The following are suggested points to include in your letter to your
representative:
What Happened?
On June 11, 1982 three Israeli soldiers - Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz
and Tzvi Feldman -- went missing in battle with Palestinian and Syrian
troops near the Lebanese village of Sultan Yaqub. Zachary Baumel is
an American citizen. In 1986 Israeli air-force navigator Capt. Ron Arad
was also captured in Lebanon. Arad's family received pictures and letters
from him a year after his capture.
Who is Responsible?
Arafat - his forces fought at Sultan Yaqub, and in 1993 he returned
half of Baumel's dogtag to Prime Minister Rabin promising more information
that he has yet to disclose. By not cooperating Arafat is in violation
of Article XIX of the May 4, 1994 Cairo Agreement.
Assad - the Sultan Yaqub MIAs were captured in battle with Syrian
forces in Syrian- controlled Lebanon. The Amnesty International Report
of 1988 (page 254) stated that three soldiers from Sultan Yaqub "were
alive and in Syrian custody." The Syrians are violating International
Law by holding these soldiers incommunicado. Ron Arad was also held
by militias in Syrian-controlled Lebanon with Syrian knowledge and
approval.
Writing Your Representative
in the United States Congress
Why Are You Concerned?
Humanitarian Issue -- we are not talking about land or guns. Resolution of the issue has no strategic loss to any side.
Reciprocity -- Since 1993 Israel has released thousands of Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners. All Israel has received in return is half a dog tag.
Why the US Should Care?
Support for US Legislation H.R. 1175 -- In November 1999, President Clinton signed H.R. 1175 into law after having been passed unanimously in both houses. H.R. 1175 -- "A Bill to Locate and Secure the Release of Zachary Baumel, an American Citizen and Other Israelis Missing in Action" links American aid to Syria, Lebanon, and the PA to their willingness to cooperate in locating the missing soldiers. US aid should not be given to those parties holding American hostages.
US Debt to Israel -- In 1990 Israel played a critical role in securing the release of all the remaining American hostages being held in Lebanon. All western hostages returned home - the Israelis still remain in captivity.
Vietnam - The U.S. knows from experience that the MIA issue will not go away. There can be no meaningful peace for Israelis without closure on the issue.
The following are links to your representative's address:
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