(Courtesy of JNS) Amid the rising tide of anti-Israel sentiment in the Democratic Party, a new group has launched to counter that narrative that will be led by prominent party members.
“The Democratic Party has a long and strong track record of support for Israel,” said Democratic Majority for Israel CEO and president Mark Mellman, a longtime Democratic strategist. “Our mission at Democratic Majority for Israel is to strengthen the pro-Israel tradition of the Democratic Party, fight for Democratic values and work within the progressive movement to advance policies that ensure a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.”
Ann Lewis, who served as White House communications director under U.S. President Bill Clinton and one of the organization’s co-chairs, told JNS this month that anti-Israel Democrats are “dominating the press, the media. And they aren’t going to be able to get anything done.”
In a statement released by Democratic Majority for Israel, Lewis said that “Democrats across the country understand the importance of America’s relationship with Israel. We are launching Democratic Majority for Israel to represent the majority of Democrats in our party, serve as the voice of pro-Israel Democrats everywhere, and advocate for policies that ensure our party’s and our country’s long-term global leadership.”
The organization will focus its efforts on the 2020 presidential and congressional campaigns. The group plans to interact with grassroots activists, elected officials and Democratic candidates who support liberal values to vouch for continued backing of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship based on both shared values and interests.
Members of Congress have already voiced support for the new initiative.
“Democrats understand a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is vital for our country and a key element of our party’s agenda,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who is also the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said “the relationship between the United States and Israel is a special one that is rooted in shared values, an important strategic partnership in the Middle East—perhaps the world’s toughest neighborhood—and a mutual commitment to a lasting two-state solution. I look forward to working with the Democratic Majority for Israel as it advances the unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond into the future.”
Freshman Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) said “we must maintain the enduring bond between the United States and Israel. Our shared values of democracy, security and self-reliance set our partnership apart, so I am thrilled the Democratic Majority for Israel formed to make sure our alliance remains strong.”
