Philadelphia Jewish Voice - Streeter

Confidence in Obama Continues to Climb Among Israeli Jews

Contributing Writer — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:39:38 GMT

— by David Streeter

The Pew Research Center released a new poll on Israelis' views of President Barack Obama. According to Pew's report, which comes after his highly successful trip to Israel, 64% of Jewish Israelis express confidence in the President. In addition, 93% of Israeli Jews characterize U.S.-Israel relations as "good."

This poll is further proof that the more Israelis get to know President Obama, the more their confidence in him increases.

Click here for Pew's full report, which surveyed 504 Israeli Jews.

Message to NRA & GOP: Stand with ADL and B'nai B'rith Against Beck

Contributing Writer — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:49:50 GMT

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— by Aaron Keyak

Glenn Beck's use of disgusting imagery, showing a leading Jewish American as a Nazi, at the National Rifle Association's convention was deeply offensive. The NRA and Republican leaders must stand with the ADL and B'nai B'rith in condemning Glenn Beck — especially those who selected him to give the NRA's keynote address. This isn't only about what Beck said, but the disturbing fact that his stunt was embraced with applause and cheers by attendees at the NRA's national convention. The NRA's crowd is the Republican base and all Americans must take note.

Report from ABC News after the jump.
ABC News reported:

Glenn Beck roused the National Rifle Association's annual convention this weekend with his attacks on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but he also aroused criticism by a major Jewish group for depicting the mayor giving a Nazi salute.
The head of the Anti-Defamation League called Becks' comments "deeply offensive on so many levels," and B'nai B'rith called for Beck to apologize.
"Glenn Beck, the keynote speaker at the NRA's annual convention, trivializes the Holocaust when he compares New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to Adolf Hitler," B'nai B'rith told ABC News.
"The casual use of Nazi imagery or words serves to undermine the atrocities of the Holocaust. Glenn Beck should apologize," the organization said. [...]
Abraham Foxman, a Holocaust survivor and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, objected to the image and Beck's comments:
"While he doesn't say it, it seems Glenn Beck is implying through an image of Mayor Bloomberg in an apparent Hitlerian salute is that the mayor's policies on gun ownership and other issues are turning New York city into a Nazi-like state. That suggestion is outrageous, insensitive and deeply offensive on so many levels," Foxman said.
"Glenn Beck should know better. He has drawn similar inappropriate analogies to the Holocaust before. We wish he would stop trivializing the history of the Holocaust to score partisan political points," he added.

NJDC Calls Stanford to Reject Endorsement From Anti-Israel Ron Paul‏

Contributing Writer — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:19:39 GMT

— by David Streeter

During his time in the House, former Representative Ron Paul was a leading opponent of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Now he's formed a think tank with anti-Semites and 9/11 truthers, according to a report published yesterday. Given this, it is unacceptable for Mark Sanford to accept his endorsement. After years in public service Sanford should know better and reject the endorsement — but it seems that desperation is trumping common sense after each self-inflicted wound in Sanford's campaign. Republicans who seek and flaunt Paul's endorsement cannot reasonably claim to be a friend of Israel or the American Jewish community. Period.

CPAC Victory by Rand Paul Alarms American Jews

Publisher — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 01:03:03 GMT

CPAC Straw Poll Results:
1. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) - 25%
2. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) - 23%
3. Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) - 8%
4. Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) - 7%
5. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) - 6%
6. Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) - 5%

— by David Streeter

Earlier today, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) — the Senate's only proponent of cutting aid to Israel and the sole Senator who refuses to reject a policy of containment for a nuclear-armed Iran — won the Conservative Political Action Conference's (CPAC) annual straw poll. NJDC Executive Director Aaron Keyak said:

Regardless of political affiliation, American Jews should be alarmed that the Republican Party's core activists have selected Senator Rand Paul to be their preferred standard bearer for 2016. Senator Paul has called multiple times to cut and end American aid to Israel, and has refused to rule out a containment strategy vis-à-vis Iran. Paul's misguided foreign policy views are nothing short of dangerous, and his growing legitimacy among the GOP's base is only another reason why the vast majority of Jewish Americans consistently support the Democratic Party.

White House Condemns Turkish PM's Anti-Israel Statements

Contributing Writer — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:43:03 GMT

— by David Streeter

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor condemned Turkish Prime Minsiter Tayyip Erdogan's hateful remarks about Zionism:

We reject Prime Minister Erdogan's characterization of Zionism as a crime against humanity, which is offensive and wrong. We encourage people of all faiths, cultures, and ideas to denounce hateful actions and to overcome the differences of our times.

Also, Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to "bring Erdogan to task" for his comments during their bilateral meeting. As Secretary Kerry flew to Ankara, a Senior State Department Aide criticized the remarks:

This was particularly offensive, frankly, to call Zionism a crime against humanity [...] It does have a corrosive effect (on relations). I am sure the secretary will be very clear about how dismayed we were to hear it.

B'nai B'rith International's statement on the subject after the jump.
B'nai B'rith International has issued the following statement on the subject:

At a United Nations "Alliance of Civilizations" summit, convened to focus on global tolerance, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in a deplorable act by calling Zionism "a crime against humanity."
B'nai B'rith International strongly condemns Erdoğan's effort to revive inflammatory language equating Zionism with racism. This insidious canard was introduced at the United Nations in 1975 and rightly revoked in 1991. Erdoğan has reintroduced this odious charge to the U.N. environment.
Zionism is the embodiment of the millennia-old Jewish longing for self-determination and a return to the Jewish homeland.
Erdoğan made his pronouncement before an audience of senior-international leaders in Vienna, including U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
This is not the first time Erdoğan has made inciteful remarks about Israel or Jews. In November, he called Israel a "terrorist state," during the Hamas-instigated fighting in Gaza.
B'nai B'rith calls on Erdoğan to apologize for his remarks and urges the United Nations to condemn these sentiments.

Women's Leadership Network Letter: Take Action Now on VAWA

Contributing Writer — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:53:57 GMT

— by Ann F. Lewis and Barbara Goldberg Goldman

Reports are circulating that the House of Representatives will be voting on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as early as tomorrow. VAWA provides crucial protections to victims of domestic violence and there is no excuse for not reauthorizing this important bill.

Since it was first introduced in 1994 by then-Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), VAWA had been repeatedly reauthorized with strong bipartisan support — until last year, when Republicans blocked reauthorization because it expanded protections to same sex couples, Native Americans living on tribal reservations, and undocumented immigrants.

When the Senate voted this year to reauthorize VAWA, it received more Republican "no" votes that it did last year — including from 22 male Republicans. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have demonstrated that even protections from domestic violence are not exempted from their subservience to the right wing of their party.

Domestic violence is a sad reality for too many women — we cannot afford to let VAWA fail in the House!

As the co-founders of NJDC's Women's Leadership Network, we urge you to take action now by calling your Representative and encouraging them to pass the Senate's version of VAWA.

Too many women are counting on VAWA for us to be silent.

Treasury Imposes New Sanctions on Iran

Contributing Writer — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:04:12 GMT

DOD Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sun L. Vega

— by David Streeter

The United States Treasury issued new sanctions against Iran because of its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Treasury said in its announcement:

The United States is taking a number of actions today that tighten sanctions on Iran's access to its oil revenues and further expose the Iranian government's continued abuse of human rights. Key provisions of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (TRA) that go into effect today, expand the scope of sanctionable transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and designated Iranian financial institutions by restricting Iran's ability to use oil revenue held in foreign financial institutions as well as preventing repatriation of those funds to Iran.

