Recently, the National Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) sponsored a full-page advertisement in the JTNews (Oct. 15) charging that Senator Patty Murray was not a friend and supporter of the State of Israel. The RJC’s charge is false. Patty Murray has been and remains a strong supporter of the state of Israel.
During the course of her distinguished career in the U.S. Senate, Senator Murray has visited Israel. She has met with Israel’s diplomatic and security officials, including presidents and prime ministers. She understands the history of the Jewish State, the reasons for its very existence, its unique place as our only democratic ally in the region, and the continuing security challenges it faces. We need only refer back to the statement she issued on January 11, 2009 during Israel’s most recent conflict with Hamas to present an accurate picture of her views and not the misleading one presented by the RJC:
“…Families in Sderot should not have to live in fear. Children in Ashkelon should not have to grow up rushing for the cover of a bunker. No community should have to wake up every day and go to bed every night afraid of rockets and mortars. Israel has a fundamental responsibility to protect its people. Hamas must end its attacks on innocent civilians and close the smuggling tunnels that have served as the gateway for arms.”
Senator Patty Murray is a supporter of Israel. Allegations to the contrary by outside groups are false. She wants peace and security for Israel and its neighbors as all of us do. It is my hope that members of our local Jewish community will see through the RJC’s cynical attempt to mislead voters in this state.