Conservatives offer resolution condemning UNESCO Israel treatment
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida suggest condemning UNESCO for last years 'anti-Israeli' activity.
By MICHAEL WILNERUpdated: OCTOBER 17, 2017 17:45unesco(photo credit: Charles Platiau / Reuters)
WASHINGTON -- Two Republicans, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, offered companion resolutions in their respective houses last week that would condemn UNESCO for its "anti-Israel" efforts in recent years.The proposal– a non-binding action that would express the opinion of Congress – follows the Trump administration's announcement on October 12 that the US will withdraw from the international cultural body. Israel followed the US later that day.“I am proud to have worked with Rep. Matt Gaetz on this bicameral resolution that formally rejects UNESCO’s shameful and absurd attempts to deliberately erase the history of Jerusalem, Israel’s eternal capital," Cruz said in a prepared statement.Congress has offered several letters and resolutions in the past condemning UNESCO's votes on Israel matters, which have consistently rejected any recognition of Jewish ties to their ancient capital, Jerusalem.UNESCO's decision to recognize the State of Palestine as a member prompted the US' withdrawal last week, as US law forbids the funding of any organization that recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state outside of a comprehensive peace agreement.
