On July 19th, NORPAC hosted Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) at the home of Rabbi Steven and Yael Weil in Teaneck. Since being elected in 1992, Sen. Murray has been a staunch supporter of Israel. As a member of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Sen. Murray has consistently been an advocate of foreign aid to Israel.

At the NORPAC event, Sen. Murray focused on the recent nuclear agreement between the P5+1 and Iran. She stated that her primary objective is to ensure that the US and its allies are protected. She reiterated that we cannot trust Iran and cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran. Sen. Murray expressed concern over the deal in its current form and promised to look at the deal with a critical eye as well as ask difficult questions in order to make an informed decision. When asked if she would vote against the deal, Sen. Murray answered that if it is not in the best interest of the US or Israel’s national security, she is ready to vote for a resolution of disapproval. Sen. Murray emphasized that no matter what happens with the deal, the US must strengthen ties with Israel and provide Israel with whatever it needs to secure itself. Sen. Murray is running for reelection in 2016.