June 23, 2009 -- New York -- AJC today sent the following letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, praising Reid's letter http://democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=314481& to President Obama regarding Arab-Israeli peace.

The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader

United States Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. Leader:

On behalf of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), we write to express our admiration for your reaffirmation of strong support for Israel’s quest for peace and security, expressed in your public letter of June 15 to President Obama.

As you wrote to the President, negotiations cannot be successful without a firm Palestinian commitment to serve as a real partner for peace. Under your leadership, the Senate has commendably celebrated the historic connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. Unfortunately, the rejection of Israel’s legitimacy as a Jewish state – and of its very right to exist – persists throughout the Middle East.

AJC stands with you in supporting the President’s efforts to achieve a lasting peace and to create a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state of Israel. Like you, we are fully cognizant of the challenges that must be overcome. Chief among them is the grave threat to regional stability posed by Iran’s nuclear program and by Iran’s continued support for terrorist groups in Gaza and Lebanon that are committed to Israel’s destruction.

As Israel takes risks and makes difficult choices in the pursuit of peace, we share your view that differences between friends should be resolved amicably behind closed doors. We are hopeful that progress can be achieved, and confident that the unique partnership between the United States and Israel will remain as close as ever.

With appreciation,

Richard J. Sideman

David A. Harris