Over 300 leading US Jews have sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak expressing support for efforts to negotiate a peace agreement at a Camp David summit with the Palestinians, according to the New-York-based Israel Policy Forum.
Facing a severe government crisis at home, Barak delayed his departure for Washington on Monday as Israel's parliament prepared to vote a motion of no confidence, which he looks set to lose.
"We stand with you at this pivotal moment," said the letter, dated July 9 and released Sunday by the policy forum.
"We are confident that the overwhelming majority of American Jews, and indeed of all Americans, share this view and support Israel's peace initiative," it said.
Those signing the letter included business executives, actors, leaders of Jewish groups and Rabbis, according to the forum. It is to be published as an advertisement during the summit.
"Only Israel can reach these fateful decisions about her future," the letter said, adding that Barak is "the most qualified person to assess the relative risks and benefits of the strategic choices Israel faces today."
"We are determined to unify our community in support of your efforts to negotiate a peace agreement," the letter said.
Three parties in Barak's coalition announced Sunday they were withdrawing their support for him in protest at his decision to go to the United States for the summit due to start Tuesday.
He is to conduct marathon talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat under the auspices of US President Bill Clinton in order to draw up a framework agreement on a permanent agreement for the West Bank and Gaza Strip - WASHINGTON (AFP)
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