From the Presbyterian Washington Office:
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a resolution that will block "any further consideration" of the Goldstone report. The detailed report found credible evidence of war crimes by Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead, which left 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead.
House Majority Leader Hoyer justified his vote in favor of the resolution saying the report is "distorted." He also said the 1.5 million people living in Gaza are suffering "in major part from the determination of their imposed leaders to pursue indiscriminate terror." He failed to mention that their hardship results from severe restrictions on movement of people and goods imposed since 2007 by Israel and Egypt, a condition many have defined as collective punishment.
If your Representative voted for H. Res. 867, please tell them now that they are undermining U.S. credibility internationally.
Israel's security is on the line and the U.S. must remain balanced in order to guide both parties to peace and security. Fear mongering does not help Israel, the U.S., or the Palestinians get any step closer to a better future for our children.
Only a balanced approach can lead us to a better future. There are 36 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives that opposed the resolution. These brave leaders need to hear from you too. Please thank your Representative if they opposed H. Res. 867.
Fight impunity, uphold the rule of law, and contact your Member of Congress today.
Background Reading
Reflections from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
"Israel and Gaza Deserve Better than a Misguided Resolution," Congressman Brian Baird, November 4, 2009
Letter to the President on the Goldstone Report from Churches for Middle East Peace [pdf]
General Assembly Guidance – Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
The 218th General Assembly (2008) voted to do the following:
Be a voice for the victims of violence in both Israel and Palestine. We ask PC(USA) members, congregations, committees, and other entities to become nonpartisan advocates for peace. As such, we will not over-identify with the realities of the Israelis or Palestinians. Instead we will identify with the need for peacemaking voices in the midst of horrific acts of violence and terror.
1. Focus our energy on the United States government, demanding that it assume an intensive and unrelenting role as a peacemaker, bringing together the opposing parties in forums where reasonable people can reach reasonable compromises about highly complex issues.
2. Condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians. We will avoid taking broad stands that simplify a very complex situation into a caricature of reality where one side clearly is at fault and the other side is clearly the victim.