(Highland Park, NJ)—NORPAC, the nation’s leading pro-Israel Political Action Committee (PAC), hosted a discussion event on U.S.-Israel relations at the home of Barry and Marcia Levinson in Highland Park with Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ). Mr. Sires is the Representative of New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, one of the most diverse and densely populated in the state, covering most of Hudson County, part of Newark and parts of Union and Bergen Counties.

In a room filled with pro-Israel attendants, the Congressman discussed his legislative background on U.S.-Israel relations and the future of sanctions on Iran. He pointed to his background growing up in Cuba that strongly influenced his view on discrimination and antisemitism. He has publicly condemned antisemitic remarks made by Fidel Castro and has worked to fight bias against the Jewish people abroad.

Recently, Congressman Sires supported the passage of H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, and H.R. 4133, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012. Both these pieces of legislation were actively advocated for by participants during NORPAC’s Mission to Washington 2012 and 2013, respectively.

This is the first political event hosted by NORPAC in the Edison/Highland Park area for 2013. NORPAC President Dr. Ben Chouake stated his admiration of Rep. Sires and his climb through the New Jersey State Assembly to the U.S. Congress, having met him 12 years prior. This event is one of two which are planned for the area this year. NORPAC hopes to continue to attract local residents to these events, bringing them into the fold of pro-Israel advocacy and activism.