Young Israel Movement Applauds U.S. Senator's Strong Statements Supporting US-Israel Relationship

YOUNG ISRAEL MOVEMENT APPLAUDS U.S. SENATOR'S STRONG STATEMENTS SUPPORTING AMERICAN-ISRAELI RELATIONSHIP

Group Also Weighs In On Appointment Of New White House Chief Of Staff And New York's New Iran Divestment Law


The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) today praised United States Senator Daniel Inouye for his recent comments in which he acknowledged the grave threat that Iran poses to the United States and Israel and reinforced the unbreakable bond of the American-Israeli relationship.

During a trip to Israel this week, Senator Inouye, a Democrat from Hawaii, told an audience in Jerusalem that if Iran was to ever attack Israel, it would be as if it was attacking the United States. Senator Inouye, who has served in the Senate since 1963, is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Inouye told the crowd that his connection to Israel originated in 1951, when he sold Israel Bonds in Hawaii.

"We in the U.S. are deeply concerned with the activities in Iran," said Inouye, according to a report published in The Jerusalem Post. "If the Iranians should ever develop a nuclear device or bomb, that could mean the end of the world as we know it in the Middle East. It would have an impact on all countries, not just Israel. As a result, our position is that if you attack Israel, you are attacking the United States."

While discussing the bond between Israel and the United States, Senator Inouye said that "if one looks at most of this world, especially the Middle East, one country stands out as a foundation of stability and as a pillar of democracy. And at a time like this, when you have revolution in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan, thank God we have Israel."

"We were gratified to hear Senator Inouye forcefully and unequivocally state that the U.S. will continue to stand with Israel," said NCYI President Eli Dworetsky. "With the threat of Iran's nuclear proliferation looming large and uprisings taking place in Arab countries throughout the Middle East, Israel undoubtedly needs the support of the United States at this juncture, which is why Senator Inouye's timely comments were so well received. He is a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, and we greatly appreciate his longstanding and steadfast support."

"Senator Inouye has been one of Israel's best friends in the Senate because he believes it is in America's interest to stand by and with Israel," said NCYI 1st Vice President Farley Weiss. "His strong comments of support for Israel at a time of the dangerous threats from Iran are very much appreciated. Senator Inouye was also one of the leaders of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognize a united Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and it was great to hear that these remarks were made in Israel's capital of Jerusalem. The National Council of Young Israel strongly lauds Senator Inouye for his forceful public comments in Israel on Iran that strengthens the people of Israel and sends a strong message to Iran that Israel will not be alone in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons."

In light of the threat of a nuclear Iran, the National Council of Young Israel also commented how wonderful it is to have an Orthodox Jew with a strong affinity for the State of Israel and a keen understanding of the issues relating to Israel's safety and security ascend to the powerful position of White House Chief of Staff.

"At a time when we stand united against the tyranny of Iran, its anti-Semitism, and its abhorrence for the West, we are especially proud that in this country Jacob Lew, a member of the Orthodox Jewish community, can rise to the status of Chief of Staff to the President of the United States," said NCYI Associate Executive Director Rabbi Bini Maryles. "As the preeminent Orthodox synagogue organization in North America, the National Council of Young Israel is pleased to congratulate Mr. Lew and we look forward to engaging with him on matters that are critical to American Jewry, the United States, and the State of Israel."

"Jack Lew is a dedicated professional who has faithfully served in various positions in the United States government," said NCYI Executive Board Member Charles Miller. "His recent appointment as White House Chief of Staff is testament to his commitment to excellence and his dedication to continued public service. We extend our deepest appreciation to President Obama for this terrific appointment, and we offer our warmest wishes for success to Mr. Lew, a proud member of the Orthodox Jewish community, as he undertakes this new assignment."

The National Council of Young Israel also commended the New York State Assembly and Senate, which recently passed the Iran Divestment Act of 2012. This newly enacted law prohibits state and local governments in New York Stare from doing business with companies that invest in Iran's energy sector.

"By passing this new legislation, the New York State Legislature took a substantive step to ensure that New York will not make financial investments or engage in business activities that would serve to benefit and enrich Iran in any way," said NCYI President Eli Dworetsky. "The Senate and the Assembly sent a clear message that Iran's heated rhetoric and nuclear intentions will not be tolerated."

One of the leading advocates for passage of the Iran Divestment Act of 2012 was New York Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a Democrat from Hillcrest, Queens, who co-sponsored the legislation. Assemblyman Lancman recently met with leaders of the Young Israel Movement at an Israel advocacy event recently held in Flushing, New York, which was hosted by the National Council of Young Israel, the Young Israel of Forest Hills, and The David Project.

"We applaud Assemblyman Lancman and his legislative colleagues for their continued interest in addressing the issues that matter to New York's Jewish community and for their willingness to take a strong stance on the issue of Iran's frightening quest to become a nuclear power," said NCYI Associate Executive Director Rabbi Bini Maryles.