After the jump: Obama Administration Presents IDF's Gantz with Legion of Merit Award

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, also designated one individual and four entities for their involvement in the Iranian government's censorship activities. These censorship activities restrict the free flow of information in Iran and punish Iranian citizens who are attempting to exercise freedom of assembly and expression.
'Our policy is clear — so long as Iran continues to fail to address the concerns of the international community about its nuclear program, the U.S. will impose tighter sanctions and intensify the economic pressure against the Iranian regime,' said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. 'We will also target those in Iran who are responsible for human right abuses, especially those who deny the Iranian people their basic freedoms of expression, assembly and speech.'
Today marks 180 days since the President signed the TRA. Section 504 of the TRA amends existing sanctions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (NDAA) that target the Central Bank of Iran, designated Iranian financial institutions and Iran's energy sector. At the 180-day mark, section 504 narrows the exception for countries that have significantly reduced their purchases of Iranian crude oil so that the exception now only applies to financial transactions that facilitate bilateral trade between the country granted the exception and Iran. For the exception to apply to a financial transaction, funds owed to Iran as a result of such bilateral trade will now have to be credited to an account located in the country granted the exception and may not be repatriated to Iran.
This provision will significantly increase economic pressure on Iran by restricting Iran's repatriation of oil revenue. In addition to effectively 'locking up' Iranian oil revenue overseas, this provision sharply restricts Iran's use of this revenue for bilateral trade and severely limits Iran's ability to move funds across jurisdictions.

Obama Administration Presents Gantz with Legion of Merit Award

The Obama Administration presented the Israeli Defense Forces' Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz with the Legion of Merit award for his military service. JTA reported:

Gantz accepted the award on Tuesday during his five-day visit to the United States at the invitation of his U.S. counterpart, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey. On behalf of President Obama, Dempsey presented Gantz with the award.
An attached letter signed by Dempsey and the U.S. secretary of defense, Leon Panetta, said Gantz was recognized for his outstanding and noteworthy command, and for his military service.
Gantz accepted the award on behalf of Israeli soldiers and commanders, and said it represented the strong relationship between the U.S. and Israeli militaries, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Jewish Democratic Women Urge Grassroots Action On Gun Control

Contributing Writer — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:01:48 GMT

— by David Streeter

The Women's Leadership Network of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) urged NJDC's members to call their members of Congress and urge "bold" and "courageous" actions to pass gun control legislation and end the epidemic of gun violence. The Network's co-founder Barbara Goldberg Goldman said:

Last week, NJDC's good friend former Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to be 'bold' and 'courageous' to stop the epidemic of gun violence in America. Today, we urge American Jews to echo Gabby's powerful call to action and urge their Senators and Representatives to support efforts to reduce gun violence. Jewish tradition teaches that we must pass along a better world to our children and grandchildren, and one way to do that is by taking steps to prevent the next Sandy Hook, Aurora, Tucson, or Columbine tragedy.

NJDC action alert and a video from the Daily Show follow the jump.

Co-founder Ann F. Lewis added:

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) need our voices on this critical issue in order to rally Congress behind their policies. We must add our voices to the growing chorus calling for action. Now is the time to act, before more innocent children are slain.

Below is the text of the action alert that NJDC sent to its membership:

Subject: Join with Gabby
From: Ann F. Lewis and Barbara Goldberg Goldman
Dear NJDC Supporter,
In January, President Barack Obama took a number of actions to combat "the epidemic of gun violence in this country" that has claimed far too many innocent and precious lives. When the President addressed the nation, he made clear that "if there is even one life that can be saved, then we've got an obligation to try." The Senate Judiciary Committee picked up on his call and convened its own hearing to address gun violence, and our dear friend former Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) — who was tragically wounded in a mass shooting — delivered this powerful message to the committee:
This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats, and Republicans. Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important.
Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something.
It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you.

As the co-founders of NJDC's Women's Leadership Network, we urge you to echo Gabby's words by telling your Senators to be courageous by supporting measures to reduce gun violence and protect our children. Call you Senators and Representative today and urge them to:
Support universal background checks for gun purchases;
Improve access to mental health services for all Americans;*
Support the assault weapons ban introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA); and
Use their voice and their vote to protect America's children.

Jewish tradition teaches that we must pass along a better world to our children and grandchildren, and one way to do that is by taking steps to prevent the next Sandy Hook, Aurora, Tucson, or Columbine tragedy. With your help, our Senators will know that American Jews are firmly supportive of efforts to end the epidemic of gun violence and make America's cities, towns, and neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ann F. Lewis and Barbara Goldberg Goldman

Jewish Councils Thrilled with Obama's Upcoming Return to Israel

Contributing Writer — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:53:17 GMT

National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) Chair Marc R. Stanley issued the following statement in response to the news that President Obama will soon be traveling to Israel:

The National Jewish Democratic Council is thrilled to learn that President Obama will soon be visiting Israel. We are proud of the President's unprecedentedly pro-Israel record and this upcoming trip will provide President Obama with yet another opportunity to affirm the unbreakable bond between the U.S. and Israel
Newly-confirmed Secretary of State John Kerry will also be visiting Israel in the coming weeks and we commend both the President and the Secretary for placing Israel and its security needs at the top of the Administration's foreign policy agenda for President Obama's second term.

More after the jump.
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs expressed hope that the trip would strengthen coordination on key strategic challenges facing the United States and Israel, including Iran's nuclear program, Syria, and efforts to restart negotiations with the Palestinians. JCPA president Rabbi Steve Gutow said:

While Israel's enemies continue to advocate strategies of boycotts and international isolation, President Obama will fly to the Jewish state this spring in a demonstration of the unbreakable bond between our two countries. The US and Israel share bedrock democratic values, as reflected in recent national elections, that are at the heart of our enduring friendship. President Obama's trip, the first since his visit as a candidate in 2008, will send a strong signal to the Israeli people of U.S. commitment to their security in a troubled and volatile Middle East.

JCPA Chair Larry Gold added:

The announcement of this visit comes at a time of robust US-Israeli military cooperation and on the day that John Brennan, President Obama's nominee to run the CIA, called for global action against Hezbollah, the terrorist organization responsible for the continued targeting of Israel's citizens. We hope that the President's visit will bring renewed vigor to the stalled peace process between Israel and Palestinian leadership, which is the only way to realize the goal of two states for two peoples.

Kerry Speaks with Netanyahu, Plans to Visit Israel Soon

Contributing Writer — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:30:28 GMT

— by David Streeter

Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend. According to The Jerusalem Post:

New US Secretary of State John Kerry phoned both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday to discuss the diplomatic process, in an early sign he intends to make this a top priority on his agenda.
In both conversations he commended Netanyahu's decision last week to release some NIS 400 million in tax revenues to the PA and praised it as a positive step.
The calls followed Kerry's phone conversation Saturday with President Shimon Peres, who said the election results in Israel provided new opportunities in the diplomatic process [...]

More after the jump.

A US State Department communiqué said that Netanyahu updated Kerry on his efforts to put together a new government.
The statement also said Kerry 'underscored his personal commitment and that of President [Barack] Obama to support Israel's security and to pursue a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.'
Kerry and Netanyahu also spoke about Iran and Syria, and — according to the statement — pledged to work closely together during Kerry's tenure.

It was reported that Kerry is planning to visit Israel in the coming weeks. JTA also noted that other high level meetings between Obama Administration and Israeli officials will take place this month:

Also over the weekend, two top State Department officials dealing with Iran's alleged nuclear threat said they would be stopping in Israel during overseas visits and Israel's military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, was visiting Washington [...].
The State Department in a statement laid out the agenda for the two State Department officials-Rose Gottemoeller, the acting undersecretary for arms control, and Thomas Countryman, the assistant secretary for nonproliferation.
Countryman will 'meet with Israeli counterparts to discuss nonproliferation and international security issues of mutual concern,' and Gottemoeller will 'consult with senior civilian and military officials on pressing regional security issues and expanding our enduring strategic partnership' and deliver remarks at a conference on nuclear nonproliferation, the statement said [...].
The Israel Defense Forces in announcing the five-day visit by Gantz said it was 'official [...] as the guest of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.'
In its statement, the IDF said the two generals would 'discuss current security challenges, the regional security status in the Middle East and military cooperation.'

NJDC Launches New Women's Leadership Network

Contributing Writer — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:30:44 GMT

— by David Streeter

The National Jewish Democratic Council's Women's Leadership Network hosted a panel discussion for its first-ever event in Washington, DC. The panel was led by Representative Susan Davis (D-CA) and former White House Communications Director Ann F. Lewis, and featured nonpartisan political analysis from The Jerusalem Post's Hilary Krieger. Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL), Nita Lowey (D-NY), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) attended the luncheon and added their voices to discussion.

Washington Jewish Week reported on the event and featured coverage of the event in its weekly email to subscribers:

Full report after the jump.

