Senate Poised to Act: Give 2 Minutes and Show Your Support!

Dear Friend of Brit Tzedek,

Last night, in his address to the nation, President Obama offered real hope for peace in the Mideast: "In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun..."

Special Envoy George Mitchell -- appointed by the President on his 2nd day in office -- and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be in Israel in the coming days, reinforcing the President's commitment to serious peacemaking efforts.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has drafted a letter to Secretary of State Clinton, strongly supporting these diplomatic efforts. The letter is being circulated in the Senate right now. Please urge your Senators to sign this important letter before the deadline noon this Friday.

Senator Feinstein's letter applauds Secretary Clinton's travel to Israel and the West Bank: "The continuing launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the ongoing challenge of formalizing an Israel-Hamas truce, underscore the importance of tenacious American leadership and engagement, now and in the future."

The House of Representatives, led by Rep. Delahunt (D-MA), has 66 signatures on a resolution endorsing Mitchell's appointment and President Obama's vision.

Now, it's time for the Senate to act. Encourage your senators to sign on to the letter now.

With Congress firmly behind their efforts, President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and Special Envoy Mitchell stand a much better chance of succeeding. This letter, sponsored by the office of a prominent, pro-Israel, Jewish Senator, makes it clear that the administration's efforts have the strong support of the American people and the American Jewish community.

Sen. Feinstein's letter will be sent to Secretary Clinton on Friday afternoon. Together we can make the pro-peace, pro-Israel voice heard in the halls of Congress!

B'Shalom,

Sue Swartz, Chair of Advocacy

Deepa Domansky, Washington Liaison and Advocacy Coordinator