The U.S. Government is about to enter into the final phase of the assessment of Israel's eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. On July 1 the process will enter into the testing phase, one of the final steps before a decision on admission is reached, as Israel implements a 30-day pilot program attempting to show that they have overcome their biggest hurdle for inclusion, reciprocity. Israel unequivocally fails to meet this fundamental requirement, regardless of what they decide to do for 30 days.

Now is the time to make your voice heard. Tell the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security in no uncertain terms that Israel cannot meet any reasonable understanding of reciprocity. Let them know that admission into the Visa Waiver Program is a privilege that must be reserved for countries that meet all the program's requirements in statute and spirit. Make it clear that by granting Israel entry into the program despite its ongoing discriminatory practices, the U.S. government would be forced to create an incredibly complex system of conditions that privilege the rights of some Americans at the expense of others. Demand that the novelty of Israel's application and unique situation as an occupying power not be used as an excuse to forego the steadfast demand for equal and fair treatment.

We cannot, and must not, trivialize reciprocity and negotiate away the rights of American citizens in an attempt to achieve a political victory.