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May 22, 2000 Vol. 2, No. 17 This Week in Washington... For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org For Your Eyes Only - Classified Information Subject of House Hearing: The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday to discuss the Secret Evidence Repeal Act (HR 2121) introduced by Rep. David Bonior (MI). The legislation would repeal a provision of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act which established a model for balancing national security concerns and due process rights of aliens accused of terrorist crimes. In a letter sent today to members of the House Judiciary Committee and signed by the JCPA, American Jewish Committee, ADL, American Jewish Congress and B’nai B’rith, we observed that the legislation "is a hatchet taken to difficult issues that require a scalpel." The NJCRAC 1996-1997 Joint program plan urged the Jewish community relations field to "implement counterterrorism legislation passed by the Congress, with adherence to the civil-liberties protections incorporated therein." This Week in New York... For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org In NYC, We’ve Got Theater, Museums, Great Eating and Phenomenal Task Force Agendas for June 11th: Israel and Other International Concerns News reports today indicate that the last three defendants in Shiraz have denied being part of a spy ring for Israel. What new points of leverage can be identified as we continue to seek justice for the Iran 13 and should the Jewish community's strategy that has been in place these last 15 months, (i.e., operating discreetly through those leaders and institutions with influence in Iran rather than through massive public confrontation) remain in place or be changed in some fashion… Peace Process, Lebanon and the Palestinian Disturbances: Barak's cancelled visit to the U.S. and the return of the "back channel" negotiators from Stockholm against the backdrop of severe disturbances in Palestinian controlled territories have put the peace process on hold at least temporarily. What is the field's for U.S. and United Nations policies that will address Israel's security requirements and the needs of a fragile peace process? Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Long-term Healthcare Implications for the Jewish Community: Stephan Kline, UJC Director of Health Policy, will discuss policy issues, fiscal realities, areas of anticipated debate, legislative action, and particular concerns of the Jewish community …Report on Beijing +5: The U.N. Special Session to assess progress achieved on the women’s rights agenda since passage of the Beijing Platform for Action five years ago will have just concluded. The task force will hear a report on developments and outcomes of these meetings…Campaign Issues on the EOSJ Agenda: Differing policy perspectives on key issues in the upcoming presidential campaign, focusing on public education, health care, and social security. Jewish Security and the Bill of Rights Topics for discussion at the JSBOR task force meeting will include: the completion of the Supreme Court term, with a special focus on recent decisions that have seriously constrained Congress’ power to legislate, such as the one handed down last week invalidating portions of the Violence Against Women Act; religion in the public schools, focusing on national guidelines issued by the Department of Education; and recent developments in the area of Holocaust assets restitution.
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