PJW contacts Senators about vote to allow US embassy in Jerusalem 2/21

https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/email-ron

and Jeff Merkley

https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact .

February 9, 2021

Senators Wyden and Merkley:

We were very disappointed to read that the Senate voted almost unanimously to keep the US' Israeli embassy in Jerusalem, and more so that each of you were among the "yes" votes. The move from Tel Aviv violated international norms and sent a clear signal that the US was not interested in a meaningful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/us-embassy-in-jerusalem-wins-bipartisan-senate-support-in-near-unanimous-vote/ar-BB1dpWzw

This is in contradiction to both a UN Security Council and separate General Assembly Resolution.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 478 (1980) notes that Jerusalem is part of the occupied territories and condemned Israel for declaring it the capital. The US abstained on this vote.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES.10/L.22 (2017) voided the legitimacy of Jerusalem as the capital after the US declared they would recognize it. This Resolution passed 128-9, with the US among the only nine countries in the world voting against it.

Moreover, even the United Arab Emirates, which was coerced by President Trump to recognize Israel in exchange for military gear, is planning to open its diplomatic headquarters in Tel Aviv.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/24/uae-cabinet-approves-establishing-embassy-in-tel-aviv

We urge you to take public feedback, check in with international partners including the United Nations, and raise the issue again in the Senate in order to reverse the US' unlawful decision and keep open the possibility of a just and lasting solution that is fair to the Palestinian people.

dan handelman and other members of
peace and justice works
portland, or