By Jacob Kornbluh – Jewish Insider
Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz launched his campaign’s “Jewish leadership Coalition” on Sunday, consisting of three dozen Jewish community leaders and activists from around the country.
As first reported by Jewish Insider, Cruz earned the backing of Dr. Ben Chouake, president of NORPAC, the nation’s largest pro-Israel political action committee, as well as Sarah Stern, president and founder of EMET (Endowment for Middle East Truth).
Additional prominent members of the Jewish leadership team include Ken Abramowitz, Dr. Joe Frager, and Rabbi Zev Reichman, spiritual leader of the East Hill Synagogue in Englewood, NJ, and director at Yeshiva University, among others.
Also included is Rabbi Shmully Hecht, Founder of Yale Shabtai Society, Connecticut.
“Since the day we announced our campaign, we have been honored to see tremendous support from the Jewish community.” Cruz said in a statement. “I have been privileged to speak at synagogue services from New York to California to Florida, to celebrate Passover Seders with my friends in Texas, and to participate in events with Elie Wiesel and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. My commitment to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people began long before my days as a senator or presidential candidate: it began with the experience my father had as a refugee fleeing oppression in Cuba to come to this country. As president, I will stand unapologetically with Israel, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and cut off federal funding to any institution that adopts B.D.S. measures.”
Last September, Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced his “National Jewish Leadership Committee” consisting of 71 members. None of these members joined the Cruz campaign since Jeb quit the race.
Read the full list of members who have joined team Cruz below:
Ken Abramowitz, Connecticut
Raanan Agus, New York
Dr. Alan Berger, New Jersey
Dr. Marc Berger, New York
Dr. Ben Chouake, NORPAC President, New Jersey
Edward Czuker, California
Elissa Czuker, California
Rabbi Pini Dunner, California
Joseph Frager, New York
Saul Gamoran, Washington
Eli Gold, London Center for Policy Research, Maryland
Todd Hanik, Maryland
Rabbi Shmully Hecht, Founder, Yale Shabtai Society, Connecticut
David Horwitz, New York
Benjamin Klein, New Jersey
Batya Klein, New Jersey
Melissa Jane Kronfeld, New York
Hon. Adam Kwasman, Former Arizona State Representative, Arizona
Orit Kwasman, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Arizona
Barbara Ledeen, Maryland
Dr. Michael Ledeen, Foundation for Defense of Democracy, Maryland
Esther Lerer, New Jersey
Arie Lipnick, Washington, DC
Steven Mitzner, Texas
Ira Mitzner, Texas
Kevin Pailet, Texas
Rabbi Shlomo Pollak, New Jersey
Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, New York
Rabbi Zev Reichman, Yeshiva University, New Jersey
Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt, Texas
Dr. Pejman Salimpour, California
Dr. Joseph Schwartz, New Jersey
Chaya Schwartz, New Jersey
Trudy Stern, New York
Sarah Stern, President, Endowment for Middle East Truth, Maryland
1st of all cruz does have a chance he is only 75 delagates behind and going up. 2nd of all TRUMP IS THE BIGGEST LIAR did you see the last debate he said he would change his opinions THE NEXT DAY because he thought he would get more votes cruz on the other hand will stand through thick and thin for israel and with trump the only he cares about is the wall so too bad on israel 3rd of all cruz has the biggest chance of beating hillary and if you are a trump supporter you probably LIVE by… Read more »
If anything, TRUMP is the one who will lie and cheat in order to further his career. Besides for constantly changing his opinion on practically everything, and just saying what people want to hear based on that particular time, trump is also no friend of Israel. He says they all love him and give him the biggest rewards, there’s absolutely no record of that and even if there was, its because he gave them a fat check – just like he gave to hillary clinton! Also, trump has taken the side of “peace” between palestine and israel so how good… Read more »
To all the Ted cruz supporters This guy is an ideologue but who will not hesitate to lie and cheat if it will help move his career up. Ted Cruz was openly caught lying about Carson and decieving voters in Iowa. He is disliked and has no other senator endorsements, they all hate him and will not work with a bully. Trump knows how to work with people. Anyone who thinks all the name calling was nothing but a strategy to win has no critical thinking ability. He knows what to do to win, has defied all the pundits and… Read more »
In December, Trump expounded on the Middle East conflict in an interview with the AP. Trump said he was interested in making a “lasting peace,” and that required the commitment of both sides, something he wasn’t sure existed, adding: “I have a real question as to one side in particular.” He declined to specify which side that was, but it was quite obvious from the continuation of the interview that Trump was questioning Israel’s commitment more than the Palestinians. Also, at the RJC forum, Trump was candid that he did not want or expect support from Republican Jewish donors, but… Read more »
How can you even think for a second that Trump would support Israel through thick and thin? After all, Donald Trump plans on negotiating a deal between the two sides, so imagine he negotiates a deal, to which the Palestinians agree, but to which Israel feels it endangers its national security; can you imagine the way Trump will assault Israel? Throughout the campaign, Donald Trump has made it clear; “it’s my way or the highway”, and if you do take the highway, he will bully you, humiliate you etc. So before you vote for Israel ask yourself the following question;… Read more »
You should be ashamed of yourselves that you are literally abandoning our core principles and values, and falling for a clinically ill New York liberal. Donald Trump has never actually done nothing to support Israel. And I must say, it is amusing, that throughout the comments here there are lists and lists of things that Ted Cruz actually did for Israel, while Donald Trump supporters are simply basing themselves off a few statements he told Hannity – AFTER – being condemned for saying he would not take sides in the conflict. So this abandoning Eretz Yisroel bcause Trump buffs his… Read more »
It’s sad to see fellow Lubavitchers drinking the Cruz kool-aid. But then again, it’s not surprising. Many Lubavitchers drink the yichus kool-aid, which basically means choosing establishment over competence. Cruz is the ultimate Republican establishment candidate. So was George W. Bush, and that worked out very well, as we saw, didn’t it? We need a candidate who actually knows what he’s doing, who actually knows how to make deals and get things done. And that candidate is Donald Trump.
