AIPAC thanks Obama for 'steadfast support'
In rare statement, Jewish lobby says president 'deepened America's support for Israel in difficult times'
WASHINGTON - The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) thanked US President Barack Obama and other elected leaders for "steadfast" support of Israel, in a rare statement issued Sunday ahead of Rosh Hashana.
This show of support by a predominantly conservative body is extremely significant for Jewish voters on the eve of the US elections in the backdrop of statements by Republican candidate Mitt Romney who claimed Obama had "thrown Israel under the bus."
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"With Israel and America facing unprecedented threats and challenges in the Middle East, we deeply appreciate the close and unshakeable partnership between the United States and Israel," the statement read. "President Obama and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional leadership, have deepened America’s support for Israel in difficult times."
AIPAC has traditional conservative views, which has led left-leaning Jews to establish J Street, an organization which aims to speak for moderates among American Jews.
"As Rosh Hashanah nears, AIPAC - its leadership and staff - extends to Israel’s strongest supporters heartfelt appreciation for the work of this administration and Congress to strengthen the US-Israel relationship," the statement concluded.
"We stand ready to work together in the year ahead to enable both countries to meet the serious challenges we face, especially preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities."
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