RJC urges candidates to prove friendship for Israel by returning J Street contributions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) has launched ads in Missouri and Pennsylvania calling on Democrats Robin Carnahan and Joe Sestak to give back the campaign contributions they received from J Street PAC.

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said:

“It’s important that when someone is seeking the trust and support of the Jewish community, they be honest about their views, especially regarding Israel. Joe Sestak and Robin Carnahan claim to be ‘pro-Israel,’ but their connections to J Street cast doubt on those assertions.

“J Street, which bills itself as a ‘pro-Israel’ organization, has consistently supported some of the most anti-Israel politicians in Congress. When Israel was under attack from Hamas, J Street asked President Obama to pressure Israel to weaken security measures around Gaza.

“The recent revelations (1) about the involvement of anti-Israel billionaire George Soros in J Street, as well as the manner in which J Street tried to mislead the media and the Jewish community about it, have stripped J Street of its last claims to credibility. Yet, sadly, some politicians still welcome J Street’s support.

“It should be noted that in the past (2), Soros has even gone so far as to blame anti-Semitism on the policies of Israel and the Bush administration, a statement which ADL Executive Director Abe Foxman called ‘absolutely obscene.’

“Joe Sestak and Robin Carnahan are among the biggest recipients of J Street’s support. We call on them to reject J Street’s endorsement and give back their money.

“The Jewish community should consider carefully the views, positions, and allies of those running for office. The fact that Joe Sestak and Robin Carnahan have benefited from George Soros-funded J Street’s endorsement and contributions from the J Street PAC is something the community needs to know.”

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Ed’s Note: Preceding provided by the Republican Jewish Coalition.  J Street has been invited by email to respond, but thus far has not availed itself of the opportunity.