From: "Republican Jewish Coalition" <mail@rjchq.org>
Date: Oct 19, 2017 4:01 PM
Subject: RJC E-Newsletter for October 19, 2017
To: <faigerayzel@gmail.com>
Cc:
...
The RJC Weekly Newsletter
October 19, 2017
Your weekly look at the latest news, analysis,
and RJC activities around the country.
— Featured —
Trump Decertifies Iran Deal, Sanctions IRGC
In a very clear and powerful speech last Friday, President Donald Trump outlined a new, tougher U.S. policy toward Iran, which included decertifying the Iran deal. (Speech transcript)
Under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (commonly called the Corker-Cardin law), the President must certify to Congress every 90 days that certain conditions regarding the nuclear deal with Iran (JCPOA) have been met.
One of those conditions is that the sanctions relief granted under the JCPOA is "appropriate and proportionate to the specific and verifiable measures taken by Iran with respect to terminating its illicit nuclear program."
President Trump determined that given Iranian behavior, including their refusal to allow international inspectors to access military sites where nuclear work is being done, he could not certify that.
Pres. Trump also authorized the Treasury Department to sanction the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This finally holds the IRGC accountable for its primary role in "implementing Iran's international program of destabilizing activities, support for acts of international terrorism, and ballistic missile program."
These actions are a much-needed change in U.S. policy and mark an important first step on one of Pres. Trump's biggest campaign promises.
Further reading:
- Gregg Roman on why Trump's critics on Iran are wrong.
- Jonathan Schanzer explains how the President can now chart a new way forward on Iran.
- Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker gives more details about the administration's new Iran policy.
- Erin Cunningham at the Washington Post reports on Trump's decision to sanction the IRGC.
U.S. to Withdraw from UNESCO
The Washington Post reports:
The United States will withdraw from UNESCO at the end of next year, the State Department said Thursday, to stop accumulating unpaid dues and make a stand on what it said is anti-Israel bias at the U.N.'s educational, science and cultural organization.
In notifying UNESCO of the decision Thursday morning, the State Department said it would like to remain involved as a nonmember observer state. That will allow the United States to engage in debates and activities, though it will lose its right to vote on issues.The Israeli government is preparing to step down from UNESCO as well.
UNESCO's actions have long demonstrated an anti-Israel bias; two recent resolutions denied Israel's legal and historical claims to the city of Jerusalem and designated the Old City of Hebron, including the Tomb of the Patriarchs, as an "endangered world heritage site" located in "Palestine."
After the announcement that the U.S. would withdraw from UNESCO, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) introduced a resolution reaffirming the historic connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nation Nikki Haley warned that other UN agencies are also under scrutiny. Amb. Haley has already told the UN Human Rights Council that unless it carries out significant reforms, including ending its anti-Israel bias, the U.S. could leave the council.
Given the current membership of the UNHRC, that anti-Israel bias is unlikely to end soon. This week the UN elected 15 new members of the UNHRC, including human rights abusers who fail to meet the UN's own criteria for membership in the council: Afghanistan, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Qatar.
Fatah's Azzam al-Ahmad, right, and Saleh al-Arouri of Hamas, left, shake hands after signing a reconciliation deal in Cairo on October 12, 2017.
Palestinian Factions Sign Unity Accord
Representatives of the rival Fatah and Hamas Palestinian factions have signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo. According to media reports, the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (Fatah) will resume full control of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip by December 1.
The Trump administration warned that Hamas must disarm if it wants to play a role in a future Palestinian unity government. Jason Greenblatt, President Trump's special representative for international negotiations, said, "Any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the state of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties -– including to disarm terrorists -- and commit to peaceful negotiations,"
Israel likewise stated that it "will not conduct diplomatic negotiations with a Palestinian government that relies on Hamas, a terrorist organization calling for the destruction of Israel" unless it fulfills a set of conditions, including returning the IDF fallen and Israeli civilians held by Hamas, and Hamas severing its ties with Iran.
— Short Takes —
Barone: Democrats Yelp as Trump Upholds Constitution
In two of his most recent controversial actions, President Trump has taken stands upholding the rule of law and undoing the lawless behavior of his most recent predecessor.
Kredo: UN Accused of 'Blackmailing' Israeli Telecomm Company to Cut Services to Jews
The United Nations Human Rights Council is pressuring a major Israeli telecommunications company to cease operations in disputed areas of the Jewish state or face a potential designation as a human rights abuser, according to a copy of communications sent by the Human Rights Council that is being viewed as an attempt to blackmail international corporations into boycotting the Jewish state.
Frommer: Sen. Gillibrand to Keynote Social Justice Conference Featuring Supporters of Israel Boycott
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) is scheduled to give the keynote address at an upcoming social justice conference at the Brooklyn Museum, funded by and featuring high profile supporters of the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.
— Tweets —
— Events —
EVENT WITH TRAVIS CO. GOP CHAIRMAN MATT MACOWIAK
Austin, TX - October 22, 2017
MEET AND GREET WITH NICOLE MALLIOTAKIS
New York, NY - October 23, 2017
