JCRC Statement
September 30, 2024
The following is a statement from Ron Halber, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, and Vicki Fishman, director of Virginia government and community relations for the JCRC, in response to Sen. Tim Kaine’s statement that he will oppose the transfer of offensive weapons from the United States to Israel.
“As governor and senator, Sen. Kaine has been an ally of Israel and the Jewish community in Virginia. We are therefore disappointed that he would imperil Israel’s security by limiting its military capabilities when it faces unprovoked attacks on multiple fronts. We urge Sen. Kaine to rescind his support for misguided resolutions that would weaken Israel and strengthen its terrorist enemies, who also are America’s enemies.
If the Senate’s resolutions were to take effect, Israel’s enemies would be further emboldened to strike Israel with impunity. The barrage of missile and drone attacks that Israel has faced in the aftermath of October 7, 2023 would only increase; innocent people in the region — including the more than 60,000 dislocated Israeli civilians who have been evacuated to avoid Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist attacks — would continue to pay the price.
Israel’s targeted strikes in recent days have decimated Hezbollah, which is responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of American military and civilian personnel and a multitude of innocent civilians around the world. We urge Sen. Kaine to not go down this dangerous path and instead provide the support that Israel needs to protect its people from existential threats.”