February 4, 2011

NJDC Denounces Senator Paul’s Latest Call to End “Welfare” to Israel

Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC- National Jewish Democratic Council President and CEO David A. Harris today denounced Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) second public call for ending American assistance to Israel. Harris said:

“The National Jewish Democratic Council stands categorically opposed to Senator Rand Paul’s most recent call to end American assistance to Israel. This is the second time in as many weeks that Paul has advocated this dangerous and irresponsible policy. This time though, Paul went further and ludicrously claimed that American assistance to Israel is nothing more than ‘welfare.’

American assistance to Israel is certainly not welfare. For decades, the U.S.-Israel relationship has paid significant dividends for America’s national security and has helped Israel to become America’s greatest democratic ally in a difficult and dangerous neighborhood. This is not welfare; helping our democratic ally Israel helps America on so many levels.

Some may claim that Paul speaks only for himself. But if that truly is the case, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other Republican leaders must immediately speak out loudly and clearly to condemn the reversal in U.S. foreign policy that Senator Paul continues to advocate. They must do so before Paul’s disturbing and now weekly appeals for an end to American assistance to Israel become dogma among certain segments of the Republican Party’s base, threatening the bipartisan nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

NJDC is proud to stand with Senate Democrats who immediately condemned Senator Paul’s last statements, and we are proud of President Barack Obama’s steadfast support of Israel’s security, including unprecedented levels of assistance that help ensure a secure Israel and a strong United States.

This episode is yet another example of how the Republican Party continues to grow increasingly out of touch with the values of the vast majority of the American Jewish community.”