The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – welcomes the introduction of a resolution by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fl.) reaffirming the Jewish people’s historical connection to Jerusalem and condemning ongoing efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to delegitimize Israel through attempts to deny and rewrite its history.

Sen. Cruz this week introduced S.Res.291 in the Senate; Rep. Gaetz introduced, H.Res. 570 in the House. Both resolutions have been referred to each chamber’s foreign relations committee.

The resolutions also express support for the Israeli government’s protection of religious freedom for people of all faiths.  Their introduction comes on the heels of the U.S. State Department’s announcement Thursday that the United States is withdrawing from UNESCO because of its anti-Israel bias, such as ignoring Judaism’s connection to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount – the holiest site that Jews can visit today. UNESCO also has passed resolutions renaming historic Jewish places as Palestinian heritage sites.

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President of Public Policy Nathan Diament stated:
“We applaud Sen. Cruz and Rep. Gaetz for their courage and determination in bringing this resolution forward.  It shines a light on UNESCO’s disgraceful record of obsessively passing resolutions against Israel. It’s time for this to stop, and we are hopeful that these efforts prompt UNESCO to return to its mission of contributing to peace and security rather than attacking the world’s only Jewish state.”

Orthodox Union President Mark (Moshe) Bane stated:
“The Orthodox Union is deeply appreciative of the introduction of these resolutions, which firmly reject UNESCO’s shameful bid to erase thousands of years of Jewish history and deny the Jewish People’s connection to Israel.  This resolution comes at a momentous time – 100 years ago this month, the Balfour Declaration paved the way for modern-day Israel – and we thank Sen. Cruz and Rep. Gaetz for their passionate and ongoing support for Israel.”