of human rights, nonviolence, and for a
just and peaceful reconciliation, provided that such
assistance does not knowingly and directly benefit any
terrorist organization;
Whereas the initiatives of these individuals and
nongovernmental organizations reflect the tenacity of those
with a true commitment to peace, mutual respect, and
coexistence, and demonstrate the real impact that such people
can make on the lives of individuals and communities; and
Whereas such initiatives build hope and trust among both
peoples and can help pave a path to peace: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the vital role of nongovernmental
organizations in peace-building efforts between Israel and
Palestinians, and encourages them to remain steadfast in
their commitment to nonviolence, recognition of Israel's
right to exist, dedication to achieving a two-state solution,
and work toward building trust and cooperation between the
two peoples;
(2) applauds the tireless work of these individuals and
nongovernmental organizations, and urges them to continue
their efforts;
(3) acknowledges and encourages the important efforts and
support that these nongovernmental organizations, religious
organizations, and individuals committed to peace and
nonviolence contribute to these initiatives;
(4) affirms the importance of United States support to
nongovernmental organizations that provide humanitarian aid
and work for democracy, human rights, and peace and
reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians; and
(5) urges Israeli and Palestinian leaders to embrace the
spirit of nongovernmental peace builders toward achieving a
just and lasting peace.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Berman) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution, and I yield myself 3 minutes.
[[Page H8653]]
I would like to thank, Madam Speaker, my friend and distinguished
colleague, Representative Barbara Lee, for introducing this important
resolution to highlight the work done by the NGO community in support
of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. In spite of the shaky cease-fire
reached between Israel and Hamas on the Gaza Strip, Hamas and other
extremist Palestinian groups have neither changed their stated aim,
namely, the destruction of the State of Israel, nor given up the use of
terrorism and violence as a means to achieve that end.
But while the terrorists of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic jihad
continue to threaten innocent civilians and undermine peace efforts, we
should recognize the courageous efforts being made by many
nongovernmental organizations to do just the opposite, that is, to
foster conditions that can lead to peace. Many of these groups work
tirelessly and selflessly not only to improve the daily lives of
Palestinians but also to effect peaceful coexistence between
Palestinians and Israelis. One example, Seeds of Peace, brings Israeli
and Arab youth together for summer retreats that cultivate a culture of
understanding and tolerance among tomorrow's leaders.
As this resolution affirms, it shall remain U.S. policy to actively
support all those nongovernmental organizations that provide
humanitarian assistance, promote democracy, human rights and work
towards Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation while unequivocally opposing
the use of violence. This resolution lends that encouragement and
backing only to those NGOs that explicitly renounce violence, accept
Israel's right to exist and support existing agreements between Israel
and the Palestinians.
I join the author of this resolution, Congresswoman Lee, in lauding
contributions to peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians
made by nongovernmental organizations. I hope, and believe and want to
believe that this is the way of the future. I urge all my colleagues to
support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such time
as I may consume.
House Resolution 1369 recognizes the efforts of nongovernmental
organizations working to bring just and lasting peace between Israelis
and Palestinians.
{time} 1800
I would like to thank my good friend from California, the gentlelady,
Ms. Barbara Lee, for her hard work in drafting this important
resolution. We all want to see peace, stability and security prevail in
the Middle East and, indeed, in all regions of conflict. However, that
goal remains elusive when leaders act in ways that distort, perpetuate
and aggravate otherwise resolvable disputes between nations and
peoples. Such leaders make peace impossible by programming their
citizens into viewing other nations and other people as wicked, as
inhuman, as worthy of hatred and even of death.
Fortunately, the work of nongovernmental organizations and of
individuals committed to nonviolence and to Israel's right to exist as
a Jewish and as a Democratic state provide a counterweight to the
purveyors of this terrible rhetoric. These individuals and NGOs
cultivate relationships that oppose violent extremism and hateful
propaganda, that promote a culture, instead, of life and that seek
peaceful, rational and mutually beneficial solutions to seemingly
intractable problems.
So I commend the gentlelady from California (Ms. Lee) for its
introduction, and I urge the passage of this important resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we have one speaker, the sponsor of the
resolution, and I yield her, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 4 minutes.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me just say once again that I want to
expressly thank the Chair of our committee, Mr. Berman, for his
leadership and for his support in bringing this resolution to the
floor.
Also, I want to thank our ranking member, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, for her assistance in making sure that we can have a
bipartisan resolution.
Every now and then, I think we ought to talk about peace. You know,
that seems not to be a word or a term that we discuss very often on
this floor, so we have a chance to just say ``peace'' a few times
today.
Thank you, Mr. Berman and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for giving us that
chance.
