(The following letter was sent to President Bill Clinton. It is being printed here at the author's request.)

In your press conference on July 1, in Washington, DC, you have been quoted to have said on the subject of Israeli settlements:

"Well, I think our position on the settlements has been clear. We don't believe that unilateral actions by any party, including other interested parties in the US, which compromise the capacity of the parties to the Oslo Accord to reach agreement on final status issues, should be taken. And that includes provocative settlement actions. We have made that clear and unambiguous." Also on the subject of the right of return for Palestinian refugees, you said:

"....I would like it if the Palestinian people felt free and more free to live wherever they like, wherever they want to live."

Mr. President, while there is much room for change in your administration's implementation of policy in the Palestine/Israel issue, we wish to let you know that there is support for your above statements.

We, and the 373 members of the congregation who signed the above letter, wish to bring to your attention the following to be included in your Middle East policy:

1. The settlements are a clear block to lasting peace. They are also a violation of the Fourth Geneva Accord that forbids the Occupying Power from moving its civilian population into occupied territory.

2. It is good to see the United States make a possible move toward the enforcement of General Assembly Resolutions, such as 194 and 237, calling upon Israel to allow the return of refugees. Both have been ignored and not enforced for too long.

3. It is appropriate and in the best interest of humanity to work for justice that will bring a lasting peace to the region.

The US must support peace with justice in the Middle East. Anxiously awaiting your response.

Al-Haaj Ghazi V. Khankan
Director of Interfaith and Communicaton
Islamic Center of Long Island (Westbury)