Israel: I am absolutely committed to the safety and security of Israel. As a Member of Congress, I will be committed to the security of America’s only truly democratic ally in the region, Israel — and to the belief that Israel’s gain is our gain, and Israel’s struggles are our struggles.
A Special Relationship: The special relationship between the United States and Israel is founded upon the shared belief in democracy and freedom; and now the United States and Israel are partners in the struggle against terrorism. The United States can best promote peace by supporting Israel, not by pressuring Israel to make unwise concessions or to negotiate under what Israel believes are conditions not conducive to peace.
Foreign Aid to Israel: I will fight to continue or increase foreign aid to Israel.
Iran: Iran has threatened both Israel and America, and we must stand firmly and unequivocally with Israel against Iranian aggression.
Palestinian Conflict: The United States must send a clear and unmistakable message — leading the international community — that we cannot support a regime that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel, our strategic ally. As a member of Congress, I will unequivocally support Israel’s efforts for peace, stability and security. I will fight to hold the Palestinian leadership accountable for their actions.
Containing Syria: Despite Syria’s clear involvement in international terrorism, the Bush Administration has failed to fully implement the Syria Accountability Act of 2003. As a member of Congress, I will support full implementation of this Act.
Stabilizing Iraq: A responsible redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq will put more pressure on the various Iraqi factions to find a political solution to their differences while removing a recruiting tool for extremists in the region. This will also allow the U.S. to better focus on other hot spots, such as Iran and North Korea.
I am absolutely committed to the safety and security of Israel. Israel is our foremost ally, and a key partner in our efforts to combat terrorism and advance democratic values. The U.S.-Israel relationship covers many different areas — from stopping the spread of terrorism, to supporting democratic values, to achieving stability in Iraq.
Tikkun Olam
In a very real way, my own achievements would not have been possible without the work of previous generations. As an African-American, I credit the civil rights movement and its many leaders and supporters with fighting for the educational and professional opportunities people of all races and faiths enjoy today.
It is important to remember that American Jews played a significant role in founding and participating in some of the most successful and important civil rights organizations. In 1909, Henry Moscowitz joined the great W.E.B. DuBois and others to found the NAACP. Another Jewish American, Kivie Kaplan, a vice-chairman of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism), served as NAACP president through the turbulent years of 1966 to 1975. Prominent Jewish leader Arnold Aronson and African-American leader A. Philip Randolph worked together to found the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR).
In another great contribution to the progress of African-American youth, noted Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald created a foundation that funded more than 2,000 rural primary and secondary schools and 20 black colleges between 1910 and 1940. At the peak of the “Rosenwald schools,” nearly 40 percent of southern African-Americans were receiving their education at one of these institutions.
Jewish American activists represented a large proportion of whites involved in the struggle for civil rights. Half of the young people who took part in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer were Jewish, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel famously marched arm-in-arm with Dr. King in his 1965 March on Selma. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were both drafted in the conference room of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, which housed the LCCR. Now in 2006, the only non-African-American member of the NAACP board is Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
Some of the proudest moments in recent American history have occurred as a result of the collaboration of the African-American and Jewish communities. These connections and ties are still very much alive today. Personally, I grew up in Hyde Park, went to camp at the JCC, attended Boston University, and worked for Senator Joe Lieberman. I know and embrace the concept of Tikkun Olam. My visit to Israel in April 2006 deepened my commitment to Israel even further.
Our communities share the common values of equality and faith and the common goals of peace and justice. I will proudly honor those common values and common goals as a Member of Congress, and do all I can to “repair the world.”
A Special Relationship
The United States and Israel have shared a deep bond since the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. It is a strategic alliance based on common values and a shared commitment to the promotion of peace and democracy in the Middle East. Events transpiring in that region now — in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran — have a profound effect on Israel and a significant impact on the safety and security of the entire world.
The special relationship between the United States and Israel is founded upon the shared belief in democracy and freedom; and now the United States and Israel are partners in the war on terrorism. Both nations are built on the conviction that people should live free from oppression and should be able to freely exercise their rights as citizens of a democratic nation. As America’s only truly democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel is a model for other nations in the region — a diverse, pluralistic, and free democratic society. I strongly support continued economic and military assistance to Israel, demonstrating America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Jerusalem must remain Israel’s undivided capital, and the United States should show the world that it stands behind Israel by moving its embassy to Jerusalem. I believe that Israel wants peace and that Israel is in the best position to determine what it needs to do to enhance its security and make peace with its neighbors. The United States can best promote peace by supporting Israel, not by pressuring Israel to make unwise concessions or to negotiate under what Israel believes are conditions not conducive to peace.
