Washington Report, August 6, 1984, Page 5

Lobby Activities

For Arabs:

Nearly two dozen Christian leaders representing most major denominations have together urged Congress "to just do nothing" on legislation calling for the transfer of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem which would have the effect of killing the bill in committee. Their call came only days before two House subcommittees are expected to decide the bill's future.

Late last month some 20 church leaders went to Capitol Hill for a day's worth of activities, beginning with a prayer breakfast with two dozen congressional aides and six House members, including the bill's two sponsors, Tom Lantos (D CA) and Benjamin Gilman (D NY). At the breakfast, spokesmen for the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists and an Evangelical association all argued in favor of keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv. Later, eight of the church leaders held individual meetings with another 30 senators, representatives, or their aides.

According to congressional sources, an informal meeting is expected to be held soon by the House Europe and Middle East subcommittee and the International Operations subcommittee to consider what happens next to the bill. Progress on the because of increased opposition. The meeting is expected to take place just before the House goes into recess August 10, making it unlikely that final action will be taken on the bill this month.

Meanwhile, at the Democratic Party's convention last month, the American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC) circulated on the convention floor a one page flyer criticizing the Democrats for endorsing the transfer of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, among other topics. (See page 6 for the text of the Democratic Party's Middle East platform. ) ADC's executive director, James Zogby, attended the convention as a deputy campaign manager for the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and was one of a handful of speakers who preceded Rev. Jackson's appearance. Mr. Zogby said back in Washington that his organization would continue to help build Rev. Jackson's "rainbow coalition," and would in the months ahead be "solidifying ties" with various groups wishing to work with ADC. For its part, the National Association of Arab Americans had a representative in San Francisco distributing outside the convention a critique on Middle East "myths" that NAAA said were contained in the Democratic platform.

For Israel:

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) made a strong showing at the Democratic Party convention in July.

On the second day of the convention, July 17, AIPAC hosted a breakfast at the Fairmont Hotel for nearly 800 Congressmen, Jewish delegates, party officials and others. According to AIPAC, more than 100 U.S. senators, representatives, state governors and city mayors attended. Thomas Dine, AIPAC's executive director, praised the Democrats for approving "pro Israel" planks in the party's platform. Among the guests were Governor Jim Hunt of North Carolina, who is campaigning to unseat Republican Senator Jesse Helms in November, and Representative Paul Simon of Illinois, who is seeking to replace Republican Senator Charles Percy. Mr. Hunt and Mr. Simon both have received strong support from the pro Israel community in the U.S.

AIPAC also held a private luncheon for selected members of Congress, including those who sit on Middle East subcommittees and on other subcommittees having responsibility for the disbursement of foreign aid. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Dante Fascell (D FL), and Claiborne Pell (D RI), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, were among the 100 guests.

About one dozen AIPAC staff members were at the convention to help muster support for Israel among the delegates and to handle logistics for its events.

Similar receptions are being planned by AIPAC for the Republican gathering in Dallas later this month.