(COPMJO release) The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations hosted newly elected Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Tom Perez at a meeting of leaders of member organizations of the conference. Chairman Perez emphasized the Democratic party’s strong commitment to maintain the overwhelming bipartisan support for the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel and to Israel’s enduring safety and security. He spoke of his own personal connection to Israel and the Jewish people and recalled the deep impact visiting Israel had on him. He sharply condemned efforts by the BDS movement to isolate, undermine and delegitimize the State of Israel and assured the leaders that he would remain engaged in the fight against anti-Semitism.

Commenting on the meeting, Stephen M. Greenberg, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman/CEO, said, “The Conference of Presidents welcomed the opportunity to host Chairman Perez at this early stage of his tenure as chair of the DNC. It was important for the conference leadership to hear directly from Chairman Perez that the Democratic party is firmly committed to the longstanding bipartisan U.S. support for Israel. ”

Chairman Perez said, “Throughout our nation’s history, the Jewish community has fought for civil and human rights and values, stood up to hate and fought for an America that lives up to its founding principles of equality and opportunity. So in the Democratic party, the Jewish community will always have a place at the table and a voice in our future. Embedded in that commitment is an understanding that Israel’s security and an active pursuit of peace in the Middle East through a lasting two-state solution is the responsibility of every leader in the U.S.—left, right and center.”