Venahafoch Hu !!!! Your are completely upside down show me where Trump has said he will support the pa ? bring proof wheres your source ??!!
My source is right there on Youtube for anyone who wants to see it he told Hannity at a recent public town hall rally.
This is from a week ago Trump shows a clear opinion on Israel and his support of Israel. Starts at the 10:30 mark :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfCTYgCLAM0
In answer to your question “How can you for one minute think Trump would support the PA against Israel”, I have a simple answer for you: BECAUSE TRUMP SAID SO HIMSELF!!!
He said over and over that will not take sides in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, and even Hillary needed to come out and say that he crossed a line with that.
Now in regard to what you say “He said he will 100% step in to defend Israel if attacked” that is categorically false; he has never said such a thing. So please stop lying.
The reality is there is a growing number of republican senators who already came out and promised to vote for Hillary if Trump is the nominee, while not a single senator has said the same about Ted Cruz. So to the contrary; Trump would get shredded in a general election…
Like all Trump supporters, you are simply misinformed. Period. RealClearPolitics is a website which includes all polls from – practically – every single news outlet in the country, and I know that as a Trump supporter you don’t like to hear this; but facts are facts, whether you like it or not; go ahead and see for yourself how in every single poll, Donald Trump CONSISTENTLY looses to Hilary Clinton, while Ted Cruz beats Hillary Clinton, so nice try, but the facts indicate otherwise.
Numerous professionals have pinned Trump as classic Narcissistic Personality Disorder. He’s a sick bully, and you can’t trust him due to his illness. That is different than not trusting politicians. He will readily try to bully Israel into ANYTHING that will make him look good for the moment. No kidding. Please think.
Go ahead and support Cruz if you want but he wont make it as GOP leader and the best person to handle and defeat Hillary Is Trump, the other 2 are kids she could be their mother. Rubio is going nowhere and there is something distasteful about the lies and cheating Cruz how he won Iowa, that tells a lot about the guy. Cruz is an ideologue but Trump is a realist. How can you for one minute think Trump would support the pa against Israel, he is projecting a protective leadership against immigrants and terrorists. He said he will… Read more »
As I sit and read the comments on this article, one thing is clear; Ted Cruz supporters base themselves off facts, while Donald Trump and Marco Rubio supporters base themselves off emotions. The reality is that no; Donald Trump will not necessarily stand up for Israel; he has never proven to have stood up for Israel. But quite contrary; all indications seem to indicate that he will not be such a strong advocate for Israel; after all; he has said publicly “I wish to remain neutral in regards to the Israeli – Arab conflict”. Also, Trump refused to denounce the… Read more »
Trump is a doer, has dealt with reality and has built a solid business, he says hes neautral on Israel only because he has a Jewish daughter and son in law doesnt want to be dismissed as biased. Trump will protect America and all good people around the world from the grave danger that starts with an ‘i’ and ends with a ‘slam’ . None of the others have the courage to say that. TRUMP will GET THINGS DONE, Hama’aseh HU HaIkkar, dont waste your time on Cruz he wont be nominated the GOP dislikes Trump but loathes Cruz and… Read more »
The last thing we need is a 3rd Term for Bill Clinton
I don’t think trump has any values other than brand trump: what does he really believe about abortion? Illegal immigration? Small government? Second amendment rights? Will he cut cronyism? This is the same man who bragged about adulterous relationships with happily married women! What about his view on the palestinian terror entities and his interest in seeing how far he can push Israel to make a deal that would make it more vulnerable to terrorism – somehow sickly equating Israel and those horrible terrorist organizations? Also, why won’t trump take a stance and repudiate David Duke and the KKK on… Read more »
Except he did…after Iowa
A real mench refuses to say lashon hara even at the expense to go up in the Polls.
Most of you probably live in NY, so your vote is essentially meaningless.
