I read with mixed emotions Elizabeth Kratz’s commentary, “Have We Lost Cory Booker?” (August 9, 2018). I did not know whether to laugh or cry. She actually implies that the senator could somehow justify his actions and thereby preserve the support of the Jewish community. Seriously?

An incumbent United States senator holds up a sign reading “From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have to go,” is not man enough to defend his actions himself, and we should vote for him? His spokesperson says he did not read it, and we should vote for him? He attends an event co-sponsored by organizations dedicated to the destruction of Israel and what will his office probably say – we did not know who they were – and we should vote for him?

Senator Booker took the Jewish community for a lot of money. We were conned. He took our support for granted. As clearly shown in the commentary, the senator is no friend and may, in fact, be an enemy, given who and what he actually supports. This is a great opportunity for the Jewish community to make it clear that just because someone is running as a Democrat does not mean they will get the “Jewish vote.” Our support must be earned by deeds, not words. Senator Booker owes us no apology and no explanation. Given his voting record, his actions should come as no surprise. He is what he is and the fact that any member of our community would still consider voting for him is a disgrace.