Teaneck–Drs. Mort and Esther Fridman welcomed Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to a NORPAC event in their home on September 7. McCarthy, who represents California’s 23rd district, which encompasses Bakersfield and the surrounding area, is serving his fourth term in the House. In August he was elected Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, replacing the outgoing Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA). He formerly served as Majority Whip.
During the two-hour parlor-style event, McCarthy greeted and conversed with dozens of guests before sharing his perspective on current issues that affect the United States and Israel.
McCarthy has cosponsored several bills and resolutions in support of Israel, including the America Stands with Israel Act in 2010, a 2007 resolution condemning the UN for unfairly targeting Israel in regard to human rights violations, and two resolutions affirming Israel’s right to defend itself from Gaza attacks.
“The Iron Dome has not only saved Israeli lives, but also the lives of Gazans,” explained McCarthy. “Without the Iron Dome Israelis would have had to go into Gaza and level Hamas, resulting in more casualities.” McCarthy also expressed his firm belief that the U.S. would never allow terrorists to shoot missiles and build tunnels into our soil.
During the speech, the Congressman expressed his fear of the rising tide of antisemitism worldwide, and particularly in France. He cited a recent survey that found a majority of young Americans do not consider Hamas a terrorist group. McCarthy explained that this rise in anti-Israel sentiment had not permeated to Congress, stating, “When I sit in the House there’s no question Israel is our closest ally.”
NORPAC continues to support candidates who support the U.S.-Israel relationship with events in the NY-NJ area, and welcomes Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. Chris Smith to Bergen County this month.
