Israeli Loan and Peace Talks

As I prepare for the national gathering in Washington pertaining to Israel’s request for $10 billion in loan guarantees, I felt it imperative that I respond to your Sept. 11 editorial. You cite that the Bush Administration seeks “to give direct Arab-Israel negotiations a chance to get started in as unclouded a political atmosphere as possible.” In reality, the only linkage that has been put forth has been that of the Administration.

The loan guarantees must be understood to be a request to borrow $10 billion from commercial banks to assist Israel in its absorption and resettlement of nearly 1 million Soviet and Ethiopian Jews. The reasons for an endorsement of the loan guarantees clearly outweigh the President’s policy of linkage.

First, this functions as a humanitarian program consistent with America’s human rights policy for freedom for Soviet Jews. Second, an investment in Israel’s future has significant consequences for the United States as well. Third, this request represents an investment in the United States economy, as many of the dollars borrowed will be expended in this nation for American products. Fourth, it is an opportunity to assist an ally without creating new burdens on the American taxpayer or taking vital resources away from domestic programs.

It also bolsters Israel’s economy. Such action will send an important message to the Arab states that the United States remains committed to Israel’s economic security and its political future. This represents an appropriate response to an immediate and urgent need as thousands of Jews arrive monthly in Israel requiring the opportunity to build new lives. And, finally, loans represent the right thing to do, and, as a result, this issue must transcend any political agenda.

STEVEN F. WINDMUELLER, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Committee, Los Angeles