Barbara Goldberg Goldman worked tirelessly to get President Barack Obama re-elected.
There wasn't a moment unaccounted for last summer and fall. All her energies were focused towards November and election day. When this reporter tried at times to track her down, she was either knocking on yet another door in a Northern Virginia or Maryland neighborhood or making sure that recognized Jewish leaders were writing op-eds to release to the nation's newspapers.
Last Friday, Goldberg Goldman along with other key national Democratic Jewish women, announced in Washington, D.C., the formation of the National Jewish Democratic Council's (NJDC) Women's Leadership Network.
'The Women's Leadership Network will ultimately build on NJDC's previous success mobilizing Jewish Americans and augment NJDC's mission of maximizing Jewish support for Democrats. I and other Women's Leadership Network co-founders are very excited that NJDC has a new mechanism to mobilize female Democrats, and we look forward to starting a conversation in the Jewish community.'
Last Friday's event featured a panel discussion on the issues facing women following the 2012 election. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Ca.) and Ann F. Lewis, NJDC Chairman's Council member and former White House communications director, spoke as Democratic leaders in the Jewish community. The Jerusalem Post's Washington bureau chief Hilary Krieger offered nonpartisan political analysis.
'We heard a lot about the women's vote making a difference in the 2012 election for Democratic candidates,' said Lewis. 'We have the same dynamic in the Jewish community, with a significant gender gap, reflective of important issues, but too often Jewish women's voices were left out of the debate. NJDC's voter contact program spoke to these issues and highlighted women's voices. The NJDC Women's Leadership Network will build on what we learned in 2012 and ensure that Jewish women's voices are included in the next political campaign.'
Davis said that she was honored to have been a participant in this opening event.
'It is critical that Jewish women mobilize across the country,' she said. 'In order to protect the progress made under President Barack Obama and to pave the way for more policies that advance women's rights. NJDC's Women's Leadership Network is a significant step that will ensure that voices of female Jewish Democrats are heard.'
Prior to Friday's event, both Goldberg Goldman and Lewis spoke to WJW.
'There was a lot of attention in 2012 given to the women's vote,' Lewis told WJW. 'The numbers showed us that women were more likely to vote for certain issues. So there was a similar dynamic within the Jewish community. The majority of Jewish voters are women. As part of NJDC, we watch the votes on issues concerning Israel and others such as equal pay for women and women's health.
'We're learning from the 2012 election,' she continued, 'and we're building on what we achieved. It's important for women's votes to be part of the national conversation. We want to raise the visibility and advocacy of women.'
Lewis added, 'What we know is that women like to hear from other women. When we have a debate that doesn't have women's voices, we lose an opportunity to reach out to our community and to make our case. Once we start hearing from women, we get a much better response. We are encouraging women to be advocates and to understand the power we have as leaders in the community.'
Goldberg Goldman said that the group's mission is to amplify the goals of Jewish Democrat women.
'We've never been shy,' she said. 'We're encouraging our colleagues and our sisters and our mothers and our nieces to speak out and to get involved and engaged in an organized fashion.'
Lewis also told WJW that the fiscal health of the nation is a matter of great importance to everyone, not just to men. Other issues important to Jewish women is the securing of a strong democratic Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state.
'There isn't one issue that doesn't resonate among women,' Lewis said.
Federally funded lunch programs, the special supplemental aid program for women, infants and children known as WIC is a Jewish women's issue.
The area of women's reproductive freedom is a Jewish women's issue. Violence against women, again a Jewish women's issue. Fiscal issues are also an issue for Jewish women as well. 'It's clear that we will have an active group of women for forums, fly-ins to Washington and access to members of Congress. Local and regional concerns are all important to Jewish women and women of all faiths.'
'The last election illustrated the significance of the women's vote not only in numbers but in helping to define the issues that were critically important, and those issues critically important for women, cannot be ignored. NJDC has the leadership to bring this together,' said Lewis.

All Mourn the Loss of Ed Koch

Contributing Writer — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:30:20 GMT

Update: Koch's funeral was held yesterday (Monday). Speakers included:
Former President Bill Clinton,
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and
Israeli Consul-General Ido Aharoni
See video on the right.

In an official statement, President Barack Obama mourned the loss of Koch, who died Feb. 1 at the age of 88:

Ed Koch was an extraordinary Mayor, irrepressible character, and quintessential New Yorker. He took office at a time when New York was in fiscal crisis, and helped his city achieve economic renewal, expand affordable housing, and extend opportunity to more of its people. In public office and beyond, his energy, force of personality, and commitment to causes ranging from civic issues to the security of the state of Israel always informed and enlivened the public discourse. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Ed's loved ones, and to the city that survives him.

Jewish organizations' response after the jump.
Many Jewish organizations have also expressed their sorrow:

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) is deeply saddened by the news that former Representative and New York City Mayor Ed Koch (D-NY) has passed away. Koch was a consummate and proud Jewish Democrat who advocated fiercely for the U.S.-Israel relationship and the progressive domestic policies in which he truly believed. Koch's leadership was vital in mobilizing Jewish voters in the 2008 and 2012 elections, and our community will not be the same without his prominent voice. Koch leaves behind an indelible legacy of public service and activism that has made our country a better place and strengthened America's relationship with the Jewish State. His voice and his energy will truly be missed.

The Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks said:

Mayor Koch was a passionate and principled leader and an outspoken defender of Israel and the Jewish community. He chose principle over politics and didn't engage in partisan bitterness. In a long and controversial public career, he remained true to his commitment to do what was right for his constituents, his community, and his beloved State of Israel. The RJC was honored to work with Mayor Koch over the years. He was a patriot and we will miss him.

Bnai Brith International has released this statement:

Known for his plainspoken nature and charisma, Koch was mayor of New York City during a particularly troubled time and became the face of New York around the world.
During three terms as mayor, serving from 1978-1989, Koch connected with New Yorkers of every background. His eager query to New Yorkers, "How'm I doing?" became his signature.
Before his storied tenure as mayor, Koch served in the U.S. Congress from 1969-1977.
His forthright support for Israel, and his great pride in his Jewish faith, were always part of his persona.
So connected to New York that he insisted on being buried there, five years ago, he purchased a burial plot at Trinity Church Cemetery, the only cemetery in the city that had space. He even ordered and inscribed his tombstone, which features the final words said by Daniel Pearl, the murdered Wall Street Journal reporter: "My father is Jewish, my mother is Jewish, I am Jewish."

Sandra Kahn, co-founder of Limmud FSU (former Soviet Union), said:

Ed Koch played a massive role for the Jewish community of New York. Outside of him being a great Mayor for the city, he also played an influential role in bringing Russian Jewish immigrants to New York during the Russian waves of immigration. He was always open and understanding to all cultures in New York and was very welcoming to the Russian Jewish community, a community that contributed to the cultural mosaic of the city. The Jewish community is forever indebted to Mayor Koch.

The Russian-American Jewish community will honor the life of Koch at the annual Limmud FSU Summit in Princeton, NJ on March 15-17. He will be remembered at a special ceremony during the Summit, where his family will be invited to participate.

Senate Confirms John Kerry For Secretary Of State

Contributing Writer — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:50:18 GMT

— by David Streeter

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) hailed the Senate's confirmation of Senator John Kerry (D-MA) to serve as Secretary of State. NJDC Chair Marc R. Stanley said

We are pleased to see that the Senate has confirmed John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State. Kerry has a long record of support for Israel and demonstrated during his confirmation hearing that he is the right person to be taking a global leadership role against a nuclear-armed Iran. To echo what so many have said already, we know that Kerry will make an excellent Secretary of State and we are proud that he will be serving as America's top diplomat.