This resolution recognizes the vital role of nongovernmental
organizations in peace-building efforts between Israelis and
Palestinians, and it encourages them to remain steadfast in their
commitment to nonviolence, in their recognition of Israel's right to
exist, in their dedication to achieving a two-state solution, and in
their work towards building trust and cooperation between the two
peoples.
Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan resolution is strongly endorsed by many
organizations and groups that have been long dedicated to the cause of
peace, justice and of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
I'd like to mention for a minute the supporters of this resolution:
The Churches for Middle East Peace, which is a coalition of 22 public
policy offices of national churches and agencies--Orthodox, Catholic
and Protestant--working to realize the vision of a region where two
viable states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure
and recognized borders; the Alliance for Middle East Peace, which is an
alliance of 57 NGOs that are promoting people-to-people coexistence,
cooperation and reconciliation between Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs,
and Jews in the Middle East; the Israel Policy Forum, which is an
independent, nonpartisan organization advocating for sustained
American, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and her
neighbors and to actively promote the two-state solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and the Middle East Policy Advisory
Committee, which is a coalition of organizations that my congressional
district formed to bring a just peace between Palestinians and
Israelis.
Mr. Speaker, in a region that has suffered so much loss and seemingly
interminable conflict, these efforts are critically important in
addressing the daily struggles and challenges faced by Israelis and
Palestinians.
Sixty years ago, the great Senator Hubert Humphrey said that people
are the issue of the 20th century. I might add now the well-being of
people is the critical issue of the 21st century, and peace is needed
for people to flourish.
As the great theologian Saint Augustine reminds us, peace is the
necessary condition in which people can be free to work out in their
private destiny.
That's why it's fitting and proper to recognize, as my resolution
does, the efforts of Israeli and Palestinian individuals and of
nongovernmental organizations that have been working, really, for
decades to build bridges between the two peoples--to address
humanitarian concerns and to further the cause of peace.
Although the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has cost too many innocent
lives and though it continues to bring terrible sufferance to both
peoples, we can all be thankful that there are many nongovernmental
organizations comprised of men and women of goodwill, working to build
schools and hospitals, to foster cultural exchanges, to increase
commercial ties, economic development, and to promote interreligious
dialogue and understanding.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is currently at a critical juncture.
Sustained progress toward peace depends on the commitment of
individuals and of organizations that choose dialogue, friendship and
openness.
So this amendment recognizes the efforts of those unsung heroes and
sheroes, and it encourages them to continue their important work.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cohen). The time of the gentlewoman has
expired.
Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentlelady an additional 30 seconds.
Ms. LEE. It also salutes them for their commitment to nonviolence, to
the recognition of Israel's right to exist and to their dedication to
achieve a two-state solution.
I would like to thank our staff, Mr. Berman. I would like to thank
Alan Makovsky and Matthew Zweig of the staff of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, and I would also like to thank Gregory Berry and Scott Exner
on my staff.
This is the spirit in which I hope we can move forward in terms of
nongovernmental peace builders and move
[[Page H8654]]
toward achieving a just and lasting peace. Let's be cognizant of the
fact today that peace is possible.
Thank you, Mr. Berman. Thank you, Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. I thank
the committee for the resolution.
The Rebuilding Alliance,
Palo Alto, CA, September 23, 2008.
Dear Representative, I am very proud to support H. Res
1369, a positive and constructive resolution to advance the
cause of peace and justice in Israel and Palestine and I urge
you to vote for it. I am really proud that Representative Lee
was willing to work with us at the Rebuilding Alliance and
the Middle East Policy Advisory Committee to bring this
resolution to the floor.
At its heart, H. Res. 1369 recognizes those people--
Israelis and Palestinians-- who continue to pursue peace and
justice with every breath they take, despite their own
overwhelming personal losses. These are the people who make a
difference in their communities, and it is to them we offer
encouragement. Let me tell you about some of them:
I want Congress to care about the peacemakers in the
Village of Al Aqabah and all those who seek to help them:
Last week, Mayor Haj Sami Sadik came, in his wheelchair, to
Washington DC to meet with Congressional and Senate staff. He
is the mayor of the Palestinian West Bank Village of Al
Aqabah and he came to ask your help to save his kindergarten
and village from demolition. Israeli Architect Shmuel Groag,
a founder of BIMKOM: Planners for Planning Rights, joined
him, along with me, American Donna Baranski-Walker, executive
director of the Rebuilding Alliance, the SF Bay Area
nonprofit that helped the village build their kindergarten
and brought them here to ask Americans to help save it.
