10 Reasons to Support the State of Israel
By Senator Nick Rerras
(Virginia Sixth District)

This is an edited portion of a comprehensive paper by Rerras, a Virginia State Senator since 1999.

For a copy of the full text, write info@americansandisraelis.org, or call 757-857-4708.

1. Israel is the best friend and ally that America has in that part of the world. The United States needs to realize that we cannot just be some type of "neutral arbitrator." We need to give Israel and its leaders our complete support.

2. Israel is a defender of the values we hold sacred - freedom, liberty, love of family, a respect for life, and free elections.

3. Israel has to struggle daily with Palestinians who promote and glorify suicide bombing and mass murder of innocent civilians. These same Palestinians were filmed celebrating when the World Trade Center was bombed on September 11, 2001.

4. Israel has a right to self-defense. We need to support Israel as they seek to live in peace and safety. Several of Israel=s neighbors are committed to destroying them. Some Arab maps do not even recognize the state of Israel.

5. Israel is being pressured by many (including the U.S.) to negotiate with people who have repeatedly declared their intention to destroy them. How can anyone negotiate with enemies who have never wavered from a commitment to the destruction of Israel?

6. Israel is the world leader in fighting terrorism. We must help, and not hinder Israel as they work to uproot the terrorist infrastructure that is used to kill innocent civilians, including women and children, in Israel and around the world.

7. The enemies of Israel promote terrorism. Palestinian groups such as Hamas actively promote terrorism, the murder of civilians, and a virulent hatred for Israel and the United States. These groups are not only a direct threat to the existence of Israel, but also a threat to freedom loving people everywhere.

8. The State of Israel must survive in a very dangerous region of the world. They are surrounded by countries that are ruled by unelected dictators, many of which harbor terrorists. At least one of Israel=s neighbors is developing weapons of mass destruction. Many of these nations have oppressive rulers who deny freedom to their own people, and continuously incite hatred of Israel and the United States.

9. Israel should not be forced into land concessions that threaten their existence. Israel has too little land for it to be given away to an enemy who do not appear committed to lasting peace. Experience teaches us that an independent Palestine would be attacking Israel on a regular basis, and not be a peaceful neighbor,

10. Jerusalem is the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. Recognizing the historic links to the Jewish people that go back more than 3,000 years, and the fact that there has always been a Jewish majority in "the eternal city," the United States should immediately move its embassy to Jerusalem and fully recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.

The State of Israel needs our help now more than ever. May we stand firmly with them as they face these difficult days. Additionally, America is a nation founded by G-d fearing people. In like manner, Israel is a nation that has also looked for G-d's help and leading from the beginning, currently, and for the future.