Rockland Reporter

Today, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) announced the introduction of the Stand with Israel Act. This legislation aims to withhold U.S. funding from UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after existing prohibitions on funding UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.

The Stand with Israel Act has garnered endorsements from several organizations including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), FDD Action, Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and Heritage Action. It is co-led by Representative Jared Moskowitz and has multiple original co-sponsors from both parties.

"With anti-Israel bias running rampant at the UN, it is more crucial than ever that we stand up to this disgusting hypocrisy and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our closest ally," said Congressman Mike Lawler. "We should not be giving a single cent to any UN agency that diminishes the status of Israel – and the Stand with Israel Act will ensure that we don't should this happen in the future."

Congressman Jared Moskowitz stated, "The United Nations has been biased and almost useless after Hamas murdered over a thousand innocent Israelis but has held Israel to a ridiculous, antisemitic double standard when it has exercised its right to defend itself."

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick added, "Antisemitism must be met with unwavering and resolute rejection, whether from individuals or international institutions. The UN's persistent anti-Israel bias is no exception."

"The international community has long unfairly scrutinized and ostracized Israel at the U.N. Now, as countries and organizations around the world engage in antisemitic rhetoric, we must ensure that our key democratic ally in the Middle East has a full voice at the United Nations," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

Other representatives echoed similar sentiments emphasizing accountability for institutional antisemitism at UN agencies.

JINSA President Michael Makovsky remarked on recent allegations against UNRWA employees: "Confirmation that nine UNRWA employees may have participated on October 7 attacks...is merely the latest example of the United Nations’ relentless record of hostility towards Israel."

FDD Action supported congressional oversight activities targeting pervasive anti-Israel bias at international organizations.

Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks criticized what he perceives as inadequate support from current administration officials: "Congressman Lawler and members who have cosponsored this bill understand what the Biden-Harris administration does not – standing with Israel means standing up to anti-Israel UN bureaucrats."

Various other organizational leaders expressed their support for ensuring fair treatment for Israel within international bodies through legislative measures like those proposed in this act.

Representative Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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