President Obama, former Democratic Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and former Democratic House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi have had plenty of opportunity to extend an invitation for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress. We are living day to day in a time of internal crises between the growing terrorist threats of ISIS, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda and Iran on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons. Republican House Speaker John Boehner has extended an invitation to Netanyahu to address Congress. Pelosi’s first public reaction was to say she wasn’t sure if she or other Democratic members of Congress would attend. Within days, Pelosi backpedals and says she will attend, but with a caveat. Many other Democratic Congress members may not be able to attend because “It’s not a high-priority item for them with all the other important work going on.” Vice President Joseph Biden says he has a previously scheduled engagement out of town and will not be able to attend.
Actions speak louder than words. Israel is our most reliable ally in the Middle East and world today. Now is the time for all elected officials, Democrat or Republican, to stand up and show their support. There is no excuse for not being able to find a hour or two to attend. Let’s see if Senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and all members of the New York Congressional delegation vote with their feet and attend. Friends of Israel should remember who showed and who didn’t show up when they stand for re-election in 2016. Any elected official who fails to show is tref to the Jewish community and Israel. They are not worthy of your vote.
Larry Penner
