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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Bipartisan group introduces act withholding US funds from anti-Israel UN agencies

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Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot

Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot

On August 20, 2024, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, introduced the Stand with Israel Act. This legislation aims to withhold U.S. funding from United Nations agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill mirrors existing prohibitions on funding UN entities that elevate the Palestinian Authority to member state status.

The Stand with Israel Act has garnered endorsements from several organizations including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), FDD Action, Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and Heritage Action. It is co-led by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Randy Weber (TX-14), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), Greg Steube (FL-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Tom Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Brandon Williams (NY-22), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Nick LaLota (NY-01) Lance Gooden(TX -5 ), French Hill(AR -2 ), Elise Stefanik(NY -21 )and Tony Gonzales(TX -23).

"Antisemitism must be met with unwavering and resolute rejection, whether from individuals or international institutions. The UN's persistent anti-Israel bias is no exception," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. "As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, I am committed to ensuring our friends in Israel are supported and that we are fighting back against antisemitism on every front."

Congressman Mike Lawler emphasized the importance of standing up to what he described as hypocrisy at the UN: "We should not be giving a single cent to any UN agency that diminishes the status of Israel – and the Stand with Israel Act will ensure that we don't should this happen in the future."

Congressman Jared Moskowitz criticized what he sees as a double standard at the UN: "The United Nations has been biased and almost useless after Hamas murdered over a thousand innocent Israelis but has held Israel to a ridiculous, antisemitic double standard when it has exercised its right to defend itself."

"The international community has long unfairly scrutinized and ostracized Israel at the U.N." added Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

Other representatives echoed similar sentiments regarding antisemitism and support for Israel. Congressman Andrew Garbarino stated: "Antisemitism is never acceptable and that includes institutional antisemitism." Congressman Anthony D'Esposito remarked on ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to fund what he called "antisemitic hatred being advanced by any UN agency."

Several organizational leaders also voiced their support for the legislation. Michael Makovsky, President and CEO of JINSA, noted: "It’s long past time to hold the UN accountable." Matt Brooks and Senator Norm Coleman from RJC commented: "By passing the Stand with Israel Act, Congress will send a clear message to the UN: American taxpayers won’t tolerate your antisemitic vendetta."

Morton A. Klein from ZOA emphasized protecting America's ally: "Once passed, this legislation will ensure that no U.S. funding be available for any international organization if 'it expels, downgrades or suspends membership or otherwise restricts participation.'"

Sandra Parker from CUFI highlighted bipartisan efforts against institutionalized antisemitism at the UN while Heritage Action urged all members to support stopping taxpayer funds flowing to those who placate terrorists targeting Israel.

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