More after the jump.
Kerry testified on the subject of Iran's nuclear program during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:

Given our extraordinary interest in nonproliferation, we must resolve the questions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The President has made it definitive: we will do what we must do to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And I repeat here today, our policy is not containment it is prevention. And the clock is ticking on our efforts to secure responsible compliance. This Administration, working with congress and an unprecedented international coalition, has put into place crippling sanctions on Iran. [...] President Obama has stated again and again — and I want to emphasize this — he and I prefer a diplomatic resolution to this challenge and I will work to give diplomacy every effort to succeed. But no one should mistake our resolve to reduce the nuclear threat.
I'd say this to the Iranians, I hope they listen. They have continually professed the peacefulness of their program. It is not hard to prove a peaceful program. Other nations have done that and do it every day. And it takes intrusive inspections, it takes living up to the publicly arrived at standards — everybody understands what they are. The allies in the P5+1 have made it very clear [...] that we are all united in this standard and that we are looking for the full compliance with the NPT [...] the Iranians need to understand there's no other agenda here [...]

Kerry on Iran: Our Policy is Not Containment; it is Prevention

Contributing Writer — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:16:22 GMT

— by David Streeter

Secretary of State nominee Senator John Kerry (D-MA) testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and reiterated his and the President's commitment to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran. Kerry told the committee:

The world is well aware that we face a number of immediate and dangerous challenges particularly in the Middle East and South Central Asia. Given our extraordinary interest in nonproliferation, we must resolve the questions surrounding Iran's nuclear program.The President has made it definitive: we will do what we must do to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. And I repeat here today, our policy is not containment it is prevention. And the clock is ticking on our efforts to secure responsible compliance.

More after the jump.

This Administration, working with congress and an unprecedented international coalition, has put into place crippling sanctions on Iran. Mr. Chairman, you have been a leader in that effort and I know you'll continue to be. President Obama has stated again and again — and I want to emphasize this — he and I prefer a diplomatic resolution to this challenge and I will work to give diplomacy every effort to succeed. But no one should mistake our resolve to reduce the nuclear threat.

During the question and answer portion, Kerry reiterated to Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) that he is "totally" committed to continuing and increasing sanctions against Iran. Kerry also told Menendez regarding a potential agreement with Iran:

We'd seek compliance with the requirements of the IAEA and the requirements of the UN resolutions that have been passed with respect to it and compliance with the NPT itself. ... It is going to be imperative that they come into full compliance...
I'd say this to the Iranians, I hope they listen. They have continually professed the peacefulness of their program. It is not hard to prove a peaceful program. Other nations have done that and do it every day. And it takes intrusive inspections, it takes living up to the publicly arrived at standards — everybody understands what they are. The allies in the P5+1 have made it very clear... that we are all united in this standard and that we are looking for the full compliance with the NPT... the Iranians need to understand there's no other agenda here...

In response to questions by Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Kerry reiterated his opposition to unilateral actions by the Palestinians at the United Nations. He also explained his position on how the United States will proceed at the United Nations with respect to combating anti-Israel bias:

Let me say categorically — and I think the Administration made this clear in its vote and its public statements — that we do not feel that unilateral steps are helpful to either side in any way. They are not a substitute for the parties negotiating and resolving the issues.
With respect to some of the funding on the collateral memberships [...] we have found that we're better able to actually protect against nefarious activity, in some cases resolutions which attack Israel or other things, we're better able to affect that and negate it if we're participating. If we cease to pay the dues and so forth or take a different attitude then we [...] lose the opportunity to protect our friends which we want to have.
Now I will emphasize that they're getting close to a line that would be very damaging. If there were any effort to take Israel for instance or any other country to the ICC, if there's any effort to try to invoke other power, that's the kind of unilateral action that we would feel very very strongly against and see it as extremely counterproductive. My hope is [...] my prayer is that perhaps this can be a moment where we can renew some kind of effort to get the parties into a discussion, to have a different track than we've been on over the course of the last couple of years. [...] Unilateral efforts are not helpful. We oppose them. And we don't think [...] symbolic or other kinds of efforts are what we need. We need real negotiation, we need real results, we need progress.

In addition, Kerry responded to Senator Tim Kaine's (D-VA) about how he would pursue peace between Israel and the Palestinians:

President Obama is deeply committed to a two state solution. I've been reading lately speculation about whether or not he's committed to process or what he thinks or believes etcetera. I think a lot of it is simply wrong [...] The President understands the stakes and the implications in the Middle East and [...] so much of what we aspire to achieve and what we need to do globally [...] all of this is tied to what can or doesn't happen with respect to Israel and Palestine. In some places it's used as an excuse, in other places it's a genuine deeply felt challenge. [...] I personally believe-I've been at this for what, almost 29 years in this committee... I've watched all of it. I was on the lawn when we were there with the handshake [...] I've been through seven Prime Ministers, nine in all, and two of them were the same [...] I've seen Wye Plantation and Madrid and Oslo and Taba and so forth. We need to try to find a way forward and I happen to believe that there is a way forward. But I also believe that if we can't be successful the door [...] to the possibility of a two state solution could shut on everybody, and that would be disastrous in my judgment. So, I think this is an enormously important issue and I will never step back from my commitment to the state of Israel — which I have shown through the 29 years I've been here — but I also will not step back from my understanding of the plight of Palestinians and others who are caught up in the swirl of this...

Kerry also told Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) that Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's anti-Semitic comments were "reprehensible" and "degrading," and called for an immediate apology.

New Poll Shows Why Jews Supported Democrats In 2012

Contributing Writer — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 05:31:10 GMT

A Century of Jewish Voting in America

— by David Streeter

The new polling data released by the Workmen's Circle provides the clearest proof yet as to why the sweeping majority of American Jews voted to reelect President Barack Obama in 2012.

On the key domestic issues that decided the election, American Jews are firmly aligned with the Democratic Party. According to the survey, clear majorities of the Jewish community stand with President Obama and the Democratic Party when it comes to:

Spending on social safety net programs;
Helping the poor;
Preventing drastic cuts to Medicare;
Responding to climate change;
Protecting a woman's right to choose;
Supporting marriage equality;
Reforming America's immigration system; and
Many other pressing domestic issues.

More after the jump.
The Workmen's Circle summarized their findings:

American Jews consistently favor increasing spending on social welfare and regulating big business, in the midst of an election focused on budget deficits and taxation.
By a two-to-one ratio, Jewish voters see government regulation of business as necessary to protect the public interest, rather than 'usually doing more harm than good' (55% vs. 28%).
Asked to choose between the contrasting positions of fewer government services with reduced spending vs. many more services with increased spending, Jews in the survey opted for the latter (43% vs. 37%).
By more than a two-to-one ratio, Jewish voters prefer decreasing defense spending to increasing defense spending (53% vs. 26%).
By a 43% to 31% margin, more American Jews agreed with the view that, 'Poor people have hard lives because government benefits don't go far enough to help them live decently,' than with the position that 'Poor people today have it easy because they can get government benefits without doing anything in return.'
By almost a two-to-one ratio, respondents expressed the belief that Medicare can be preserved without cutting benefits (50% vs. 28%).
Commitment to economic justice issues is so widespread in the American Jewish population that it extends even to the highest income Jews. Those earning over $250,000 express liberal views on economic justice as frequently as those earning far less. Jews earning $250,000 or more were as likely as lower-earning Jews to vote for Obama and other Democrats....
Accompanying the liberal and progressive stances on economic justice issues were a variety of positions of similar political coloration on issues like climate change, abortion, immigration and same-sex marriage.

The poll's summary is available here, and the full poll results are available here as a pdf.

White House Condemns Morsi's Anti-Semitic Statements

Contributing Writer — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:09:36 GMT

— by David Streeter

President Barack Obama's Press Secretary Jay Carney forcefully condemned previous anti-Semitic comments made by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. Politico reported:

"President Morsi should make clear he respects people of all faiths", Carney said during a press briefing Tuesday. He said the administration has raised its concerns with the Egyptian government: "[...] We have raised our concerns over these remarks with the government of Egypt".
"We strongly condemn these comments", he said. "[...] This type of rhetoric is unacceptable in a democratic Egypt".
Carney added that the remarks are an example of the type of discourse that has long fanned hatred in the region:
"We believe that language like that is too tolerated in the region", he said. "[...] It is counter to peace".

