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Transatlantic Friends of Israel Statement
7 October 2023
We are horrified by the brutal terror war Hamas has launched this morning against Israeli civilians. The Palestinian terrorists have fired 1,000s of rockets and infiltrated Israeli towns, where they reportedly killed and abducted Israeli civilians. We follow with great anguish news about 100s of Israeli casualties.
As members and supporters of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), we affirm our unwavering and steadfast support for Israel in her hour of need. The Jewish state - our key democratic ally - has, like all sovereign states, not only the right but the duty under international law to defend its citizens against terror and rockets. We call on European leaders to stand with Israel and support without any reservations its right to self-defence.
About
The AJC Transatlantic Institute (TAI) is the Brussels-based EU Office of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a non-partisan organization founded in 1906. AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. Read on...
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TFI
The Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) is a cross-party, inter-parliamentary group committed to strengthening the trilateral partnership between the United States, Israel, Canada, and Europe. We are united in the conviction that Israel, the Middle East’s only liberal democracy, ought to be understood as an integral part of this vital security, political, and economic architecture.
In Their Words
“The AJC’s Transatlantic Institute was founded during (one of those) bad moments... And we must truly be thankful to the American Jewish Committee... for having invested in our friendship right when we needed it the most.”
"I would like to express my interest and support for your initiative and work. In times of global tensions, it is indeed crucial to encourage and to share connections between historical partners. What feeds our special link is also common values regarding the respect for human rights, including the freedom of belief and the protection of minorities."
"Congratulations to Mr. Tanner as first Chairman of the AJC Transatlantic Institute. This award [the Ordre de la Couronne] is a small token of our deepest appreciation and admiration for both of you for your personal commitment to the strengthening of the cooperation between the United States and Europe."
"Among all Jewish organisations, I have found that yours is the most profound...And your organisation was the first one to focus on the globality of our life. I don't now of any other organisation that pays so much attention to what's happening outside of the United States, with respect to and beyond Jewish life, from India to Germany to France and in many other places. You have our real respect and appreciation."
"During the 1960 election, when my father’s Catholicism was a great issue in the campaign, the AJC was one of the first to come forward to support the right of his candidacy, and it made a great deal of difference in changing sentiments."
“It is no coincidence that I am giving my first speech in the United States as Federal President before the American Jewish Committee. For over fifty years AJC has been among the avant—garde when it comes to American—German relations.”
"Let me acknowledge those who have substantially contributed to the creation of an order of security and peace in Europe, such as the American Jewish Committee."
"Your organisation as early as 1911 - when few men and women dared to speak out - launched a campaign in New York State to end the advertisement of discrimination in public accommodations, in recreational resorts and amusement parks. This campaign resulted in the passage in 1913 of a state law which has served as model for many other states, and which has thus ade possible the extension of dignities for Negroes, Porto Ricans and other minorities."
It is an honor to send greetings to the Transatlantic Friends of Israel, a new cross-party parliamentary friendship group dedicated to fostering strong transatlantic ties with Israel. Key foreign policy issues - including stalwart support for our allies in Europe and in Israel - traditionally enjoy bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. It is my hope that the Transatlantic Friends of Israel can work towards achieving the same unwavering support in Europe for the Jewish state.
As a long-time believer in the deepening of transatlantic ties and a staunch supporter of Israel, I was delighted to learn about AJC’s new Transatlantic Friends of Israel inter-parliamentary friendship group. With a clear set of common interests and values, this trilateral project could not have come soon enough. As this group continues to grow and expand, I look forward to working together to pursue our agenda of partnership and friendship.
