Republicans pledge support for Israel
August 29, 2012 Leave a comment
By Lauren Appelbaum and Ashley Gold
Eric Cantor (R-Va.) addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition
Tampa, Fla., Aug. 29 – Republican members of Congress – who are primarily speaking about domestic issues – joined together to express their support for Israel Wednesday afternoon.
Speaking at an event sponsored by the Republican Jewish Coalition, the members of Congress stressed two themes – the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“This world would change dramatically if we ever allowed Iran to have nuclear weapons,” Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) said.
Royce discussed attacks in Europe on Jews by Hezbollah. “Who would have thought we would see attacks in Europe?” Royce said.
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) said the U.S. needs to support Israel precisely because of the threat from Iran. “Israel and U.S. share a common enemy,” West said. “So goes Israel, eventually so goes the U.S.”
“We’ll continue to stand side-by-side with Israel,” West continued, saying so not only the people in attendance but their children and grandchildren “can visit a safe and secure Israel for not 10 years but for 100 years.”
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), a Jewish-American congressman, thanked those in attendance for supporting pro-Israel politicians.
“Our security in America is inextricably tied to security in Israel and that’s why we care,” he said.
Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) pledged to work to get more members of Congress to visit Israel. “Until you see what they live under, you don’t get it,” he said.
Other notable attendees included Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and congressional candidate Rabbi Shmuley Boteach (R-N.J.).
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