Iran Lawmaker Admits: Sanctions Caused 45% Drop In Oil Revenue

Contributing Writer — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:57:21 GMT

— by David Streeter

The AP reported that an Iranian lawmaker admitted that the international sanctions movement led by President Barack Obama has caused a devastating 45% drop in Iran's oil revenue. According to the AP:

Iran's revenues from vital oil and gas exports have dropped by 45 percent because of sanctions over its suspect nuclear program, a senior lawmaker said Monday, a clear admission that sanctions over Iran's suspect nuclear program are having a severe impact. [...]
Gholam Reza Kateb, head of the parliament's budget committee, said oil exports have dropped 40 percent in the last nine months compared to the corresponding period last year. He said banking sanctions also contributed to the 45 percent reduction in revenues.

After the jump: Newly-Appointed Senate Comissioner Rand Paul Wants to See "Gradual" Cuts to Israel's Aid‏.

Iran is under U.N. sanctions and Western oil, banking and trade restrictions over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, which is a potential pathway for nuclear weapons development. The U.S. and its allies believe Iran might be on a path toward producing nuclear bombs. [...]
Crude oil exports account for nearly 80 percent of Iran's foreign revenue.
Kateb said details of the steep revenue drop emerged Monday in a report by Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi to the parliament on the status of crude oil and liquid gas sales.
'On the basis of the report, oil sales are down 40 percent and income has dropped 45 percent in the last nine months,' Kateb was quoted by the semiofficial ISNA news agency as saying. [...]
The government is already facing a cash crunch from the drop in oil revenues as a result of Western sanctions that Iran calls it an 'economic war.' [...]
In another sign of the effectiveness of the sanctions, most flights operated by Iranian airlines to domestic and international destinations have been cancelled because of unpaid debts. [...]
Iranian airlines nearly doubled prices of plane tickets in November because of higher fuel prices and the plunging value of the Iranian rial against foreign currencies.

Senator Rand Paul Wants to See "Gradual" Cuts to Israel's Aid‏
On his current trip to the Middle East, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) — who is among the newest members to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — said that he would like to see "gradual" cuts to Israel's aid.

The Jerusalem Post reported (emphasis added):

[Senator Paul] said he favored a gradual reduction of US foreign aid, which he said stands at approximately $30 billion a year.
About $3b. goes to Israel annually in military aid, 74 percent of which must be spent in the US.
'I'm all for gradualism,' he said. 'I would start a little more quickly with those who are enemies of Israel, and enemies of the US. I would like to see their aid end more quickly. With regards to Israel, it could be a gradual phenomenon.'

"As we've said many times before, Senator Paul's misguided views on aid to Israel are plain wrong and do not reflect the myriad benefits that come from American assistance to Israel," said NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris.

As we predicted on Friday, Paul's appointment to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would give him a bigger platform from which to spout his radical views. It appears that we were correct — and pro-Israel Republicans are utterly failing to intervene. Now is as good a time as any for them to take a stand against Paul's dangerous vision for Israel's aid — as many pro-Israel Democratic senators did when he first started pushing for cuts to Israel's aid.

Israel Opponent Appointed To Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Contributing Writer — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:08:53 GMT

— by David Streeter

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) expressed outrage over Senator Rand Paul's (R-KY) new membership on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee given his deeply disturbing record when it comes to the U.S.-Israel relationship. NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris said:

Senator Rand Paul's membership in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should be raising red flags and provoking severe concern across the pro-Israel community. The decision by Republican Senate leaders to give a bigger microphone and a prominent platform to someone who has repeatedly called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and used his leadership PAC to push an anti-foreign aid agenda is simply outrageous. As we've said for months, Senator Paul and his father's acolytes are becoming legitimate forces in today's Republican Party — and pro-Israel Republicans have repeatedly and epically failed to address this growing issue within the GOP ranks. Now this failure has very real consequences. The overwhelmingly pro-Israel American public deserves much better than a radical ideologue on the Senate's primary diplomatic committee who has demonstrated a singular obsession with slashing aid to the Jewish state.

More after the jump.
Senator Rand Paul twice pushed for ending U.S. "welfare" (in his words) for Israel — which prompted seven Democratic Senators to author a letter firmly rejecting Paul's proposal. Further, Paul has been a staunch opponent of general U.S. foreign aid — which has long been supported by the pro-Israel community — and even used his leadership PAC to push his anti-foreign aid agenda during the 2012 campaign.

Unfortunately, membership in the committee is not likely to cause a change in Paul's behavior. As Foreign Policy's Josh Rogin noted (emphasis added):

Replacing them will be Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rand Paul (R-KY), and newly minted Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ). Paul has been a thorn in the State Department's side since he came to the Senate, pushing for drastic cuts in U.S. foreign aid and holding up several State Department nominees. His new SFRC perch will allow him to ramp up those activities.

WSJ: Obama Signs Tough New Iran Sanctions Into Law

Contributing Writer — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:44:25 GMT

— by David Streeter

Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act which contained new sanctions targeted towards Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported:

The new Iran measures target the country's energy, shipping and shipbuilding sectors, already in the sights of U.S. sanctions. But the legislation goes further, restricting trade with Iran in precious metals, graphite, aluminum and steel, metallurgical coal and software for integrating industrial processes.
Under the bill, the President would have to report back to Congress on whether any material was being used as barter to furnish transactions with Tehran as a way to avoid sanctions.
It also targets the state broadcast network, called the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, which the law says violated human rights by broadcasting forced confessions and show trials. The law orders the U.S. Treasury to slap sanctions on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and its president, Ezzatollah Zargami.
Sanctions already in place have battered the Iranian economy, which has seen its currency crumble in value and its oil exports plummet.

WSJ: Obama Signs Tough New Iran Sanctions Into Law

Contributing Writer — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:44:25 GMT

— by David Streeter

Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act which contained new sanctions targeted towards Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported:

The new Iran measures target the country's energy, shipping and shipbuilding sectors, already in the sights of U.S. sanctions. But the legislation goes further, restricting trade with Iran in precious metals, graphite, aluminum and steel, metallurgical coal and software for integrating industrial processes.
Under the bill, the President would have to report back to Congress on whether any material was being used as barter to furnish transactions with Tehran as a way to avoid sanctions.
It also targets the state broadcast network, called the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, which the law says violated human rights by broadcasting forced confessions and show trials. The law orders the U.S. Treasury to slap sanctions on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting and its president, Ezzatollah Zargami.
Sanctions already in place have battered the Iranian economy, which has seen its currency crumble in value and its oil exports plummet.

Jewish Hawaiian Lieutenant Governor Replaces Sen. Daniel Inouye

Publisher — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:15:40 GMT

— by Marc R. Stanley and David A. Harris

The National Jewish Democratic Council is pleased to see that Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz has been selected to serve in the United States Senate. The late Senator Inouye left behind a tremendous record of partnership with the Jewish and pro-Israel communities — and we are fully confident that Brian Schatz will continue that robust partnership. The entire NJDC family wishes Schatz the best of luck and we look forward to working with him in the future.

Watch A Detailed Assessment Of The Iron Dome's Effectiveness‏

Contributing Writer — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:57:22 GMT

— by David Streeter, NJDC

Israeli missile defense expert Uzi Rubin delivered a nonpolitical presentation to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that examined the Iron Dome's effectiveness. To summarize Rubin briefly, the Iron Dome worked exceptionally well and it is a game changer for Israel's security. However, one must watch Rubin's presentation in its entirety to really understand the importance of the Iron Dome's successful performance.

At the outset, Rubin explained that his presentation would be nonpolitical and focus on facts. However, he noted explicitly at the end of his presentation:

The help from the United States was timely and invaluable. Especially timely. $205 million is a sum that Israel can afford to spend. But what Israel didn't have was the time to argue it out. The fact that United States stepped in and came with that money and decided the decision, saved Israeli lives. And for that as an Israeli, I am very thankful to President Obama personally, and to his staff and his previous Secretary of Defense and current Secretary of Defense for their help, and for U.S. Congress for its resolute and generous help.

Friend Of Israel Senator Daniel Inouye To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow

Publisher — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:32:07 GMT

Today, Senator Daniel Inouye will be honored at a memorial service in Washington DC before his final trip home to Hawaii where he will be buried. According to Fox News:

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were to be among those offering tributes during the ceremony Friday at Washington National Cathedral, along with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.
Biden also spoke at a ceremony Thursday at the Capitol, where Inouye was given an honored resting place: beneath the dome.
Inouye was only the 31st person to lie in state in the rotunda, the most recent being former President Gerald R. Ford nearly six years ago.
During the day, congressional staff, tourists and other Capitol Hill visitors filed past to pay their respects at Inouye's casket, draped with an American flag.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the statement below in response to the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI).