Foreign Aid to Israel
America’s place as a global superpower has long enabled us to provide support for allies in need. The U.S. provides nearly $21 billion in foreign aid annually and the positive results can be seen across the world. Meeting Israel’s special needs for foreign aid has traditionally been a priority for the U.S. Congress. I support maintaining at least current levels of foreign aid to Israel, with necessary annual adjustments for special circumstances and inflation. The U.S. federal budget must continue to recognize this foreign aid as a high priority, reflective of the critical strategic importance of the American relationship with Israel. The total foreign aid budget is only about 1% of the federal budget, and aid to Israel is only about 0.1% of the federal budget. We cannot afford to spend less in this vital area.
The Problem of Iran
Iran is a threat to Israel, and we must stand firmly and unequivocally with Israel. Nearly every day, we read a new report of defiance and virulent anti-Semitism emanating from Iran’s leadership. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons seems certain, and left to its current path, it is only a matter of time before we must deal with the reality of a nuclear-armed Iran. The entire globe is threatened by an Iran with nuclear capability, but Israel faces the most clear and immediate danger. Iran’s hostility to Israel and ties to terrorist networks such as Hezbollah and Hamas are well-known. Between the Iranian president’s calls to “wipe Israel off the map” and outspoken support of terrorist groups, it is reasonable to assume that Israel would be Iran’s primary target.
We must pursue every available option to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms. I fully support Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1400) and Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007. We should continue to work the process through the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations, and persuade Russia and China to take a proactive role. The entire world must stand against Iran’s intentions. As a member of Congress, I will work tirelessly to ensure that we are taking every possible measure to prevent Iran from pursuing its agenda of destruction. The security of America, Israel, and the entire world depends on our success. While war must be a last resort, no option, including military actions, should be taken off the table.
Palestinian Conflict
The Palestinians’ election elevated the terrorist group Hamas to a leadership position, thrusting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process towards crisis and uncertainty. The road map to peace is in question, as is the future of an independent Palestinian state, which may lose the financial support of a world horrified by the specter of a Hamas-led government.
The United States must send a clear and unmistakable message — leading the international community — that we cannot support a regime that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel, our strategic ally. America must isolate Hamas and make it clear to them that they will be international pariahs until they change their stated goals and activities. We must force Hamas to choose between terrorism and the welfare of the Palestinian people. Hamas must renounce violence, recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, and agree to abide by all agreements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The Palestinian leadership has relied on structures of terror for decades and, despite encouraging signs over the past year, they are returning once again to the failed strategy of violence and fear. Israel has showed incredible restraint in the face of daily rocket attacks launched from Gaza into Sderot, but that situation is intolerable and must not be allowed to continue indefinitely.
As a member of Congress, I will unequivocally support Israel’s efforts for peace, stability and security. I will fight to hold the Palestinian leadership accountable for their actions. The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 was a step in the right direction, but we must continue to pressure the Palestinian Authority to take real steps toward peace. The election of Hamas is a giant step backwards on the path to peace and I will work to ensure that Israel has the economic and military ability to protect itself from a hostile Palestinian Authority.
Containing Syria
Despite Syria’s clear involvement in international terrorism, the Bush Administration has failed to fully implement the Syria Accountability Act of 2003. As a member of Congress, I will support full implementation of this Act. During the 2006 Lebanon War, I spoke up forcefully in support of Israel. What I said in July of 2006 is just as true today: “Israel is doing the right thing by defending herself against terrorism. She has the inherent right and responsibility to protect her borders and to defend against attacks by terrorists that threaten the security of Israeli citizens. I am proud that America honors our special relationship with Israel by supporting our ally in this time of escalating Mideast violence. We as a nation must continue our full support of our friend and key strategic ally.”
Stabilizing Iraq
As a result of the poorly planned invasion of Iraq, the U.S. has inadvertently contributed to further destabilization. Clearly, the world is better off without Saddam Hussein. But the Bush Administration has mishandled the occupation and demonstrated why nation building does not work. There is no exit strategy. Our brave soldiers are being killed every day, and there is no clearly defined objective or end-point. Iraq is now largely a lawless haven for terrorists. A destabilized Middle East is a threat to the safety and security of Israel. A responsible redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq will enable the Iraqis to focus on resolving their differences and establishing the rule of law and will allow the U.S. to focus on other threats, such as Iran and North Korea.
Our common values of freedom and democracy will always tie us to Israel. It is our duty as a nation to protect the safety and security of our friend and ally. The challenges are great and the solutions are elusive, but we must continue to pursue peace and stability in the Middle East. As a Member of Congress, I will be committed to the security of America’s only truly democratic ally in the region, Israel — and to the belief that Israel’s gain is our gain, and Israel’s struggles are our struggles.
