From republican Jewish Coalition:
RJC's Final Convention Event was Huge Success
On Thursday afternoon, the RJC welcomed more than 1200 people to a special event with Vice President Dick Cheney and more than a dozen other speakers, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert and many Republican governors from throughout the country.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon thanked the group for its strong support of Israel and reiterated the strong alliance between the US and Israel.
Among the other VIP speakers were:
US Commerce Secretary Don Evans
House Speaker Dennis Hastert
Republican governors Haley Barbour (MS)
Jim Douglas (VT)
Bob Ehrlich (MD)
Linda Lingle (HI)
and Mitt Romney (MA)
as well as Bush-Cheney'04 senior strategist Matthew Dowd
and author and radio talkshow host Dennis Prager.
Ari Fleischer acted as master of ceremonies.
RJC Applauds 2004 Republican Convention
Gathering is Most Pro-Israel Convention by Either Party in History
Culminating in President Bush's passionate and comprehensive acceptance speech last night, the 2004 Republican Convention was the most pro-Israel national party convention in American history. The RJC applauds President Bush for making an important reference to "our good friend Israel" in his speech last night. This is in sharp contrast to Senator Kerry, who never mentioned Israel in his remarks to the Democratic Convention in Boston. The message over the course of the Republican Convention to the Jewish community was clear and unambiguous support and friendship for Israel, and conveyed to the entire world the fact that America's war on terror is the same war on terror that Israel faces.
According to RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks, "For those in the Jewish community watching these two conventions, the choices and differences couldn't be clearer. On one hand, the Republican Party passed a platform that is the most comprehensive and pro-Israel platform in its history. In addition, the party platform also took a forceful position in opposition to the rise of global anti-Semitism. By contrast, the Democratic platform devoted a scant 233 words to the Middle East and totally ignored the growing crisis of global anti- Semitism."
Brooks added, "The Jewish community should compare closely the speakers that each party showcased at their respective conventions. On one hand, the Republicans highlighted former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose passionate address regarding leadership and the threats we face as a nation from terrorists repeatedly referenced the need for a secure Israel and the need to hold terrorists such as Yasser Arafat accountable for their actions. Another speaker, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, shared with America how it felt to be part of the immigrant experience of coming to America. In speaking to the nation, Schwarzenegger talked about how America was a beacon of freedom, liberty and religious tolerance. By contrast the Democrats showcased and highlighted a number of people whose anti-Israel views and positions are well known, among them Jimmy Carter and Dennis Kucinich. In addition, the Democrats openly welcomed Michael Moore in the Presidential box, a man who has repeatedly expressed virulent anti-Israel sentiments."
Brooks concluded, "The message to the Jewish community by these two parties couldn't be clearer. The differences couldn't be starker. The Republicans proved by word and by deed that they are the true pro-Israel party."
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The RJC got great press this week. Our high-profile events in New York put the spotlight on the growing, active movement of Jewish Repblicans.
Check out our new web site for a look at the media coverage of the Jewish community and the RJC's activities during the convention.
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