Elections are around the corner and there are critical issues at stake this year for Israel and the American Jewish community.
Who will be the stronger leader facing an Iranian regime on the threshold of acquiring nuclear weapons?
Is one party better positioned to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students on campus?
Which presidential candidate can the pro-Israel community count on to support Israel’s right to self-defense, work vigorously to bring home the hostages and allow Israel to continue its war against the genocidal terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah?
These were some of the questions we asked of the candidates for US Senate, and those running for Congress in CD7 and 11, in three separate Election 2024 Forums sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council.
As we do every election cycle, we invited candidates from key congressional races to speak with our community in back-to-back, sequential meetings. In our attempt to distinguish this forum from other candidate debates, we focused on topics of concern to our community as we did in previous years and framed each question through the lens of Jewish issues.
It was clear from the outset however, that this year was dramatically different. This US election is unfolding in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, as war continues to rage on Israel’s northern and southern borders.
As we explained to the candidates, with friends and family huddled in bomb shelters to protect them from deadly barrages fired by Hamas and Hezbollah, and in the aftermath of two direct attacks from Iran, these issues are deeply personal.
They are existential.
And with antisemitism surging in our state and on our college campuses, we are looking for answers from our government leaders and those running for public office.
For those who did not watch or attend our Election Forums, I urge you to make the time between now and election day to become educated on the incumbents’ records and explore the positions of their opponents. Having had the benefit of hearing every candidate’s answer to these questions, I can reassure our community that each candidate—whether Republican or Democrat—declared publicly their strong support for Israel, pointed to legislation they voted for to strengthen Israel’s defensive capabilities and stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community in condemning antisemitism.
However, every voter must and should review the candidates’ records. They should explore their social media platforms and review their posts and positions. Every voter will evaluate the candidates differently; assess their loyalty to party, review public statements before and during the campaign season, and make informed decisions.
For those interested in watching the forum with candidates for US Senate Rep. Andy Kim (D) and Curtis Bashaw (R), please click here.
For the congressional races, please visit the candidates’ websites. The forums are not available, as not all participants agreed to them being recorded.
Congressional District 11:
https://www.mikiesherrill.com/
Congressional District 7:
Congressional District 8
Congressional District 10
Newly elected Rep. LaMonica McIver (D) is facing Republican Carmen Bucco.
I urge you however, not to stop here. For local races matter too, never more so than now.
As we discovered in the past year, where school board meetings turned into angry forums for anti-Israel protesters and town councils debated whether or not to issue ceasefire resolutions, the people we elect may ultimately be asked to make decisions on issues unrelated to town governance or school curriculum, but whose impact will be felt in our neighborhoods and classrooms.
It is incumbent upon us to elect people who are responsive to their Jewish constituents, understand the importance of curriculum neutrality, focus on community needs while keeping the crafting of foreign policy to the federal government and work steadfastly to protect students and families against hate and antisemitism.
As a constituency that has benefited and thrived in America’s inclusive democracy, we have a responsibility not only to cast our ballots on November 5th, but to do so as thoughtful and informed voters. May those we elect continue to stand by Israel at its time of greatest need, while ensuring the strength of our American democracy and the needs and aspirations of all its people.