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Thursday Mar 05, 2009

Rosner's Domain: Is this our beloved Senator from New York?

Posted by SHMUEL ROSNER
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The Jewish Orthodox Union sent Secretary Clinton a letter objecting a statement she's made regarding Israel's plans to demolish more than 80 houses constructed illegally by Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Here's the text:

Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

The State Department

Dear Secretary Clinton,

As you visit the holy city of Jerusalem - which you have long recognized
is the eternal and indivisible capital of Israel and the Jewish People -
for the first time as our Secretary of State, we write to you to express
our disappointment and disagreement with your statements regarding
illegally constructed Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem.

You stated that Israel's plans to demolish more than eighty such
illegally constructed homes are "unhelpful and not in keeping with the
obligations entered into under the 'road map'" and that it is an issue
you "intend to raise with the government of Israel..."

Madame Secretary, as you well know, Israel is the sole democracy in the
Mideast and thus possesses a feature integral to democratic nations – an
open and fair legal system. Thus, it is not only appropriate but
necessary for the rule of law to govern. As such, illegally constructed
homes in East Jerusalem should be removed, and any suggestion to the
contrary mocks the laws of a just and democratic state. We note that the
enforcement of similar Israeli laws has been urged by the United States
regarding illegally constructed Israeli homes in other parts of Israel.

We hope and expect that as Secretary of State you will champion
democracy and the rule of law throughout the globe, and not sacrifice
such bedrock American values in the furtherance of competing diplomatic
goals.

We request that you re-assess and clarify your statement on this matter.
We would be pleased and honored to discuss this matter with you further
if this would be helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Stephen Savitsky, President
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Exec. Vice President
Mark Bane, Chairman - Public Policy

Nathan J. Diament, Director - Public Policy 

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1  |  Justin Philadelphia PA, Thursday Mar 05, 2009
So, they note that United States has called for the enforement of laws regarding the destruction of illegal settlements "In other parts of Israel" Does the Jewish Orthodox Union consider the occupied territories part of Israel proper now? I think we can be confident that the particular phrasing is not accidental. Will this organization be willing to clarify that they are calling for the immediate destruction of all illegal settlements in the West Bank as well? Or is the rule of law only vital when it serves the interests of the Israeli right wing? Can we get clarification?
2  |  Kansas, USA, Friday Mar 06, 2009
I pray you don't listen to anything this new American administration tries to get you to do. I didn't like some of the things the Bush administration tried to get done. Keep all the land you have now and don't give away any more. You see what giving away Gaza did for you. America fought for land that Mexico had many, many years ago and we didn't give it back. All this land belongs to the Jews. Many Christians in America believe you should have all the land you have now and much more.
3  |  eugene eubank ,sc,usa, Monday Mar 09, 2009
it is true israel needs to keep all its land even now is it not what was given by the old scripture.in fact why did you give up Gaza and West Bank any way...there is no peace it remains to be seen that peace and freed om seem to mean different things to the mindset of thoes that use the words,the words need to be defined first then the talks can start. land that is Israel must be Israel,so where do we go ....? The talks need to start with other nations to give up their lands for the Palestinians to make a homeland in.Give them the right to build their own country with pride not words!
4  |  Neale, Maryland, USA, Thursday Mar 12, 2009
Kansas, God bless you. Us true American christians must supports Israel and oppose the people who seek to destroy us all.
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