I care about Al Aqabah. I care about their kindergarten
with 130 students. The village holds full title to its land,
without question--and they even won an earlier case before
the Israeli High Court of Justice to remove the Israeli
Army's training camp from the village gates. As they were
rebuilding their kindergarten, the Israeli Army issued
demolition orders against the kindergarten, the medical
center, the mosque, and nearly all the homes in the village.
The village held to their belief that justice will prevail as
Mayor Haj Sami Sadik again petitioned the Israeli High Court
of Justice to recognize their village's right to exist. Now
he filed the village's own master plan with the Israeli
Army's Civil Authority and asks the world's help to see the
village's plan approved, and to help his village thrive.
I care about the Rachel Corrie Charity in Rafah, Gaza,
holding their soccer tournament on the land where 2200
Palestinian homes once stood, as a way to build community and
goodwill near a very traumatized refugee camp. The Rebuilding
Alliance brought one of the founders of this group, Khaled
Nasrallah, to the U.S., joining Cindy and Craig Corrie,
parents of the late American Rachel Corrie, in a six-state
speaking tour three years ago. The Rachel Corrie Charity is
being sponsored by the Gaza Community Mental Health
Organization, a Palestinian non-governmental organization
that deeply opposes violence and is itself an outspoken
advocate of freedom, fairness, and democracy--and many
congressional staff met with one of the founders of Gaza
Community Mental Health Programme, Mr. Husam El Nounou, along
with Rebuilding Alliance board member from Jerusalem, Rabbi
Jeremy Milgrom, helping Mr. El Nounou return home when the
Gaza's borders were first blockaded in 2006.
I care about the Free Gaza Movement and the Americans,
Internationals, Israelis, and Palestinians who worked
together to steer their boats through international waters to
break the siege of Gaza last month. My friend and
Representative Lee's constituent, Paul Larudee, was on one of
those boats. It is important to recognize their nonviolent
activism and urge an end to the collective punishment of 1.4
million people in Gaza and speak out against using blockades
and siege as tools of diplomacy.
I care about the Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers who
are part of a group called Combatants for Peace. These are
Israeli former soldiers and Palestinians who have been in
Israeli jails who now pledge not to use violence, but instead
to work together for peace and justice. Their Palestinian
cofounder, Bassam Aramin, lost his daughter Abir to a
soldier's rubber coated bullet. Their Israeli cofounder, Elik
Elhanan, lost his sister when a suicide bomber detonated.
Together they and 500 more like them, choose peace.
Combatants for Peace has launched the Abir's Garden Project
to build playgrounds at Palestinian schools in memory of Abir
Aramin.
These are but four groups working to bring about a real
peace in Israel and Palestine. I look forward to inviting all
the peacemakers in each congressional district to forums with
their Representatives to describe their work for peace in
Israel and Palestine. Honorable Representatives, I hope each
of you will send letters of encouragement to those
Peacemakers in Israel and Palestine who they support.
H.Res 1369 moves beyond condemnation to begin a process of
recognition and encouragement.
I believe that this form of recognition can open doors and
I urge your support. To the peacemakers, may you know that
your work makes a difference. May you continue your efforts
and may the Congress of the United States join you to help
you realize your goals. To the honorable members of the U.S.
House of Representatives, I urge you to vote for H.Res. 1369
and recognize these and many more peacemakers in Israel and
Palestine. Please use your influence to keep them safe, help
them achieve their goals, and press for a negotiated peace
agreement between Israel and Palestine that is viable and
fair to all.
Sincerely,
Donna Baranski-Walker,
Executive Director of the Rebuilding Alliance.
____
Churches for
Middle East Peace,
Washington, DC, September 23, 2008.
Attn: Foreign Affairs Legislative Aide.
Dear Representative: Churches for Middle East Peace, a
coalition of 22 Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant national
church bodies, urges all Members of the House to support H.
Res. 1369, recognizing nongovernmental organizations working
to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and
Palestinians. This resolution was unanimously approved by the
House Committee on Foreign Affairs in July and is scheduled
to be considered under suspension of the rules today.
Passage of H. Res. 1369 would send a strong message of
Congressional support for efforts to further the cause of
Middle East peace. At this critical time, when progress on
the political process is uncertain, this resolution affirms
the important role that civil society plays in laying the
groundwork for peace. It provides hope and encouragement to
the many Israelis and Palestinians who have long worked to
foster peace and reconciliation, promote human rights,
democracy and nonviolence, and address humanitarian concerns.
In our frequent visits to Israel and the Palestinian
Territories, and through our long-standing relationships with
partner churches and their relief and development agencies,
we know well the fruits of their good works. We believe the
commitment of these dedicated individuals and organizations,
together with robust U.S. diplomacy and the commitment of
Israeli and Palestinian leaders, can finally help realize the
vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by
side in peace and security.