Sorry Hecht, Ted Cruz is not winning the nomination and no Republican is winning Connecticut.
Jewish people would actually vote for Trump?
That is hard to believe.
He will not be good for Israel. (my opinion)
But besides that, he is a proven liar. A big liar.
All the top 3 Republican candidates have said great things about Israel, but trump would take the most “heat” to stand strong against huge Israeli critics like media etc. And that’s what we need. Trump said he’s doesn’t think Israel and even bibi would really want to make peace with Palestinian, and its only because of pressure bibi has to give reasons, and trump adds he’s OK with that. And when trump was asked would Clinton do good for Israel, he replied that she wouldn’t be able to give Israel the enough STRENGTH it needs, and trump would be able… Read more »
Cruz has been a strong supporter of Israel long before he was running for president. He didn’t just sit around saying he was, he spoke on the Senate floor about the abduction of the three boys and more recently did this: Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) introduced the PLO Accountability Act (S. 2537/H.R. 4522). Cruz’s and Ros-Lehtinen’s bill would close down the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, D.C. unless and until the President certifies, in writing, to Congress that the Palestinians have not, on or after April 1, 2015, obtained state standing in the United Nations… Read more »
IF. FOR NO OTHER REASON, WE MUST VOTE FOR TRUMP FOR 3 REASONS….. .#1 HE WILL SUPPORT ISRAEL THROUGH THICK AND THIN AND WILL NEVER SUPPORT OR PUSH ISRAEL TO ACCEPT A 2 STATE SOLUTION. #2 HE WILL NEUTRALISE PERMANTLY IRAN’S NUCLEUR PROGRAM AND REVERSE OBAMAS DUMB DEAL. #3 HE WILL RELEASE SHOLOM RUBASHKIN.
Trump has been on every side of every issue, and what he says today is no guide to what he will say tomorrow. Until about five minutes ago he was a liberal Democrat; does anyone really believe he has changed? On top of that he’s an awful awful person, a real nisht-mentch; is that who you want soiling the Oval Office?! He’s even worse than Bill Clinton, and that’s saying a lot. Cruz is a straight-shooter. When he says he supports Israel he means it. #13 called him a “sleazy slimy liar”; I think he must be talking about himself.… Read more »
All leaders are puppets in G-d’s hand.when voting for Cruz think of sending a message to G-d for what you want!
Cruz is a sleazy, slimy liar who is way too polarizing, too right wing, to win a general election.
Trump will be shred to pieces by the mainstream media if nominated and will have no chance even against a candidate under FBI investigation. Trump is the Democrat’s best hope to get Hilary elected and continue Barack Obama’s destruction of America. That’s why the liberal media is promoting Trump now.
Vote Rubio. He will be the Reagen of our time.
No one understands the situation in Israel better than Rubio. He says no ally would ask Israel to make peace with terrorists. Israel has no viable partner for peace right now. And a friend would not hurt Israel by asking them to hurt themselves. Rubio is also the most qualified to be President with his deep understanding of foreign policy and limited govt solutions. Donald Trump is a first-rate con man. He is preying on the anger of Americans and is executing his biggest scam to date. He has bankrupted and defrauded 100s of businesses and if given the chance… Read more »
are going for trump. that says something, doesn’t it?
To all those Jewish voters: Throughout the last few months, we all heard different “soundbites” from all the candidates regarding multiple topics, some of which affect us more then others; including Israel, religion, economy etc. etc. Unfortunately too many of us get fooled for soundbites, and we determine the best candidate, based on the candidate who has the best soundbites. As a Jew, who cares about Israel and religion, I beg of you; do not get fooled for the soundbites; instead, research the facts; research who has – not only said he will fight for Israel, but who has –… Read more »
Why would a Shliach endorse a lying Canadian when Trump is getting the nomination regardless.
Dear Rabbi Hecht, Thank you for applying your Torah intelligence & conscience to aligning yourself in solidarity with the ONLY candidate who will clearly defend Eretz Yisroel as well as our precious Constitution. Anyone asking the “why Cruz?” Question should spend some serious time researching what this man of character & Good Will has to offer. Please do not just rely on prejudiced media sound bites, headlines seeking to arouse controversy or social pressure from well meaning but sadly misinformed friends & family. Learn some real facts and draw your own conclusions. Mr Cruz at least deserves that much for… Read more »
Assuming it’s between Trump and Hillary (or even Sanders),
who should we support?
Because Cruz is a true conservative with values, and a true friend of Israel. While trump is better than a dem, Cruz is much better than trump.
For one Trump said he won’t take sides with the Palestinians or Israel.
trump is the man
Why would you support Marco Rubio? He is all for giving amnesty and allowing more foreign workers to enter America and take our jobs.
Cruz is a consistent conservative who will fight the Establishment and give the citizens back their power. He has fought in the Senate against Obamacare and Gang of 8 and has done everything he promised his Texans he’d do.
NOT CRUZ…
Why would he endorse Cruz over Trump??