CANDIDATES
JCER endorses the following Congressional candidates:
Ethan Berkowitz (AK-AL)
Rabbi Dennis Shulman (NJ-05)
Dan Seals (IL-10)
Jim Himes (CT-04)
Michael McMahon (NY-13)
JCER endorses Senator Barack Obama for President
Why DOES JCER ENDORSE SEN. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT?
"As a community organizer, a law professor, a parent, a state senator, and a United States Senator, Barack Obama has embodied the Jewish community's strongest values. Barack Obama knows our history as Jewish Americans – one of persecution and immigration, of resilience in the face of tragedy and difficult odds, of hard work and our devotion to education, to strengthening community, and to our country. Barack, whose name comes from the same root as the Hebrew word Baruch, or "blessed," has traveled to Israel and witnessed Israelis' determination in the fight against terrorism and their yearning for peace with their neighbors. His commitment to Israel's security, to the U.S.-Israel relationship, and to Israel's right to self-defense has always been unshakable. Demonstrating his personal connection to Zionism and understanding of Israel as the homeland Jews longed for, Senator Barack Obama has stated that it must be preserved as a Jewish state. He will work tirelessly to help Israel in its quest for a lasting peace with its neighbors, while standing with Israel against those who seek its destruction.
"This time - in this election - it's time for fundamental change in Washington. To make that change, we need to draw on a spirit that is deeply embedded in the Jewish tradition - a view that says we all have a responsibility to do our part to repair this world; that we can take care of one another and build strong communities grounded in faith and family; that repairing the world is a task that each of us takes up every day. That is how we are going to meet the challenges we face."
— Barack Obama
Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, Philadelphia
April 16, 2008
In a May, 2008 poll, more than 60% of Jewish voters said they would vote for Senator Barack Obama in the general election; 28% said they would vote for Senator John McCain. Obama's support from a large majority of American Jews is likely due to his background in the social change movement, his judgment in supporting efforts against Al Qaeda and opposing the war in Iraq, his leadership in reconciling racial and religious divisions, and his vision for creating and sharing opportunity and prosperity among all Americans. Obama's commitment to the long-term safety and security of Israel has inspired renewed hope among Jews disappointed with the lack of engagement in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict that has characterized the Bush administration.
According to a recent opinion survey of American Jews by the American Jewish Committee, Obama's positions on a range of issues are closely aligned with those of most Jews. For example:
80% believe the United States should handle its energy need either by encouraging greater energy conservation or developing alternative energy sources. Obama's energy plan has focused on conservation and alternative energy, while McCain has emphasized drilling for oil and a summer gas tax holiday.
67% believe the United States should have stayed out of Iraq. Obama opposed the decision to invade Iraq, while McCain strongly supported the invasion.
67% believe the United States should allow illegal immigrants to remain and become U.S. citizens if they meet certain requirements over a period of time. Obama has consistently stated that comprehensive immigration reform is the only solution; McCain, after championing these reforms, has backtracked to emphasize punitive measures embraced by anti-immigrant activists in the Republican Party.
Other polls have shown that 75% of American Jews consider themselves to be "pro-choice" on a woman's right to choose an abortion. Obama is strongly pro-choice. McCain said he would be "a pro-life president" and would appoint Supreme Court justices like Scalia and Alito.
After Obama's recent trip to Israel, many politicians and opinion leaders who were unfamiliar with Obama came away impressed with his command of the issues, his remarkable poise, and his commitment to the safety and security of Israel and Jews everywhere. David Horowitz, the editor of The Jerusalem Post, wrote this after meeting and interviewing Obama: "Obama, who was making only his second visit to Israel, knew precisely what he wanted to say about the most intricate issues confronting and concerning Israel, and expressed himself clearly, even stridently on key subjects." By contrast, Horowitz noted that Sen. John McCain " looked to [Sen. Joe] Lieberman several times for reassurance on his answers and seemed a little flummoxed by a question relating to the nuances of settlement construction." Likkud Party Chairman and former Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, after spending time with Obama, said that "he was impressed about Obama's understanding of the Iranian threat and said they both agreed that a nuclear Iran was unacceptable."
To gain deeper insight into Obama's solutions to the many challenges facing the United States, to learn more about his background or his positions on a range of issues, we encourage you to visit his website. For more information about Obama's positions on issues of concern to many Jews, visit the National Jewish Democratic Council's website.
More video of Sen. Obama on Israel and other matters of concern to the Jewish community can be found by clicking here .
