Jewish Democrats in Congress Affirm Israel’s Right to Self-Defense

Sari Weintraub — November 15, 2012 – 3:33 pm | Democrats | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Jewish Democratic members of Congress today addressed the rocket attacks on Israel, affirming their support for Israel and Israel’s right to defend itself.

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) tweeted: “Israel has right & responsibility to defend itself from Hamas attacks. Must be no doubt such terrorism will never be tolerated.”

Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) tweeted: “Just spoke with @AmbassadorOren. When #Israel gets attacked, Israel will defend itself. My thoughts are with all Israelis today and every day.” He later added, “NYT reports Hamas sent ‘over 300 rockets into Israel over 24 hrs.’ #Israel has rite to defend its people.”    

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) tweeted: “Terrorists have fired 250 rockets at Israelis civilians in 24 hours. Heading to House floor to stand for Israel’s right to defend herself.” In his statement on the floor of the House, Rep. Deutch said,

Imagine 250 rockets raining down in one day on your community… We would expect our government to act to protect our citizens. Israel is acting to protect her citizens; Israel has the right to protect her citizens from terrorist attacks… The United States mourns the loss of life at the hands of Hamas terrorists. We will not waver in our support of Israel’s right to defend herself against these and other attacks… At this challenging time for our great ally, the United States stands with Israel.

Watch the video of Rep. Deutch’s statement here.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) tweeted: “I strongly condemn Hamas’ attacks on Israel. This is NOT the route to peace & security for anyone.” He also released a statement:

I condemn in the strongest terms the current aggression by Hamas against the civilian population in southern Israel.  These attacks are entirely without justification and amount to murderous provocations by a terrorist regime which refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist, and which refuses to work toward a peaceful coexistence for both sides.  Israel has every right to defend its borders, to repel such attacks, and to target those responsible.  I applaud President Obama for his leadership and strong condemnation of these attacks.  And I am gratified to see that the Iron Dome missile defense system has worked so well to prevent further bloodshed and destruction in Israel.

DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) tweeted: “With our deepest concern and strongest support, the U.S. stands firm with our ally Israel.” She released a statement as well:

With our deepest concern and strongest support, the United States stands firm with our ally Israel, currently under fire from an onslaught of Hamas rockets.  I reject Hamas’s relentless violence, and commend President Obama’s unwavering commitment to our ally, including his fundamental support for the Iron Dome missile defense system. As the days unfold, we remain united in our support of Israel’s sovereign right to self-defense and ever hopeful for a return to calm and peace. My thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Israel in these uncertain times.

 

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