B’nai B’rith International (BBI) applauds senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) for spearheading a letter to President Obama, which emphasizes the need for Arab states to take major steps in making peace with Israel.
 
The letter references Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo, where the president stressed that Israel’s legitimacy is a key component to making progress in the region.  It also asks that Obama shares what he expects from Arab states in the coming weeks and months.
 
Suggestions in the letter include ending the Arab League boycott of Israel and meeting publicly with Israeli officials, establishing trade between Israel and her neighbors, and inviting Israeli academics, athletes, and others to international conferences and events.
 
The letter states: “We also believe that Arab states must immediately and permanently end official propaganda campaigns which demonize Israel and Jews.”
 
BBI has asked its members and supporters to write their senators, urging them to co-sign the Bayh-Risch letter.
 
“Arab states must understand that making overtures to Israel and ending campaigns of hatred are imperative to achieving peace,” said B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin.
 
The letter also praises Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public support for the two-state solution, and cites former Arab leaders Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Jordan’s King Hussein for their notable contributions to peace.