Update: We're happy to report that H. Res. 282 has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. J Street Executive Director Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement upon the introduction of H. Res. 282:
J Street applauds Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) for their authorship of H. Res. 282, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Peace and cooperation between Israel and Egypt continue to play an integral role in Israel’s security and America’s own interests in the region, serving as a model upon which future peace agreements may be built. The resolution particularly notes the critical role played by the United States in facilitating the peace treaty and encourages “continued United States efforts to foster candid, constructive initiatives to resolve existing conflicts and mitigate current and emerging threats to a just and lasting Middle East peace”. We hope that Congress will join the new administration in providing the assertive American leadership necessary to achieve a peaceful resolution of the enduring conflicts between Israel and her neighbors. Such leadership, as demonstrated 30 years ago by the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty, is critical in bringing true reconciliation, peace, and security to Israel, the Palestinians, and the entire Middle East.