View in Browser

The Biden administration's plan to reopen the US consulate in Jerusalem to serve Palestinians raises serious concerns. It would appear to contravene the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, which recognized Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital and mandated moving the US embassy to Jerusalem (which President Donald Trump did in 2018). It also could be interpreted as a signal that the US expects parts of Jerusalem to become the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Republicans are taking action to prevent the consulate from being reopened.

JNS reports:

More than 100 Republicans in the US House of Representatives introduced a bill on Wednesday that aims to block the Biden administration’s efforts to reopen the US consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem.

The bill, known as the Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act of 2021, prohibits the use of funds for any diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to Israel. It was sponsored by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and co-sponsored by 100 other Republicans, including House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY).

[Note: Reps. Kustoff and Zeldin are the two Jewish Republican members of the House.]

The legislation is a companion piece to one introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and is being supported by the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) and the Faith & Freedom Coalition.

Jewish Insider spoke to Rep. Zeldin about the importance of this bill:

“The Biden administration absolutely must not betray our critical alliance with Israel by reopening the US consulate general in Jerusalem, which is being pushed by the Palestinian Authority to divide Israel’s eternal capital,” Zeldin told JI. “I am proud to join Congressman Kustoff and many of our colleagues in this latest effort to ensure that the Jerusalem Embassy Act is upheld and fully implemented, Israel’s position as host nation is respected, and that Israel’s capital remains undivided.”

The RJC strongly supports the Upholding the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Law Act of 2021. Watch your email for information about how you can get involved in advocating for this important legislation, coming soon!

The RJC’s annual leadership meeting is known as the biggest political weekend of the year. No other event, short of a Republican national convention, brings out so many top Republican officials and policy experts. We are honored that our stellar featured guests joined us this year for a very successful, in-person, and high-profile meeting.

Last week we shared some of the great media coverage from the event. Now you can see key elements of the event yourself. Click on the links below to watch video clips of our terrific speakers.

• RJC National Chairman Senator Norm Coleman
• Video remarks from President Donald Trump
• Vice President Mike Pence
• Ambassador Nikki Haley
• Governor Ron DeSantis
• Governor Kristi Noem
• Governor Chris Sununu
• Governor Chris Christie
• Senator Ted Cruz
• Senator Lindsey Graham
• Senator Rick Scott
• House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy
• Author, TV and radio host Mark Levin
• Panel of Ambassador Ron Dermer and Brian Hook
• Panel of Congressmen Lee Zeldin and Mike Waltz
• Special program: A Tribute to Sheldon G. Adelson z”l

Further reading: Is the Republican party the new home for pro-Israel Democrats?

Frantzman: Israel is at the center of a new international security order

Troops from around the world have come to Israel this year to train. Last month, air force units from France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, the US and the US flew in the biennial Blue Flag drill over Israel. This year’s exercise included the largest number of countries since it began in 2013. In July Israel hosted American, British and German drone operators. The month before, Israel, the UK and the US flew F-35s together as part of the Tri-Lightning exercise. In March, Cyprus and France joined the Israel-led Noble Dina naval drill for the first time off Cyprus’s west coast.

These exercises aren’t only to strengthen each country’s military expertise, but to build a new alliance system that stretches from India to Europe, with Israel as its linchpin.

Marcus: UNRWA - the worst thing that ever happened to Palestinians

UNRWA is a nursery for growing refugees and a bottomless pit for international money. The fundamental problem with UNRWA is not its terror links; the fundamental problem with UNRWA – is UNRWA itself.

Durns: The Palestinian Authority is on the precipice

After losing the 2006 elections to Fatah’s chief rival, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority lost control of the Gaza Strip following a brief and bloody war. It looks increasingly likely, however, that [Mahmoud] Abbas’s Fatah movement, which controls both the PLO and the Palestinian Authority, might lose control of the West Bank, as well.

Cohanim: Iran's antisemitism isn't only about Israel

As the Biden administration resumes its efforts to persuade Iran to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal, it is worth remembering the Iranian regime's commitment to antisemitism.

Watch Now: Replay of Past Virtual Events

You can see recordings of many past RJC virtual events. Go to the RJC homepage and scroll down to the "RJC Live" section. There's a drop-down menu there to select the video you want to see.

RJC staff have returned to their offices for in-person work. Contact information for our offices can be found on our web site. Please visit us online for the latest RJC news, to see details of upcoming events, and to donate to the RJC. Read past editions of this newsletter here.