AIPAC, AJC, Conference of Presidents, JCPA, and NJDC Praise Obama’s Pro-Israel UN Speech

David Streeter — September 22, 2011 – 11:40 am | Foreign Policy | Israel | Obama Comments (1) Add a comment

Haaretz compiled a roundup of statements from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations praising President Barack Obama for his strongly worded defense of Israel during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Haaretz reported:

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) welcomed the speech. ‘AIPAC appreciates the President’s “unshakeable” commitment to Israel’s security and his clear statements outlining the daily dangers and strategic threats facing Israel. President Obama demonstrated his understanding of Israel’s legitimate requirements when he stated that the Jewish people - in their historic homeland - deserve recognition and normal relations with their neighbors,’ the Jewish lobby said.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) Executive Director David Harris said ‘President Obama’s message was crystal clear that the only path to sustainable peace is direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, not what goes on in the corridors of the UN.’

The Conference of Presidents Chairman Richard Stone and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein welcomed Obama’s comments at the opening session of the UN General Assembly in support of direct negotiations, and his rejection of solutions imposed by outside parties, unilateral moves, or one sided declarations at the United Nations.

‘The President correctly and clearly identified Israel’s security needs and challenges,’ said the Conference of Presidents heads.

‘The President said that “the Jewish people have forged a successful state in their historic homeland” and that “Israel deserves recognition.” We specially note this formulation not only because it reaffirmed a historic truth but also because many in the hall he was addressing have sought to deny Israel’s ancient and constant connection to the land and others have refuse to recognize it as the Jewish State,’ their statement continued.

‘We hope that other leaders will listen to President Obama’s words and heed his warnings,’ they said…

Jewish Council for Public Affairs President Rabbi Steve Gutow praised Obama for saying the United States is dedicated to achieving peace through bilateral negotiations.

‘He (Obama) understands that peace is a cooperative venture. It needs leaders, partners, supporters, witnesses, and principled advocates. No sustainable peace can be achieved alone,’ said the Rabbi. ‘The path to peace is paved with compromise and cooperation, not unilateralism.’

And:

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) ... took the speech as an opportunity to claim that all the ‘political chatter’ doubting the president’s support for Israel should be ‘put to bed once and for all.’

‘As he has proven throughout his presidency, President Obama supports Israel and its people instinctively. Israel truly has no better friend in the world today,’ NJDC leaders Marc Stanley and David Harris said in a joint statement Wednesday.

‘On behalf of the National Jewish Democratic Council’s Board of Directors and leadership, we wish to express our thanks to President Barack Obama for passionately and eloquently standing up for Israel and the Jewish State’s security needs at the United Nations today,’ they said.

The Orthodox Union’s President Dr. Simcha Katz and Director of Public Policy Nathan Diament praised Obama in a statement:

The Orthodox Union commends President Barack Obama for his clear statement of opposition to the Palestinians’ effort to unilaterally seek recognition at the United Nations instead of at the negotiating table with Israel.  We also commend President Obama’s strong statements of support for Israel and his Administration’s commitment to Israel’s security.

Agudath Israel’s Executive Vice President Rabbi David Zweibel wrote in a letter to Obama on September 23:

On behalf of the thousands of families that comprise Agudath Israel of America’s Orthodox Jewish constituency across the nation, I write to commend you for your clear and wise words to the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week.

The stance you took on the Palestinian Authority’s ill-conceived unilateral declaration of statehood was courageous and principled. So too was your pointed description of the daily dangers Israel faces - made before a group that, unfortunately, includes representatives of states that display undisguised ill will toward Israel.

By reprising both the distant and not-so-distant Jewish past, and referring overtly to the ‘historic homeland’ of the Jewish people, you boldly stated facts that have been crying out for a voice. That you did so on a world stage, in full display to people all across the globe, enhanced the power of your words immeasurably.

Coming mere weeks after your unhesitating and decisive action to rescue the Israelis who were trapped by a mob in Cairo, your speech at the United Nations further confirmed your deep concern for Israel and her citizens.

The Jewish religious tradition hallows a concept called ‘hakarat hatov’ - that when good is done, it must be recognized and appreciated. We recognize the good you have done. And we deeply appreciate it.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv printed an interesting front page image with President Obama dressed as a super hero.

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