Bishop Urges Palestinian Leaders to Recognize Israel's Right to Exist; Also Says Means Should be Found to Deliver Needed Aid to the Palestinian People.
WASHINGTON (March 3, 2006)—In a letter to Chairman Henry Hyde of the House Committee on International Relations, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski said aid should not be withheld from the Palestinian people because of the possible actions of their political leaders.
Bishop Wenski is Chairman of the Committee on International Policy, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
New realities in Palestine present challenges but they also offer opportunities for all parties to make a firm commitment to peace, said Bishop Wenski. "We strongly urge the Palestinian leaders to clearly and unequivocally recognize the right of Israel to exist within secure borders; that all parties renounce the use of terrorism and violence to achieve their political goals; and that all parties commit themselves to seek a viable two state solution, an aspiration shared by both Israelis and Palestinians as well as the international community. Likewise, we also urge all parties to respect human rights and religious freedom."
"We continue to urge all leaders in the region to pursue 'the road map,' to commit to work toward two viable states living in peace and security and to not take actions which delay or threaten these goals," Bishop Wenski said. "Understanding that it will take some time for new governments to be formed and to clarify their policies, we believe it is essential that humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people be continued and that a decision about aid to the new Palestinian government not be made until the policies of the new government become clear."
"Therefore, we do not believe it would be wise or just to withhold aid to the Palestinian people at large or punish them for the possible actions of their political leaders," the Bishop said. "Poverty and unemployment are still far too prevalent and a significant loss of funds for help for the Palestinian people can only add to their desperate plight and possibly lead to further unrest. We strongly urge the United States, the European Union and others to find appropriate and effective means to deliver needed aid to the Palestinian people."
At a March 1 hearing on US policy toward the Palestinians, Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey asked that Bishop Wenski's letter be placed in the Congressional record.
Below is the full text of the Bishop's letter.
March 1, 2006
The Honorable Henry Hyde
Chairman
Committee on International Relations
US House of Representatives
Rayburn House Office Building
Room 2170
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Hyde:
As your Committee addresses US policy toward the Palestinians in light of the recent parliamentary elections, I want to share with you perspectives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Achieving a just and lasting peace in this region should be among the highest priorities of our nation. The long and bitter conflict between Israelis and Palestinians requires a peaceful settlement that can ensure justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The recent victory of Hamas, the illness and incapacitation of Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and the upcoming Israeli elections present new and formidable challenges for peace in the region.
These new realties present challenges but they also offer opportunities for all parties to make a firm commitment to peace. We strongly urge the Palestinian leaders to clearly and unequivocally recognize the right of Israel to exist within secure borders; that all parties renounce the use of terrorism and violence to achieve their political goals; and that all parties commit themselves to seek a viable two state solution, an aspiration shared by both Israelis and Palestinians as well as the international community. Likewise, we also urge all parties to respect human rights and religious freedom.
We continue to urge all leaders in the region to pursue "the road map," to commit to work toward two viable states living in peace and security and to not take actions which delay or threaten these goals. Understanding that it will take some time for new governments to be formed and to clarify their policies, we believe it is essential that humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people be continued and that a decision about aid to the new Palestinian government not be made until the policies of the new government become clear.
Therefore, we do not believe it would be wise or just to withhold aid to the Palestinian people at large or punish them for the possible actions of their political leaders. Poverty and unemployment are still far too prevalent and a significant loss of funds for help for the Palestinian people can only add to their desperate plight and possibly lead to further unrest. We strongly urge the United States, the European Union and others to find appropriate and effective means to deliver urgently needed aid to the Palestinian people. Non-governmental organizations have a long history of helping the world's most vulnerable people. Their humanitarian role should be respected. While this work is not easy, it is essential. It deserves Congress' continued support.
The situation in the Holy Land has become increasingly complex, but we cannot abandon the people of Israel or the Palestinians. Strong, active and persistent US leadership is essential to restraining and assisting both parties to the conflict to bring about the goal of the road map—two states living in peace and security. We continue to work together with religious leaders in the Jewish, Moslem and other Christian communities to help our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land live in peace and safety. We renew our offer to work with you, your Committee and the US government to advance these common goals.
Thank you for your attention to our views.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, Committee on International Policy