June 28, 2005

Fighting for Israel

Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases

The past month has been a busy time for Democrats when it comes to supporting Israel; Democratic leaders have spoken eloquently about the importance of a strong US-Israel relationship, and Democrats have led the way on related initiatives in Congress.

Below please find a sampling of recent Democratic statements and actions on this issue.
___________________________________

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (NV)
Speaking before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
May 23, 2005

"... [W]hen it comes to the peace and security of Israel, there is no partisan divide. We are united and committed, Democrats and Republicans, to protecting and preserving Israel's security and its right to self defense. It is an American value, and one that we will all continue to fight for. ...I know some would say that Israel must first stop all settlement activity, and then the violence will stop. But this kind of blackmail must never be accepted. Violence against civilians and settlement activity must never be linked or viewed as equal in seriousness. The people of Israel have a right to live in peace. On this point, there can never be any compromise."
___________________________________

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA)
Speaking before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee
May 23, 2005

" Any progress on the Roadmap for Peace must be based on real change on the ground, as evidenced by the establishment of an accountable, and reconstituted Palestinian security force that prevents terrorism, not promotes it. ...There are those who contend that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is all about Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. This is absolute nonsense. In truth, the history of the conflict is not over occupation, and never has been: it is over the fundamental right of Israel to exist. ...The United States will stand with Israel now and forever. Now and forever."

Click here to read the complete speech.
___________________________________

Democratic National Committee Chairman Gov. Howard Dean
May 22, 2005

** "The single greatest threat the United States and Israel face today comes from radical Islamic terrorists."

** "Israel's fight against terrorism is also America's fight and we are grateful for Israel's unwavering friendship and support."

** "Only when Israel feels secure and its neighbors know there is no military option will peace be a possibility in the Middle East."

** "The President's friendship with the Saudis must never cloud America's judgment that the Saudis must be boldly confronted. There is a long-term danger in what the Saudis are using our oil money for."

** "I think Iran -- which clearly funds international terrorism, clearly has blood on its hands -- not just of Israelis, but also of Americans -- needs to be dealt with in a way that makes it very clear what our intentions are. By all means, diplomacy must come first and is essential, but at the end of the day, the United States must make it clear that we will not permit Iran to possess nuclear weapons."
___________________________________

On May 24th, Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) -- along with 30 other House Democrats and two Republicans -- wrote to George W. Bush, strongly urging him to raise with Palestinian Authority President Abbas the disturbing issue of widespread anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement in various Palestinian media. Click here to download a PDF file of this important congressional letter.