Foreign Aid (1990)

Events in Eastern Europe have redefined America’s security interests. The failure of communism to provide economic stability and growth has opened up opportunities for democracy and free enterprise. In moving from an era of confrontation to an era of diplomacy we must bear in mind that an important tool of diplomacy is foreign aid. U.S. financial support is not a gift. It is an investment in freedom, peace and security. The current foreign aid budget is less than one percent of the overall U.S. budget. To cut limited foreign aid is short-sighted policy.

While we recognize the urgent need to reduce the national deficit, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism calls upon its members to convey to their representatives in Congress their opposition to any reductions in currently earmarked foreign aid to Israel for the following reasons.

1. In a period of transition, the U.S. should support the stability of its allies in volatile areas of the world.
2. A reduction in aid to Israel at this time might be read as a diminution of America’s longstanding bonds of friendship that could inadvertently contribute to a dangerous perception of vulnerability and embolden Israel’s enemies, weaken her negotiating position, and threaten her security.
3. With weapons proliferating throughout the region, Israel faces increasing threats from hostile neighbors.
4. U.S. aid and commitment assures Israel’s military and economic strength and gives Israel the confidence to take the risks for peace embodied in its peace initiative.
5. The mass immigration of Soviet Jews to Israel places an increasing strain on Israel’s resources and economy.