http://www.israelunitycoalition.com/
Washington, D.C. - Feb 12, 2003
Cantor Resolution Commending Israel Elections Passes House [with text]
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Stressing his firm belief that a strong U.S.-Israel
relationship is essential to securing America's interests in the Middle
East, Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor today was the original sponsor
of a resolution congratulating the people of Israel for conducting free
and
Fair elections last month. The resolution passed by a vote of 411 to
2.
The two nays were Nick Rahall (D. WV) and Ron Paul (R. TX).
"I congratulate our only true democratic ally in the Middle East-
Israel- a country that stands with the United States on the key
principles of human rights, freedom, peace and democracy; a country
like no other in its region," said Eric Cantor during a U.S. House floor
speech supporting the resolution.
"Israel is currently fighting a war on terrorism against people
dedicated to hate and destruction; dedicated to ending freedom and
democracy; dedicated to suppressing the basic rights of life and
liberty. For the past two and a half years, Israel has faced an
unrelenting campaign of violence and terror against her citizens,"
continued Cantor.
"Yet, during all of this unrest and violence, the Israeli people engaged
in the most basic and most important feature of democracy: They held
free, open and, competitive elections--an act in stark contrast to
their
enemies," said Cantor.
"I strongly believe the U.S. must maintain its commitment to Israel's
safety. Israel has always worked for peace in the Middle East, even
in
the face of terror and the loss of innocent lives of her citizens.
I am
proud to stand with and support our only democratic ally in the region,"
concluded Cantor.
On January 28, 2003 citizens in Israel exercised their right to vote
in
a free, transparent and democratic election. In Israel, like the United
States, the right of citizens to vote is not denied or abridged because
of race, color, creed, sex or religion.
++++
108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 61
Commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections,
reaffirming the friendship between the Governments and peoples of the
United States and Israel, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
RESOLUTION
Commending the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections,
reaffirming the friendship between the Governments and peoples of the
United States and Israel, and for other purposes.
Whereas the United States and Israel are close allies whose people share
a deep and abiding friendship based on a shared commitment to democratic
values;
Whereas since its establishment in 1948, Israel has fulfilled the dreams
of its founders who envisioned a vigorous, open, and stable democracy;
Whereas an essential feature of Israeli democracy is its system of
competitive, free, and open elections;
Whereas on January 28, 2003, the people of Israel elected Israel's 16th
Knesset, or Parliament, which in turn will choose the Prime Minister
of
Israel; and
Whereas the election on January 28, 2003, is the most recent example
of
the commitment of Israel to the democratic ideals of freedom and
pluralism, ideals that Israel shares with the United States
Resolved, That the House of Representatives
(1) commends the people of Israel for reaffirming their dedication to
democratic ideals as expressed in the election on January 28, 2003;
(2) expresses both its respect for the freely expressed will of the
people of Israel, and its intention to engage in constructive relations
with the new Government of Israel, and urges the international community
to do so as well;
(3) reaffirms the close bonds of friendship that have bound the people
of the United States and the people of Israel together through turbulent
times for more than half a century;
(4) urges the Palestinian leadership to abide by its commitments made
to
the United States and to Israel and urges the Palestinian people to
act
on President Bush's call of June 24, 2002, to dismantle the terrorist
infrastructure, end incitement to violence in official media, elect
new
leaders not compromised by terror, and embrace democracy; and
(5) restates the commitment of the United States to a secure peace for
Israel.
Russian version
An introduction to MAOF
Haim Goldman
Haim Goldman
Dear Friends,
Would you believe that the undersigned has anything in common with
-- Professor Victor Davis Hanson (Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University),
-- Dr Charles Krauthammer, (Washington Post, Time, The Weekly Standard),
-- Caroline Glick (Deputy Managing Editor of the Jerusalem Post),
-- Jonathan Tobin (Executive Editor of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent).
Amazingly, the editors of the MAOF website decided that the missives of the undersigned are worthy of translation and posting along the articles written by these distinguished authors.
The first letter was published without the consent of the undersigned.
However, after thorough examination of the laudable attitude of MAOF and of the excellent contents of the website, the undersigned had most graciously granted his permission for publication of his missives in both English and Russian.
“Analytical Group MAOF” [1] is an organisation founded about ten years ago by Russian-speaking Jewish intellectuals. The attitude of MAOF is definitely pro-Zionist -- unambiguously and unapologetically.
One of MAOF’s primary purposes is providing information and analysis about Middle-Eastern and world affairs as well as about Israel’s history, values and dilemmas. In addition to extensive publication activity in various media, MAOF also organises excursions and seminars. While the vast majority of the contents of the MAOF website is in Russian, texts originally written in English are provided in the original [2] as well as in Russian.
There are arguably about 250 millions of Russian-speakers worldwide and many of them do not read English. The indisputable motivation for the author’s permission was to grant those millions of disadvantaged people the grand benefit of reading the author’s ruminations. If the author is ever maliciously accused that his tacit motivation for authorising the publication was his craving to be listed along with the above-mentioned distinguished writers, his plea will definitely be “nolo contendere”.
The editors of MAOF expressed their gratitude by granting the undersigned a privilege that no other author got – the opportunity to review and correct the Russian translation before publication. The original letters of the undersigned are at [3] and their Russian version is at [4]. At of today, only two letters are posted but several other letters are pending translation.
You are kindly ENCOURAGED TO RECOMMEND the MAOF website to your friends and colleagues worldwide, particularly those who speak Russian. Those who do not enjoy the benefit of proficiency in the exquisite Russian language can find many thought-provoking and inspiring articles about Middle-Eastern and world affairs in the English section [2].
Sincerely,
Haim Goldman
28.10.2006
REFERENCES:
[1] http://maof.rjews.net
[2] section.php3? sid=37&num=25
[3] authorg.php3? id=2107&type=a
[4] authorg.php3? id=2166&type=a