FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024

 

Birmingham, AL (January 8, 2024) – The U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) has released a comprehensive position paper announcing its official stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The paper includes messages for the U.S. government regarding hostages and how Israel should conduct future operations in the South. 

 

This paper emphasizes four important points: 

• The U.S. government should be fully supportive of Israel as it navigates this unprecedented hostage situation.

• The U.S. government should not push Israel into a deal that is not in Israel’s best interests.

• The U.S. government should provide military and diplomatic support for Israel until Hamas is completely eradicated from Gaza and all the hostages are released.

• The U.S. government should make clear to the Qataris that they must choose a side: the free, democratic world that seeks to work together for the common good or support the repressive terrorist proxies led by Iran that want mayhem and destruction. 

 

“We’re grateful for the bipartisan support for Israel we’ve seen from Congress thus far, but there’s more to do to help Members understand how to best support the Jewish state,” said EJ Kimball, director of policy and strategic operations at USIEA. 

 

“As strong as the U.S.-Israel relationship is, there’s room for improvement. The U.S. should fully  trust its cohort to let Israel fight its fight.” Kimball continued. 

 

USIEA, a non-partisan nonprofit that educates members of Congress about the benefits of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, has led seven Congressional delegations to Israel, giving bipartisan members of Congress firsthand experiences in the West Bank and at Ariel University, to better inform their policy decisions regarding U.S. foreign aid to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

Since October 7, USIEA has actively engaged nearly five dozen of Congressional offices about the importance of providing Israel with resources to fight Hamas in Gaza along with humanitarian relief for Gazans in the Sinai Desert. USIEA also has hosted 10 informative webinars that provide insider and on-the-ground updates regarding developments in Israel and what steps the Biden Administration can take to further address this conflict. 

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“This war has been traumatic for all those who love and support Israel. It’s a seismic shift in the world,” said Heather Johnston, founder and CEO of USIEA. “Many have not felt this alienated or isolated since the Holocaust, and we need to continue doing our part to support the Jewish people.”  

 

As the events in the Middle East remain fluid, USIEA will continue to use its educational voice with Congressional contacts, board members, donors, and the public to maintain its posture as a thought leader.    

 

About USIEA:

U.S. Israel Education Association (USIEA) advances important dialogue and cooperation between bipartisan senior government leaders in the United States and Israel by filling existing information gaps and enhancing understanding of issues critical to a mutually beneficial partnership. Founded in 2011, USIEA empowers U.S. leaders with innovative initiatives on the path to Middle East peace, connects Members of Congress with direct access to West Bank visits, and educates as thought leaders in the media and through strategic global partnerships. To learn more about USIEA’s work, visit usieducation.org.