Supporting Israel’s Security
April 13, 2010
Recent reports–including a terrorist attempt to plant explosives along the Israeli border–have highlighted the continuing threat posed to Israel’s security by militants in the Gaza strip. Gaza is governed by Hamas, a terrorist organization that has killed hundreds of innocent men, women, and children; its charter continues to call for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews. In recent years, Kassam rockets have rained down on Israeli villages, killing civilians indiscriminately.
Like all states, Israel has the right and the duty to defend its citizens. Yet recently, 54 members of Congress wrote to President Obama asking him to pressure Israel into lifting its security blockade of Gaza. In response, I along with 36 other members of the New York State legislature called upon the President to respect Israel’s right to self-defense.
Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to peace and security. Israel’s blockade is designed to deny Hamas the means to commit acts of terrorism, while letting through humanitarian supplies. Indeed, in recent days, Israel has loosened the blockade. However, as long as terrorist organizations like Hamas continue to call for Israel’s destruction and sponsor or permit attacks upon innocent civilians, neither Israelis nor Palestinians will be able to live in peace. Meanwhile, Israel must be allowed to defend itself, just as any other nation would do.
A copy of our letter to President Obama is below.
3.15.10 Joint Letter to Obama Re Gaza
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- Via @MicahKellner + @MMViverito NYPD, never sensitive to Trans NYers, but if these allegations true its beyond the pale http://t.co/UGWWI9Tn
11 hours ago from ÜberSocial for BlackBerry
[...] of New York State Assembly Member Micah Kellner, there is discussion of a jointly signed letter to President Obama regarding the security of Israel and the New York State Police — if legislation goes through — could at last have some [...]