NJDC, Democratic Leaders Condemn Remarks at Iraq Meeting
Listed in: Israel, Other Foreign Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
Today's Washington Post reported that in a meeting of House Democrats on Thursday focused on the Iraq war, in response to the observation of Rep. James Moran (D-VA) that some have made the "suggestion that while Iraq was no threat to the United States, Iraq could have been a threat to our ally in the Middle East," former intelligence analyst Ray McGovern responded with a host of anti-Israel canards. The same story also notes that individuals in an audience viewing the meeting on C-Span attempted to circulate flyers linking Israel with the September 11, 2001 attacks on America.
"It is utterly ludicrous for Mr. McGovern to suggest that America went to war in Iraq on behalf of Israel, or that Israel or the US wants to 'dominate that part of the world,'" said National Jewish Democratic Council Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "And it is similarly offensive for anyone, anywhere to traffic in the anti-Semitic canard that Israel or Jews were somehow behind the tragic September 11th attacks against America.
"In no way do any of these sentiments remotely represent the Democratic Party's ideals of tolerance and respect. The powerful and eloquent statements from top Democratic leaders -- leaders who were present and those who were not, Jew and non-Jew alike -- are a clear testament to this fact," Forman added.
Below is a sampling of statements issued by Democratic leaders on this issue.
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Statement of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and convener of the meeting on Iraq:
"Let me be clear: I consider myself to be friend and supporter of Israel and there were a number of other staunchly pro-Israel members who were in attendance at the hearing. I do not agree with, support, or condone any comments asserting Israeli control over U.S. policy, and I find any allegation that Israel is trying to dominate the world or had anything to do with the September 11 tragedy disgusting and offensive."
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Statement of DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean:
"Yesterday members of the Judiciary Committee held an important hearing on the so-called Downing Street Memo and its implications. Unfortunately, some members of the audience took it upon themselves to distribute anti-Semitic literature at the Wasserman Conference room where an overflow crowd observed the proceedings on television. We disavow the anti-Semitic literature, and the Democratic National Committee stands in absolute disagreement with and condemns the allegations. As Americans we believe in the right to free speech, and as Democrats we open our doors to a variety of opinions and perspectives from our fellow Americans. Unlike the current administration, we do not believe that closed hearings, restricted audiences, and carefully scripted meetings are good for our democracy. But anti-Semitism and bigotry are unacceptable and un-American, and they have no place in civil political discourse. As for any inferences that the United States went to war so Israel could 'dominate' the Middle East or that Israel was in any way behind the horrific September 11th attacks on America, let me say unequivocally that such statements are nothing but vile, anti-Semitic rhetoric. The inferences are destructive and counter productive, and have taken away from the true purpose of the Judiciary Committee Members' meeting. The entire Democratic Party remains committed to fighting against such bigotry."
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Statement of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
"The anti-Israel comments made at a hearing last week blaming Israel for U.S. involvement in Iraq were just plain wrong. The purpose of the hearing was to focus on the Downing Street memo and the misrepresentations told by the Bush administration to gain support for their war effort. Democrats will continue to push for the truth behind the administration's actions."
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Statement of House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
"The assertion, the innuendo or the rumor that the United States took military action against Saddam Hussein's tyrannical regime in Iraq at the behest of the State of Israel or the Israeli government is a patently absurd lie. False statements such as this must be debunked and denounced. Saddam Hussein is an international outlaw who murdered his own people and who threatened regional as well as international security and stability. In fact, the President and his Administration and a Majority of Members in Congress -- including myself -- believed the United States was fully justified in acting against the Hussein regime. It is without question true that the United States and Israel are democratic allies -- and I believe it is in our national security interests to strengthen the U.S.-Israel bond."
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Statement of Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA):
"These reprehensible statements are disturbingly reminiscent of efforts to scapegoat Jews for every imaginable problem in pre-War Germany. Such sentiments have no place in our public debate and should be categorically rejected by all people of good will."
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Statement of Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL):
"Mr. McGovern's statements do not reflect either the policy of the United States, or the feelings of most Americans. Furthermore, this language is an unwelcome distraction from the real issues facing America in Iraq."
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Statement of Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY):
"Anti-Semites throughout history have blamed the Jews for everything bad that happens -- September 11th is just the latest incarnation. Anyone who thinks Israel had previous knowledge of the 9/11 attacks and chose to let 3,000 innocent people die is out of touch with reality and does not belong in the Democratic National Committee building or my party."
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Statement of Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA):
"The notion that United States foreign policy is somehow being manipulated by Israel is not only gravely mistaken, it is redolent of the sort of conspiracy theories imputing hidden powers to the Jews that have plagued the world for far too long. Congressman Moran's question which gave prominence to the role of Israel as one of the possible major factors behind the invasion, and the answer by witness Raymond McGovern which not only blamed Israel for the war in substantial part, but objected even to Congressman Moran's citing Israel as an American ally, are both refuted by the evidence discussed at the hearing itself...."
To read the complete statement by Rep. Frank, please click here.
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Statement of Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY):
"There are serious questions to be answered about the decision to go to war in Iraq - and Congress is right to be asking them - but none of those questions fairly involve Israel. There is no place in this debate for maligning Israel and defaming our support of her ongoing struggle for security and peace...."
To read the complete statement by Rep. Nadler, please click here.
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Statement of Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA):
"The United States and Israel are allies in working towards democracy in the middle east, but there is no factual basis for the assertion that U.S. foreign policy is manipulated by Israel, and any suggestion that Israel was complicit in the September 11th attacks is absurd."