On behalf of the people of Israel, I wish to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye.
I was proud to call Senator Inouye a friend. He was a humble man with a towering spirit, whose exemplary bravery on the battlefield during World War II was followed by an exemplary life dedicated to serving his country and defending its most cherished values.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel, our country has been blessed to have had the unwavering support of outstanding American leaders who were dedicated to strengthening the security of Israel and to deepening the unique and powerful alliance between Israel and the United States.
But even among these leaders, the contributions of Senator Inouye stand out. His friendship to the Jewish people knew no bounds, and he worked tirelessly throughout his public life to safeguard the one and only Jewish state.
The people of Israel will forever owe him a profound debt of gratitude.
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Inouye's family at this difficult time.

Eulogy by Former Israeli Ambassador Sallai Meridor follows the jump.
Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor remembered the late Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) in an op-ed for Israel's Ynet. Meridor wrote:

Senator Inouye played a leading role in all major aspects of the strategic relations between America and Israel. He initiated transforming from loans to grants the American military aid to Israel, amounting to tens of billions of dollars over the years. He led the American support for the development of multi-layered Israeli initiated missile defense system, from David's Sling, to Iron Dome. He assured that Israel would not only be allowed to purchase most advanced American weapons systems for its defense, but also be able to develop its own cutting edge systems to assure Israel's qualitative military advantage over its enemies.
Inouye's support for Israel has never been conditional, nor has he ever expected anything in return....
Being himself an American of Japanese origin, serving his country while his relatives were kept by his own country in detention camps, he embarked on a life long journey of standing with and for the Jewish people. He bound his soul with the Jewish people and vowed to do all he could to help Israel. From selling Israel's bonds as a young student to appropriating billions for Israel's defense as the chairman of the Senate committee, he has always stood with Israel. The room of this American hero and most powerful leader was decorated with Jewish menorahs. Every year, he made the effort to attend Israel's Independence Day celebration in DC to show his solidarity and support. His door and heart have always been open to Israel's representatives.
When I served as Israel's ambassador to the US, I had the privilege of meeting with him in this office. Whenever I was seeking a wise caring advice, help vis-à-vis the administration on critical issues, or achieving for Israel the almost impossible, I would ask to visit Senator Inouye. He has always been proud of Israel and concerned about its future. He profoundly understood the difficulties facing a tiny nation, the dangers emanating from the prevalent hatred towards the Jews and their state, and the existential challenges facing a Jewish democratic state in the Middle East. He unequivocally believed that a secure Israel is in the best interest of the United States and an important part of the American story. He was more than deeply concerned about the threat of a nuclear Iran. Concern for Inouye has been a call for action. 'What can I do for Israel's defense?' He would ask....
Israel has many great friends on Capitol Hill, but there has only been one Daniel Inouye. A noble human being, an American hero, a lover of Zion.

Senator Daniel Inouye (1924-2012)

Contributing Writer — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:29:10 GMT

President pro tempore of the United States Senate.
Represented the State of Hawaii in Congress since statehood.
First Japanese-American in Congress and in the Senate.
Served during World War II earning a Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star Medal, 2 Purple Hearts.

— by Marc R. Stanley and David A. Harris

On behalf of NJDC, we extend our condolences to Senator Inouye's family and the people of Hawaii. The Senator leaves behind a distinguished record of heroism and service to our country that has inspired members of younger generations to enter public service. Senator Inouye was one of the strongest pro-Israel voices on Capitol Hill, and his leadership within the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittees resulted in significant increases in aid for Israel. He was a true mensch in every sense of the word, and we are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us.

US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro on the US-Israel Relationship

Publisher — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:47:05 GMT

"Too Important to be Anything Less Than a Top Priority"

— by David Streeter

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro addressed The Jerusalem Post's Diplomatic Conference and proudly affirmed the Obama Administration's support for Israel. Shapiro said:

First of all, the cornerstones of the special relationship between Israel and the United States are our common strategic interests, our shared values of two democracies, and our broad and deep people-to-people ties. And, as recently demonstrated in our national elections - this partnership is historic, bi-partisan, and multifaceted. It is based not on any one political party or Administration, but on the commitment of the American people to support a flourishing, secure, Jewish, democratic State of Israel here in the historic homeland of the Jewish people.
Throughout our U.S. presidential campaign, we saw evidence of this widespread support as both candidates articulated in their platforms their positions in strong support of Israel, our closest ally in the region. As President Obama prepared to begin his second term, he has recommitted himself to continuing the policies of an unshakeable support Israel's security and a deep commitment to its future as a Jewish, democratic state.

More after the jump.
The recent escalation in Gaza showed the world what Israelis have known and lived with for years: the terrible reality of rockets fired by Hamas and other terrorist organizations, deliberately targeting innocent civilians. As Israel acted to bring an end to the rocket fire, the strong U.S. response also made clear our commitment to ensure Israel's right of self-defense.

Reflecting on those eight days, I am tremendously proud, as an American, and as U.S. Ambassador, of the U.S. efforts made to support Israel when it was under attack and to de-escalate the crisis in a way that has brought a measure of quiet in the south.

First, from the beginning, the U.S. response could not have been clearer. President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and our Ambassador to the U.N., Susan Rice, made strong and direct public statements on our unequivocal support for Israel's right of self-defense - statements that were critical in shaping international perceptions of the conflict, in securing the support of other countries, and in keeping the focus where it needed to be: on stopping the rocket fire from Gaza.

Second, despite President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton being in the midst of a historic trip to Asia, they never took their eyes of the Middle East and engaged in close coordination with Israel on international diplomatic efforts and the details of proposals for a ceasefire. President Obama spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu several times to receive updates and offer advice and counsel and support. Secretary of State Clinton took every spare moment to call her counterparts around the world to urge them to support Israel's right to defend itself and pressure Hamas to stop firing rockets.

Third, America and Israel both conducted direct engagement with Egypt throughout the Gaza crisis, including multiple conversations between President Obama and President Morsi and Israeli delegations traveling to Cairo, to ensure that Egypt could play its unique stabilizing role in influencing Hamas to settle on an agreement. The ceasefire is not a perfect or a permanent solution. Now, Egypt and Israel must continue, and are already continuing, to work together to preserve Israel's security, crack down on weapons smuggling, and advance the legitimate needs of the people of Gaza. President Morsi's government has consistently reiterated its adherence to the Peace Treaty with Israel, and we remain encouraged by that commitment....

As someone close to the events that took place, in fact, the best seat in the house, I want to tell you that the close U.S.-Israeli coordination to de-escalate was impressive, and demonstrated that our partnership is not only evidence of a strong and deep bond between our countries- but also a productive and constructive one, which furthers national interests on both sides.

In addition to our diplomatic support during the Gaza crisis, U.S. security assistance was also evident. 'Iron Dome' has become a household phrase no longer just among defense experts, but in Israel and the United States, and around the world. The story of American support for the Iron Dome system goes back a few years.

Back in 2008, I was privileged to accompany President Obama, at the time a Senator and presidential candidate, on a visit to Sderot. He met with families whose homes had been destroyed, as well as children who had been injured by rocket and mortar attacks. He saw - in person - how the ongoing threat deeply affected people. He understood that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security included an obligation to help Israel protect itself from this threat. That is why, as President, he ensured U.S. funding above and beyond our regular military assistance for Iron Dome. Last month, we saw just how important that support was. Israelis are rightfully proud of this magnificent, Israeli-developed technology. And Americans are proud that the $275 million in American funding to accelerate the development and deployment of this missile defense system. With over four hundred intercepts during the recent conflict, in both the south and in the Gush Dan region, Iron Dome helped save lives and prevented untold injuries and damage to homes, to schools, to communities. If there is a more meaningful example of America's commitment to Israel's security, I don't know what it is.

