NEW OP-ED: Schumer Speech

Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a speech describing “the path forward to secure mutual peace and lasting prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians.” It’s because of his commitment to Israel’s future as a secure, Jewish and democratic state -– which is shared by Democrats -– that Schumer felt “an immense obligation” to speak out. Senator Schumer addressed this difficult issue with a refreshing degree of candor consistent with the views of the overwhelming majority of American Jews. 

 Senator Schumer wasn’t just speaking as the first Jewish Majority Leader and highest-ranking Jewish official in U.S. history, but also as a staunch, lifelong supporter of Israel whose views align with mainstream American Jews. Today, I wrote an op-ed in The Forward explaining that polling confirms Senator Schumer was in fact speaking for “the silent majority” of Jewish American voters. 

READ: SCHUMER SPOKE FOR A MAJORITY OF AMERICAN JEWS

While Senator Schumer called for elections in Israel – something critics have questioned – he made it clear that he wants to see Israel’s democracy function consistent with the will of the Israeli people. Importantly, he explicitly warned against American interference in such an election – “Of course, the United States cannot dictate the outcome of an election, nor should we try. That is for the Israeli public to decide.”

Democrats remain committed to Israel’s security and future as a Jewish and democratic state, and we are supporting candidates like President Biden who share our values on key issues important to Jewish voters, including support of Israel.

Shabbat Shalom,

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America