Israel | Advocate for Israel
TALKING POINTS ON ISRAEL
Use these suggested “talking points” for making a pro-Israel case in your communications with the White House, members of Congress and the media, as well as with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Don’t forget to let them know how terrorism and unfair criticism of Israel makes you feel.
THE U.S.–ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP
Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East. We are grateful that past administrations, as well as both parties and both houses of Congress, have supported Israel’s right to defend itself for decades.
A FELLOW DEMOCRACY  | Arab Israelis comprise about 10%
of the Knesset | | |
Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East, with respect for human and civil rights, free and fair elections, a free press and freedom of speech, an independent judiciary and the rule of law. Israeli Arabs enjoy more freedom and greater civil rights than anywhere else in the Middle East.
FIGHTING TERROR
Israel and the U.S. are allies in the fight against terrorism, the deliberate targeting of innocent men, women and children for death or injury by a political or religious movement. No political or religious cause can justify such cold-blooded mass murder.
ENDING A CULTURE OF HATE
There will never be peace in the Middle East as long as hatred and violence.are promoted or condoned. Teaching hate against Israel, America and Jews worldwide in mosques, schools and the media will only incite violence.
ISRAELI RESTRAINT
Even as it fights terrorism, Israel strives to make peace with its neighbors and respects human rights. Out of respect for innocent life, the Israeli army takes care to avoid civilian casualties, in effect putting its own forces at greater risk. Both Israelis and Jews around the world regret and mourn the loss of civilian life.
NO EQUIVALENCY
It is important to distinguish between the one who initiates violence and the one who responds (e.g., the sniper vs. the police). Israel has no choice but to defend its citizens against terrorism from the Palestinian areas and Lebanon.
SEEKING PEACE
Despite the terror, polls continue to show an overwhelming majority of Israelis want to return to negotiations, but only with a Palestinian partner committed to peace. Israelis are prepared to make significant and painful territorial concessions. The Israeli government has agreed to every ceasefire and to the Roadmap to Peace. History has shown Israeli willingness to make serious compromises when a serious peace partner sits across the table.
HOW YOU CAN ADVOCATE FOR ISRAEL
HOW TO CONTACT THE NEWS MEDIA
HOW TO CONTACT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
ANSWERING ISRAEL'S CRITICS
ISRAEL ADVOCACY NETWORK (IAN)
ADVOCATING ON CAMPUS
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