A Week of Defending Democracy

On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are grateful for President Biden and Democrats’ commitment to defending democracy in the U.S. and around the world. President Biden’s unprecedented visit to Kyiv earlier this week demonstrated that Democrats are on the right side of history, fighting for the future of democracy globally.

Over the past year, the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress have supported the Ukrainian people, government, and military. Nevertheless, the war has exacted a heavy toll on Ukraine, cost tens of thousands of lives, and shaken the global economy. Under President Biden’s leadership, the U.S. remains committed to our allies in Ukraine and the defense of democracy here around the world.

On Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT, we will host a special briefing about the current state of affairs on the ground in Ukraine and Russia. We will be joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to discuss U.S. policy, what is at stake, and where we go from here as the war enters its second year. RSVP today at the link below.

Yesterday, we hosted a briefing featuring former U.S. Ambassadors to Israel Daniel Shapiro and Daniel Kurtzer on the future of Israel’s democracy. The former ambassadors shared their perspectives on current events in Israel and underscored President Biden’s stalwart devotion to the U.S.-Israel relationship:

“I am not sure I know a human being who loves Israel and feels more committed to our relationship with it than President Biden.”

– Former Ambassador Daniel Shapiro

“The President has 40 years of a love affair with Israel, irrespective of whoever the prime minister is…that ought to mean something when we want to get Israel’s attention.”

– Former Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer

In a statement issued earlier this week, we underscored our commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and urged the Israeli government to have meaningful deliberations about the serious implications of its judicial overhaul proposal. We reiterated support for Israel’s democracy and President Herzog’s call for compromise to establish a broad consensus within Israeli society and with the opposition before moving forward. Click here to read our full statement.

MEET THE MEMBER: REP. DAVID CICILLINE

For this week’s installment of our Meet the Members series, we recognize Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01). Just this week, he announced that he would depart Congress in June to serve as CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Alongside a stellar team of House Democrats, Rep. Cicilline served as a manager in Trump’s second impeachment. He played a central role in defending our democracy amidst unprecedented far-right attacks coming directly from the executive branch. He’s been a crucial ally to Jewish Dems in Congress, and while we congratulate him on his new role, we will miss his voice and leadership in Congress.

Take a look at what Rep. Cicilline shared with us on what makes him a proud Jewish Dem:

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Shabbat Shalom,

Hon. Ron Klein
Board Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America