As I mentioned, funding for Iron Dome is actually in addition to an even larger amount-the $3.1 billion dollars in annual military assistance from the United States, which upholds Israel's Qualitative Military Edge - that is, Israel's ability to counter and defeat credible military threats from an individual state, coalition of states, or non-state actor, while sustaining minimal damages or casualties.

Preserving Israel's Qualitative Military Edge is a much broader and multi-faceted endeavor. It involves building operational capabilities through exercises, training, and personnel exchanges. It involves ensuring Israeli access to the most advanced U.S. military systems, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. It involves supporting further missile defense systems to counter long-range ballistic threats. It involves close bilateral ties, maintained through constant consultations at the highest levels of our militaries and intelligence services. This close coordination is ongoing and growing-just last month, we conducted the joint ballistic missile defense exercise, Austere Challenge. With over 1,400 U.S. troops on Israeli soil, and thousands of participants overall, this was the largest joint exercise in the history of the longstanding military relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Austere Challenge allowed us to make great strides in improving our tactics jointly, but more importantly, it reinforced our already strong military-to-military relationships, from our most senior commanders to our junior enlisted troops. All of this assistance reflects the United States' commitment to preserve Israel's right and ability to defend itself, by itself, against any threat it may face.

As part of our commitment to Israel's future as a secure, Jewish, democratic state, we firmly believe that Israel's security depends on a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian conflict....

There is no substitute for direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians to achieve this vision. It cannot be resolved by unilateral measures by either side, which serve only to undermine trust and confidence, and which will not lead to a lasting peace....

I would like to take just a few more moments to discuss another area where the U.S. and Israel are strong partners-which is our shared commitment to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. President Obama has stated unequivocally that we will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and that the U.S. will use all elements in its power to achieve this objective.

Over many months, through extraordinarily close, high-level coordination, the United States and Israel have developed a common understanding of the threat a nuclear-armed Iran would pose, a common intelligence basis on which to judge the progress of the Iranian nuclear program, and a common strategy - together with many other nations - to use unprecedented sanctions and economic pressure to induce Iran to change course. We have a shared preference to try to resolve this issue diplomatically, but also a shared principle that no options are off the table.

A nuclear-armed Iran is not just an existential threat to Israel. It would pose a grave threat to the security of the United States, our allies, and the world. It would heighten the possibility that nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of terrorist organizations. It would spark a nuclear arms race in this volatile region. It could collapse the global nuclear non-proliferation system. And a nuclear umbrella would embolden Iran in its support for terror by Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups, and threaten freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.

As Secretary Clinton recently said, Iranian-made missiles and rockets launched from Gaza at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem only drove home what we already know: America, Israel, and the entire international community must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. This is a regime that already exports terrorism to Israel's doorstep, brutalizes its own people, threatens chokepoints in the global economy and risks opening the floodgates on nuclear proliferation around the world. So when it comes to Iran's nuclear threat, the United States does not have a policy of containment. We have a policy of prevention, built on the dual tracks of pressure and engagement, while keeping all options, including the military option, on the table.

We have mobilized the international community around this issue, and together, we have put in place the strongest sanctions that the Iranian government has ever faced, to include sanctions on Iran's banking, shipping, and petroleum sectors. As Secretary Clinton has said, we worked to convince all 27 nations of the European Union to stop importing Iranian oil and all 20 major global importers of Iranian oil - including Japan, India, South Korea and China- to make significant reductions. Iran today exports at least one million fewer barrels of crude each day than it did just last year. And Iran's currency is worth less than half of what it was last November. The pressure is real, and it is growing.

We remain committed to working with the P5+1 on a dual track approach to persuade Iran to come into compliance with its international obligations regarding its nuclear program. Our message to Iran is clear: the window remains open to resolve diplomatically the international community's concerns about your nuclear program, and to relive your isolation, but that window cannot remain open indefinitely. It is up to Iran to follow through and to demonstrate it is serious. Until Iran complies with all its international nuclear obligations, we will further increase the pressure. We will not let up until we achieve our goal.

In closing, I want to emphasize that the Obama Administration's commitment to Israel is more than just a continuation of existing policies- it has cultivated new ways to ensure Israel's security, and to advance our overall bilateral relationship through cultural, economic, and commercial ties. The partnership between the U.S. and Israel is mutually beneficial, and has thrived for many years, and many administrations, and will continue to thrive over many more. Indeed, the U.S. - Israel relationship is too important to be anything less than a top priority. At every level of our government, these words are supported by concrete actions, and our relationship will always receive the time, attention, and focus that it deserves. Allies look out for each other's interests. That has defined, and will continue to define, the United States' approach to this relationship.

Oren: "The Iron Dome Military Revolution"

Publisher — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:11:28 GMT

In The Wall Street Journal, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren lauded the effectiveness of the Obama Administration-supported Iron Dome missile defense system. Oren wrote:

From drawing board to deployment in 2011, Israel completed the Iron Dome in a mere three years. The first two batteries-developed and financed entirely by Israel-took down dozens of Hamas rockets, making Iron Dome the first antimissile system ever to succeed in combat. The generous support of President Obama and the U.S. Congress enabled the construction of four additional batteries. Ultimately, 10 to 13 batteries and a full complement of interceptors will be needed to defend the entire country.

More after the jump.

Intercepting supersonic projectiles in midflight is literally rocket science. Israeli engineers pulled off the feat by combining cutting-edge tracking radar with electro-optic sensors and mounting them on highly mobile, all-weather air-defense systems. Iron Dome can hit multiple types of rockets and missiles at ranges of up to 75 kilometers. It can also be relocated swiftly to new sites and radically different terrain. (As part of our vast alliance with the United States, we have offered to share this pioneering technology.)
Most ingeniously, the Iron Dome determines within split seconds whether an incoming rocket is headed for an open space or a populated area-and saves its fire for the latter case. Millions of Israelis live within the terrorists' range, with as little as 15 seconds to reach a bomb shelter.
By neutralizing most rockets headed for populated areas, the Iron Dome gives decision makers invaluable time to find diplomatic solutions. If salvos of rockets were pummeling Israeli homes, hospitals and schools, Israeli leaders would be under immense pressure to order ground operations that could yield significant casualties. By denying the terrorists a decisive offensive advantage, Iron Dome will save lives and prevent wars.
Before Israel's recent Operation Pillar of Defense, Gaza terrorists fired some 700 rockets and mortars at southern Israel, many of which were taken out by Iron Dome. Still Israel was forced to take action, mounting precise sorties against terrorists and launch sites. In turn the terrorists fired 1,500 rockets, some aimed at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. These might have inflicted severe human and material loss, but Iron Dome downed nearly 85% of those headed toward populated areas.
Combined with Israel's world-class civil-defense system, Iron Dome thwarted the terrorists' aim to wreak intolerable damage. Consequently, Israeli leaders had the time and space needed to join with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in working out a cease-fire....
Iron Dome is thus a game-changer, but it isn't a game-ender. Terrorists on our borders have more than 70,000 rockets, and 15 of every 100 fired can still get through the Iron Dome. The danger even of conventional warheads is unacceptable, but nuclear warheads would pose an existential threat. That is why, together with the U.S., Israel has developed the Arrow to intercept orbital and suborbital ballistic missiles, and we have successfully tested David's Sling, a long-range rocket-defense system.
These innovations will not only protect Israel but enhance security for America and its allies world-wide.

It's Time to Throw the Obama Smears 'Under the Bus'

Publisher — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:02:21 GMT

Reprinted courtesy of the NJDC and Jerusalem Post

— by David A. Harris

The pro-Israel community must work to expand and broaden itself so that we can continue the tradition of broad bipartisan support for Israel.

This past election, we heard many scurrilous claims - if not outright lies - from some partisan Republicans and political conservatives both here and in Israel, individuals committed to putting Mitt Romney in the White House at almost any cost. After four years of President Barack Obama's pro-Israel presidency, one of the most odious claims was that if given a second term, the president would somehow "throw Israel under the bus" and reveal a sinister version of himself that he'd kept under wraps during his first term.

More after the jump.
Many Republicans insisted on this deeply disturbing narrative and similar claims, but the overwhelming majority of American Jews demonstrated that they saw through these myths on Election Day. And in November 2012, Israel's supporters around the world saw these bogus claims shattered by more of the president's singular pro- Israel leadership.