We ask today for your support of H. Res. 1369 and look
forward to continued work with the U.S. Congress to finally
achieve peace in the Holy Land.
Sincerely,
Bishop Wayne Burkette, President, Southern Province, The
Moravian Church in America.
James Fine, Legislative Secretary for Foreign Policy,
Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Catherine Gordon, Representative for International Issues,
Washington Office, Presbyterian Church, USA.
Dr. Duncan Hanson, The Reformed Church in America,
Supervisor for Europe and the Middle East.
Mark Harrison, Director, Peace with Justice Program,
General Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Church.
Aura Kanegis, Director, Public Policy and Washington
Office, American Friends Service Committee.
Rev. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary, National Council
of Churches USA.
Rev. Jim Kofski, MM, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.
Peter Makari, Middle East and Europe Global Ministries,
United Church of Christ and Christian Church, Disciples of
Christ.
Rev. John L. McCullough, Executive Director and CEO, Church
World Service.
T. Michael McNulty, SJ, Justice and Peace Director,
Conference of Major Superiors of Men, CMSM.
The Very Rev. George Rados, Representative, Antiochian
Christian Orthodox Archdiocese of North American.
Marilyn Rouvelas, Representative, Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America.
Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach, Director, Washington Office,
Mennonite Central Committee US.
Maureen Shea, Director, Office of Government Relation, The
Episcopal Church.
Russell Testa, Director, JPIC, Franciscan Friars, OFM.
Rev. Susan P. Wilder, Director for Middle East Policy,
Washington Office, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, a sincere thank you to Representative
Barbara Lee. In this Congress, there is no greater voice for peace than
Congresswoman Lee.
I rise today in strong support of this Resolution recognizing non-
governmental organizations working to help bring a just and lasting
peace to Israelis and Palestinians.
Peace will not be brought about by governments and presidents. Peace
will only be achieved when people come together to support a common
goal--security and prosperity for all.
More than any conference or summit, the work of local and
international NGOs have brought the region closer to a non-violent
resolution to the ongoing crisis. Their work is invaluable.
From student exchanges to high-level reconciliation programs, NGOs
are irreplaceable in the peace process.
I applaud this Resolution's commitment to peace and nonviolence and
urge my colleagues' support today.
[[Page H8655]]
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise is strong support of H.
Res. 1369, Recognizing nongovernmental organizations working to bring
just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which I am a
cosponsor of. This bill was introduced by my distinguished colleague
from California Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This important legislation
encourages countries in the Middle East to find a solution that will
ensure long lasting stability, prosperity, and self-sufficiency in
their region and affirms the importance of nongovernmental
organizations to this process.
general
For decades, the United States and Israel have maintained strong
bilateral relations based on a number of factors, including strong
domestic U.S. support for Israel; shared strategic goals in the Middle
East; shared democratic values; and historic ties dating back to U.S.
support of the creation of Israel in 1948. U.S. economic and military
aid has been a major component in cementing and reinforcing these ties.
Although there have been occasional differences over Israel's
settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Israeli arms sales to
China, successive administrations and many lawmakers have long
considered Israel to be a reliable partner in the region, and U.S. aid
packages for Israel have reflected this sentiment.
However, the elongated years of fighting between Israel and Palestine
are indirectly detrimental to the position of our country in the Middle
East. The most beneficial solution for the United States, Israel, and
Palestine is lasting peace in the holy regions, and as the Congress of
the United States we must recognize that nongovernmental organizations
can facilitate this process and aid every country involved. The
stability of the Middle Eastern region is important the United States,
and this resolution will reaffirm our commitment to supporting any
steps towards peace in the Israel and Palestine.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
Earlier this year, I supported H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th
anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and
reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the
United States and Israel. I have supported Israel in the past, and the
national interest of Israel is in the national interest of the United
States. The best outcome for the country of Israel is a peace
resolution that will quell the fighting, encourage peace, and allow the
country a chance to recover from years of hostile encounters.
If the best way to facilitate and encourage peace between Israel and
Palestine is to offer our support of the involvement of nongovernmental
organizations, then I strongly support H. Res. 1369, and I encourage my
colleagues to do the same. We must do what we can to support peace
negotiations in the Middle East and support the national interest of
Israel.
Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of House Resolution
1369, which recognizes the work of nongovernmental organizations in
helping to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is through
the tireless efforts of so many dedicated and talented individuals on
the ground in the region that we have been able to see progress.
Nongovernmental organizations have worked for years at a grassroots
level to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians;
neighbor to neighbor. These organizations have a true commitment to
peace and to coexistence. The relationships they nurtured have helped
to build bridges within these communities that I hope will sustain a
lasting peace in the region.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time,
and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1369.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________