Madam, - John Kelly (January 3rd) voices a theory about Jewish influence over the US government that is strikingly reminiscent of the conspiracy beliefs propagated during the darker periods of European history.
While the right to criticise any government's policy is wholly legitimate and one of the bases of democracy, it is quite another matter to stereotype and attribute to the Jewish people, either as individuals or a group, the power to manipulate global institutions or governments.
On Capitol Hill there is a Jewish lobby, as there is an Irish lobby, a Saudi lobby and other groups promoting their respective interests. However, it is absurd to argue that the Jewish lobby holds the key to US foreign policy.
Former US secretary of state George Shultz wrote that Jewish groups advocate US support for Israel, "but the notion that they have anything like a uniform agenda and that US policy in Israel and the Middle East is the result of this influence is simply wrong. . . the US supports Israel not because of favouritism based on political pressure but because the American people and their leaders say that supporting Israel is politically sound and moral."
The United States remains a close ally of Israel because both countries share strategic interests and common values. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East in which the rule of law and freedom of the press operate fully. Israel has protected its values and continues to seek peace in the region in spite of threats of annihilation and the continued terrorist attacks of recent years.
In his comments against the security barrier Mr Kelly is perhaps unaware of the effects of Palestinian suicide bombing campaigns against Israeli civilians and dismisses the right and duty of Israel to protect its citizens. Since 2000, terrorist attacks have killed over 1,100 innocent Israelis and maimed thousands more. As a result of such attacks, the building of a temporary security barrier was an imperative.
Since its construction, the number of suicide bombings against Israel has been reduced by 95 per cent and its efficiency at preventing terrorist attacks has even been acknowledged by senior Palestinian militants. The security barrier is removable and its position does not represent the permanent border of any future Palestinian state, the final status of which will be agreed between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel is committed to a two-state solution where Israel and the Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. Perhaps Mr Kelly needs to be reminded that the collapse of the Clinton peace proposals in 2000 was not due to the pressures of US Jewish groups but rather to the rejection of those proposals by Palestinian chairman Arafat. - Yours, etc,
KENNETH BAKER, Press Officer, Embassy of Israel, Dublin.