But a key question lingers: when will the anti-Obama Israel myths stop? And when will partisan Republicans end the disgraceful and dangerous tactic of turning Israel into an election wedge issue - something they did in this election to an extent never seen before? Let's pause for a reality check.

Shortly after Election Day, the president and members of his administration clearly supported Israel's right to defend itself as Operation Pillar of Defense began. Indeed, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres multiple times throughout the conflict in order to convey their support and discuss the constructive roles the United States could play.

The president and members of his administration personally condemned Hamas' rockets and placed the blame for the escalation squarely at Hamas' feet. In addition, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shuttled around the region to ensure that Egypt would play an important role in reining in Hamas and instituting a vital cease-fire.

But of course even before Pillar of Defense began, President Obama and his administration were outspoken champions of the revolutionary Iron Dome missile defense system - which the Bush administration greeted with skepticism and ultimately took a pass on, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Iron Dome proved itself effective against Hamas's rockets and prevented countless Israeli casualties prior to Pillar of Defense. But the critical test took place during the heavy barrage of rockets during the operation itself - and the Iron Dome passed with flying colors, while garnering praise throughout the Israeli government. Home Front Defense Minister Avi Dichter said that if the Iron Dome was traded in the stock market, "it would have multiplied its share value several times over."

Israeli officials lined up after the conflict to thank President Obama for his support of Israel's actions and for the Iron Dome. In particular, Defense Minister Ehud Barak - Israel's most decorated soldier - reiterated what he has proudly declared over and over: "The security relationship, as well as the intelligence relationship between our two countries, has never been so close... and we are highly thankful for this."

However, the president's support for Israel began long before the war.

The president and UN Ambassador Susan Rice were Israel's best allies in the United Nations throughout the past four years. Under their leadership, the United States amassed an unprecedented 100% pro-Israel voting record in the UN, passed the most significant Iran sanctions ever, and made significant progress combating what Ambassador Rice dubbed "anti-Israel crap."

So it should have surprised nobody that the United States worked assiduously and voted against the Palestinians' upgrade to UN non-member observer status. Even though the vote's result was apparent well before the General Assembly convened that day, America's delegation made an impassioned case against the upgrade and reiterated that stunts in the Israel-obsessed UN are no substitute for direct negotiations.

President Obama led and acted precisely the way a deeply pro-Israel president would, and he deserves our community's thanks. While some of the president's critics have expressed their appreciation, many have not. The harshest critics - who routinely spewed venom and lies during the campaign - should be lining up single file to make up for the embarrassment they've caused the pro-Israel community with their absurd attacks.

Their silence - and continuing malfeasance - should concern all of us who care about the US-Israel relationship.

The pro-Israel community must work to expand and broaden itself so that we can continue the tradition of broad bipartisan support for Israel.

One of the best ways to start is by giving credit where credit is due - and by throwing the Obama smears themselves "under the bus," once and for all.

The writer is president and CEO of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Obama's Favorability Continues to Rise Among Israeli Jews

Publisher — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:36:15 GMT

— by David Streeter

The Brookings Institution and the University of Maryland conducted a poll of Israeli Jews and found that President Barack Obama's favorability now sits at 62%. Last year's survey found that Obama's favorability was at 54%. Further, this year's survey found that Obama passed German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the most admired foreign leader,

Last year we explained that the more Israelis get to know Obama and see the President in action-as they did this month-the more favorable their views become. This year's survey further proves that analysis.

More after the jump.

WSJ Reports On Iron Dome's Development

Publisher — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:48:33 GMT

DEBKAFile: "Israel's operation was an intel coup to shut Iran's gateway to Cairo via Hamas."

— by David Streeter

In its story on the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system, The Wall Street Journal reported that President George W. Bush's Administration gave a "frosty" response to the system when it was first brought to their attention.

Israel's Iron Dome rocket-defense system spent the past two weeks successfully blasting Hamas rockets out of the sky-many in dramatic nighttime explosions-helping to end the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas in just seven days.
The battle to build Iron Dome, however, lasted years and provided fireworks of its own....
Despite initial Pentagon misgivings, President Barack Obama has given $275 million to the project since 2010 with the aim of reducing the rocket threat and eventually bolstering chances of a peace deal by making Israel feel more secure to agree to territorial concessions.
For years, Pentagon experts dismissed Iron Dome as doomed to fail and urged Israel to instead try a cheaper U.S. approach. Iron Dome faced similar skepticism at home. But an Israeli mathematician-general, along with a labor-organizer-turned-defense-minister, pushed the project through, overcoming the opposition of some of Israel's most powerful military voices....
Israel's Defense Ministry approached the U.S. administration of President George W. Bush with a request for hundreds of millions of dollars for the system. The reception at the Pentagon was frosty, according to current and former U.S. defense officials.
Mary Beth Long, the assistant secretary of defense who oversaw the Iron Dome review process, sent a team of U.S. military engineers to Israel to meet with the developers. After the trip, in a meeting in her office, the team voiced skepticism about the technology, citing poor performance in initial testing, Ms. Long said in an interview.
Rafael's Mr. Drucker recalls an even harsher U.S. response. He said the U.S. team told them: 'This is something that cannot be done.'
Some U.S. military officials argued that Israel should instead consider using a version of the U.S.'s Vulcan Phalanx system, which the Army was deploying in Iraq to try to shoot down incoming rockets, current and former defense officials say. Gen. Gold's team had already considered and dismissed the Phalanx system.
By the end of 2007, Mr. Olmert and Mr. Peretz's successor as defense minister, Ehud Barak, had both come around to backing Iron Dome....
Iron Dome got a significant boost soon after President Obama came to office in 2009. Mr. Obama visited Sderot as a presidential candidate and told his aides to find a way to help boost Israel's defenses from the makeshift rockets, his aides said, although defense officials at the time still doubted Iron Dome was the way.
As president, Mr. Obama tapped Colin Kahl to run the Pentagon office overseeing U.S. military policy in the Middle East. Mr. Kahl found the Iron Dome request on his desk, decided to take another look and had what he later described as a light-bulb moment. 'Ding, ding, ding. It just made sense,'Mr. Kahl said....
At the direction of a White House working group headed by then-National Security Council senior director Dan Shapiro (who today is the U.S. ambassador to Israel), the Pentagon sent a team of missile-defense experts to Israel in September 2009 to re-evaluate Iron Dome. The decision raised eyebrows in some Pentagon circles. Iron Dome was still seen as a rival to the Phalanx system, and previous assessment teams had deemed Iron Dome inferior.
In its final report, presented to the White House in October, the team declared Iron Dome a success, and in many respects, superior to Phalanx. Tests showed it was hitting 80% of the targets, up from the low teens in the earlier U.S. assessment. 'They came in and basically said, "This looks much more promising...than our system,"' said Dennis Ross, who at the time was one of Mr. Obama's top Middle East advisers.
That summer, Mr. Kahl's office drafted a policy paper recommending that the administration support the Israeli request for roughly $200 million in Iron Dome funding.

U.S.-Israel Relations After Obama's Reelection

Publisher — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:13:13 GMT

— by David Streeter

Ever since President Barack Obama was reelected last week, a number of people have speculated-and fear mongered-about the future of U.S.-Israel relations. In response, veteran pro-Israel activist Steve Sheffey dedicated this week's edition of the Chicagoland Pro-Israel Political Update to debunking the fear mongering, which can be read here.

But beyond Sheffey's analysis, some key items have occurred in the past few days that indicate the U.S.-Israel relationship will remain strong and healthy during President Obama's second term:

Israeli leaders congratulated the President on his victory. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the "strategic alliance between Israel and the U.S. is stronger than ever" and told the President his election was "a vote of confidence in your leadership."
On Sunday, President Obama urged the Palestinians to stop circumventing negotiations and give up their plans to pursue a state unilaterally through the United Nations.
On Monday, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon continued the ongoing strategic dialogue with Israel by meeting his Israeli counterpart for talks regarding Iran, Syria, and the other regional challenges facing Israel.

Quite simply, the distortions and wild speculation from the past few days do not match the actions coming from the President and his Administration-not to mention the words of Israel's leaders.