Rosenberg a strong Obama supporter
'Obama touched by land of Israel'
Longtime Obama supporter Lee Rosenberg says presidential hopeful has always been strong supporter of Israel, recalls senator's meaningful visit to Jewish State
WASHINGTON – Presidential candidate Barack Obama has been working with and backed by prominent pro-Israeli Jews in the United States, including AIPAC treasurer Lee Rosenberg.
"He reached out to me to learn more about the issues affecting Israel and Middle East, and the US–Israel relationship," Rosenberg said, referring to his early contacts with Obama. "The reason I know him well is actually on this issue. I spent most of my time with him…specifically talking about the US- Israel relationship and the safety and security of Israel."
Greenberg, who is currently an activist in Obama's campaign, told Ynet in a special interview that the presidential hopeful has always been a strong supporter of Israel. Rosenberg, who spoke to Ynet in his capacity as an Obama activist and stressed that he was expressing his personal views only, said that his personal familiarity with Obama leaves no doubt as to the senator's commitment to the Jewish state.
US Elections
Yitzhak Benhorin
In meeting with Jewish community leaders at Ohio synagogue, Democratic senator says there are those who believe that being pro-Israeli means adopting Likud's policy. 'That can't be the measure of our friendship with Israel,' he clarifies
'Impacted by importance of security issues'
Rosenberg says that the Security of Israel "is the global and policy issue that I care most about" and rejects claims that questioned Obama's commitment to the Jewish State. "He's always been a strong supporter of the security of Israel," he says.
Rosenberg, who accompanied Obama during his visit to Israel in 2006 that included a tour of northern Israel and a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, says it was an important "on-the-ground experience" for the senator, who was "impacted by the importance of the security issues."
"He experienced that and you can't do it from Chicago - you have to be there," Rosenberg said.
"He was touched by the Land of Israel itself and by the accomplishments that the country has made," Rosenberg added. "Most importantly, he expressed concerns about how to make sure that the United States stands beside Israel on security matters."
