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Push Congress to back Obama's leadership on peace

This is an important moment for those of us who care about Israel and about peace. I'm asking you to take action: call your Representative and Senators so that our voice is heard.

Tomorrow, thousands of activists in Washington for the AIPAC conference will be on the Hill claiming to speak for all Americans, and especially American Jews who care about Israel. I know from experience that their agenda is often not the same as ours.

This lobby day comes hot on the heels of the crisis sparked by the announcement - during Joe Biden's visit to Israel - of a massive settlement expansion.

Today Hillary Clinton defended the administration's action on the issue. She told the AIPAC conference that is is America's devotion to peace for Israel that led the administration to condemn the announcement of plans for new construction in East Jerusalem.

"This is about getting to the table, creating and protecting an atmosphere of trust around it - and staying there until the job is done," she said.

Nevertheless, a number of groups have attacked the Obama administration for publicly speaking out about the settlement expansion. You can be sure that this will be a topic discussed during AIPAC's lobby day tomorrow.

Make sure that our voice is heard. Tell Congress that the real pro-Israel thing to do is to stop the expansion of settlements. Settlements undermine the prospect for peace, which is key to Israel's future.

Israel needs real American leadership. That means that President Obama should be prepared to confront both Israel and the Palestinians when they fail to take steps for peace.

Click here to make your call now. Your voice is vital to Israel's future.

The effort to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian public is also on the agenda. We need you to tell Congress that America needs a rational policy to address the challenge of Iran, not a knee-jerk reaction that is more reflective of frustration than of strategic thinking.

Tell Congress that the sanctions bill now under consideration should be amended so that it does not tie the President's hands, undermine America's relationships with key allies, threaten multilateral efforts, or close off important avenues of policy in the future.

Click here to make your call now. Your voice is vital to Israel's future.

APN has a strong impact in Washington because of the close coordination between you - the grassroots muscle - and our professional Government Relations Program. This morning Lara Friedman, our director of policy and government relations, sent a message to all Congressional offices. Click here to read that message.