Defending Our Democracy
Friends,
The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) plays a unique role giving voice to our values such as defending our democracy, pursuing justice, and ensuring equality under the law.
This week, we did so in a briefing with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA), who joined with JDCA to discuss ongoing congressional investigations into foreign interference in our election and potential obstruction of justice by the Trump administration.
JDCA is proud to be a leading voice in national conversations on these issues, because Jewish Democrats expect – and demand – a government that adheres to rule of law. The strength of our democracy depends on maintaining checks and balances, and Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the executive branch.
As Speaker Pelosi and House Judiciary Chairman Nadler said this week, we are in a constitutional crisis given the administration’s stonewalling of Congress. At this critical moment, JDCA stands by Democratic leaders in Congress as they aim to defend the constitution. Follow JDCA today as we continue to give voice to our values, such as the pursuit of justice, and read on to learn more about our remarkable briefing call for JDCA members with Congressman Adam Schiff.
Call with Congressman Adam Schiff
On Thursday, JDCA hosted a briefing call with House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, whose committee recently issued a subpoena to the Justice Department for the unredacted Mueller Report and underlying intelligence.
On the call, Rep. Schiff explained the distinction between the counterintelligence investigation led by the House Intelligence Committee and the ongoing efforts by the Judiciary Committee to investigate potential obstruction of justice.
The common thread between these – and other – congressional inquiries is that they have revealed that “Trump runs the country the way he ran his businesses—unethically.” Rep. Schiff described Attorney General William Barr as Trump’s “personal attorney” and noted Trump administration is trying to “stonewall and draw the process out” and then blame Democrats for the protracted process.
History will be watching how Congress and all Americans respond to these unprecedented attacks on our democracy. At issue, Rep. Schiff said, is not simply wrongdoing by President Trump, but whether future presidents can be held to account under the constitution.
Israel Under Attack
Last weekend, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired approximately 700 rockets into Israel, killing four innocent Israeli citizens. Countless more would have been injured or killed were it not for the Iron Dome missile defense system, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, with ongoing U.S. military assistance and partnership championed by Democrats.
JDCA stood with Israel as it was under attack earlier this week, and asserted support for its right to self-defense. Executive Director Halie Soifer also met with Israeli Consul General Dani Dayan to express our support and solidarity with Israel at this difficult time.
On Wednesday, we mourned with Israel on Yom HaZikaron for those who sacrificed their lives to defend Israel. The next day, we celebrated Israel’s 71st Independence Day and 71 years of achievement on Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Every week brings challenges, and every week, we meet them. Stay informed in real-time by following JDCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that you don’t miss anything, including briefing calls and events. And be sure to visit our online store for Mother’s Day gifts.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Mother’s Day,
Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America
Halie Soifer
Executive Director, Jewish Democratic Council of America