Opinion: Candidate Crowley calls Israel “a distraction”

Given the extraordinary threat that Israel faces from her neighbors, we were shocked to read in the New York Times this week that one of the candidates for New York’s 6th Congressional District, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, called Israel “a distraction.” 

This is a wake-up call to all voters in Queens who value our country's relationship with Israel that despite the Iranian nuclear threat, the growing Islamist movement in Egypt, the virtual civil war in Syria and the continuous rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, there are still some seeking federal office who do not take threats to Israel seriously. 

This flippant attitude towards Israel’s safety and security shows that certain candidates in Queens are simply not fit for the responsibilities of national office, and should caution any voter in the 6th CD going to the polls on June 26th.  We need someone in Congress who understands the threat faced by Israel and the United States, and who has the record to back it up. 

We've endorsed Rory Lancman in his campaign for the 6th District, because he is the only candidate, in our minds, who will be successful in advancing a mutually respectful and vibrant U.S.-Israel relationship as a member of Congress. Rory, without any hesitation, has stood up to members of his own party and members of the media who may not fully comprehend the realities and history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and it is this kind of bold voice that is needed at the Federal level.  As a former platoon leader in New York's 42nd Infantry Division and a graduate of Columbia Law School, Rory has the background and the expertise needed to lead on issues of national security and protecting Israel.

It's difficult for an ordinary member of the State Assembly to have an impact on foreign policy and national security, but Rory has gone out of his way to lead on those issues. He continues to fight against the Palestinians' "lawfare" campaign, combat the insidious "boycott, divestment and sanctions" movement against Israel, and help pass legislation barring New York State and its municipalities from doing business with Iran's nuclear sector.

Less than two weeks ago, Rory Lancman stood with Eli and members of the Queens Jewish community to commemorate Yom Yerushalayim, and call out the U.S. State Department for failing to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, refusing to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, refusing to put "Israel" on identification given to American children born in Jerusalem and trying to interfere with the construction of Jewish population centers on Israeli land.

U.S. interests in the region are tied to Israel’s, as the only place of stability in a region roiling with unrest. There is no other country the U.S. can depend on as a base should U.S. interests be threatened in that part of the world. Israel is crucial to the security of our own country.

Come November, there will be a vacuum of strong, pro-Israel leadership in Congress, especially from our area of New York. Central and Northeastern Queens, areas comprising the 6th CD, deserve a knowledgeable, bold leader in Congress who understands the importance of Israel's relationship with the United States and has the courage to fight to strengthen that relationship. We sincerely urge readers to vote for Rory Lancman for Congress in the Democratic Primary on June 26th.

Steve Orlow, is a lawyer, former New York City Councilman, and President of One Israel Fund. Eli Hertz, is president and author of Myths and Facts.