Yesterday At NJDC

Elanna Cahn — July 29, 2014 – 4:26 pm | Israel Comments (0) Add a comment

Our phone was ringing off the hook yesterday with concerns about Secretary Kerry’s efforts in the Middle East.  As has previously been the case regarding the President and other members of his administration, these reports have turned out not to be accurate.  Yesterday, before hundreds of Jewish leaders from across the country, Ambassador Ron Dermer quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu as saying the criticisms of the Secretary of State were “unwarranted.”  His remarks were followed by this extraordinary speech by Ambassador Susan Rice.  I excerpt the words parallel to those of Ambassador Dermer below, but the entire speech is worth your attention.

Please let me add that I get the sense that some of us are being worn down by the constant misrepresentation of the Obama administration regarding Israel.  It can be hard to resist speculating that the consistently harsh words about the President and his team are somehow grounded in truth. There certainly can be disagreement about the political choices made by any elected official, but I hope we can put to rest the notion that Israel’s bond with the United States has in any way been compromised by the administration that provided funding for Iron Dome and the closest strategic relationship with Israel in history.

Please carry that message forward—write to your local paper, post online and certainly encourage your representatives.

From Ambassador Rice’s remarks:

Let me also take a moment to acknowledge, as Ambassador Dermer did, the extraordinary efforts of Secretary Kerry.  I must tell you: we’ve been dismayed by some press reports in Israel mischaracterizing his efforts last week to achieve a ceasefire.  We know these misleading reports in turn raise concerns here at home in America.

The reality is that John Kerry on behalf of the United States has been working every step of the way with Israel, in support of our shared interests.  Both in public and in private, we have strongly supported Israel’s right to defend itself against rockets and tunnel attacks, and we’ve engaged together in sensitive negotiations.  We will continue to do so.  And, we’ll continue to set the record straight when anyone distorts the facts.

If you would like to read Ambassador Rice’s complete remarks, please click here.

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