The National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council (NJCRAC) warmly congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on his election as Prime Minister of Israel. We look forward to working cooperatively with him in strengthening the deep bonds of friendship that already exist between the United States and Israel. That unique partnership will continue to be based on shared values and interests, and on a mutual desire to achieve peace and security for Israel and all the peoples of the

Middle East. We also pledge to join the Prime Minister-elect in efforts to build a deeper relationship between Israel and the American Jewish community on the foundation of our common heritage.

The NJCRAC consistently has supported Israeli governments in their peace efforts, from Camp David to Madrid and Oslo. We welcome recent statements by Prime Minister-elect Netanyahu that affirm his unequivocal commitment to the vigorous pursuit of peace with security. We urge the Palestinians and Arab states to join with Israel's new leadership in continuing down a path of peace and reconciliation.

Similarly, the NJCRAC applauds Prime Minister-elect Netanyahu's call for a greater sense of unity and a lowering of tensions among the Israeli people, and is confident that these objectives will be reflected in his government.

In the context of Israel's robust democracy, diverse viewpoints about important policy issues have been, and will continue to be, expressed and debated. As Mr. Netanyahu has stressed, it is vital to hold these discussions in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering such an environment within the organized American Jewish community.

Finally, the NJCRAC expresses its admiration of Prime Minister Shimon Peres whose vision and leadership have brought Israel closer to its goals of peace with the Arab world and full acceptance by the international community. The Prime Minister -- and his predecessor in the outgoing Israeli government, the late Yitzhak Rabin -- leave a legacy that includes a sound foundation for advancing the peace process. We know that Mr. Peres, who has given over fifty extraordinary years of devoted public service, will find new ways to contribute to Israel and to the Jewish people.

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