Recently, NORPAC, welcomed Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) to the Teaneck home of Dr. Robert and Sarah Goodman. Congressman Deutch represents Florida’s 21st district and is serving his third term in Congress, where he is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Ranking Member on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. Deutch conversed with and greeted dozens of guests before sharing his perspective on current issues that affect Israel and the United States.
He believes that America’s relationship with Israel must extend beyond mutual military interests, citing economic and technological benefits America derives from the bond. His Jewish heritage, particularly his time at Camp Ramah, he said, influenced him to be the Israel activist he is today: “There’s no greater honor than being a U.S. Congressman whose commitment to Israel dates back to Hebrew school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.”
The Congressman’s speech covered multiple issues, primarily focusing on the defense of Israel in the war with Gaza. Deutch concluded a trip to Israel with a bipartisan delegation of Congressional members in late June, the day before the onslaught from Gaza began. He attended the funeral of the three murdered Israeli teens and paid a Shiva call to the Frenkel family, whose son was murdered along with two Israeli friends.
He talked about Hamas’ use of human shields and how social media is rampant with anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment. His Facebook and Twitter pages have been attacked for his support of Israel.
Deutch warned of the danger of making a short-term agreement with Iran, citing their non-cooperation and lack of trustworthiness. He reported that he had written to the Government Accountability Office in 2011, calling for an investigation into the Palestinian Authority’s alleged use of American aid to build housing for terrorists. In response to questions concerning rising anti-Semitism in the world, Deutsch said apprehension was understandable and assured the group that antisemitism is being monitored.
