Shame on those who voted against it

The Queens Jewish Community Council expressed appreciation to the US Congress for passing – on Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day – a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations and calling for the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords.

The bi-partisan resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, along with Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Vice Ranking Member Kathy Manning (D-NC). In a statement on the introduction of the resolution CM Wagner noted, “The U.S.-Israel partnership supports greater security and economic benefits for the entire region. The creation of the State of Israel was an unprecedented achievement in world history and we are unwavering in our support for our Israeli friends.” Following the vote, she noted that the “bipartisan passage of this resolution reaffirms our commitment to the people of Israel and promotes vital security assistance so they can defend themselves in the face of an increasingly aggressive Iran.” In the pre-vote statement, CM Schneider said, “The United States is justifiably proud to be the first nation to recognize the nascent state of Israel in 1948. In the 75 years since, our shared values have been the bedrock of an extraordinary relationship. Together, the United States and Israel have promoted democracy and enhanced regional security in the Middle East and North Africa. We honor this 75th anniversary and look forward to the potential of this partnership over the next 75 years, namely in the expansion of the Abraham Accords and the normalization they bring with them.”

Support for the measure was vast, with 400 bipartisan members voting in its favor.

Shamefully, 19 members of Congress voted against the resolution - eighteen Democrats and one Republican.

QJCC is particularly offended by the “Nay” votes of two Democrat representatives of Queens, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velazquez. The resolution celebrates the safe haven for the world’s often marginalized and abused Jewish population – of all races and colors – that Israel provides. It celebrates democracy and loyalty, and the incredible and widespread peacemaking in the region that the Abraham Accords represent. A vote against the resolution is a vote against safety and security for Jews, against an anchoring force in the region, and a slap in the face of the New York area constituency whose ideology this resolution represents.

Thank you to the members of Congress who supported this measure.

Shame on those who voted against it.

By Michael Nussbaum,
President, and Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director