For decades, the U.S. and Israel have shared a strategic partnership based on shared democratic values and a respect for the rule of law. These values are fundamental if we are to promote peace and security in the Middle East. The Palestinian people deserve their own nation built on these values, and the U.S. should support them as they work toward this goal.
The U.S. and Europe have suffered numerous terrorist attacks over the past three decades, but few states have endured the daily threat of extremist violence more than Israel. This reality has shaped Israeli politics for decades, and it is time for Israelis to enjoy peace and security within their borders. This is non-negotiable. At the same time, we must work to build a prosperous and peaceful state for the Palestinian people. They deserve no less. And the only way to achieve these goals is through peaceful, direct negotiations.
As a friend and supporter of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people, the U.S. can serve a key role in promoting negotiations and peaceful relations between both nations. Much as we have facilitated peaceful relations and economic development between Israel and many Arab states in the region, we can and should continue to work for and between Israelis and Palestinians. By promoting economic cooperation and development in the West Bank and Gaza, the U.S. can help raise the standard of living for Palestinians and create an environment in which both Israelis and Palestinians have more to gain from a binding agreement than from provocations and conflict.
As we work toward an agreement between Israel and Palestine, the U.S. must continue to stand firmly against terrorism and other non-democratic means to accomplish national aspirations. We must oppose the rise of radical forces that seek to achieve their goals through violent means. Above all, the U.S. must counter efforts by Iran and its proxies to broaden their influence in the Middle East and destabilize relations between Israel and its neighbors.
I strongly support the continuation of our long-standing policy of sending foreign aid to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. As part of this, I support the continuation of aid that assists the Israeli military in its efforts to dismantle threats to its security and maintain peace in the Middle East.
Democrat Rishi Kumar speaks at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Congressional Candidate Forum
Saratoga, CA
January 19, 2024
The Jewish Community Relations Council in Palo ALto hosted a Candidate Forum last Wednesday January 17, 2024. Democrat Rishi Kumar, along with four other congressional candidates, presented his views on a variety of foreign policy questions including Israel.
Rishi’s opening statement: “I’m the only candidate in this race who has taken an explicit pro-Israel stance on the Israel/Hamas conflict, and I’ve published a clear policy on the situation at RishiKumar.com/IsraelPalestinianPolicy.”
“I DO NOT support a ceasefire, because the threat of Hamas hasn’t been neutralized. That’s why I am with Israel. Israel has the right to exist and the right to live in peace. I support Israel's military superiority in the Middle East to counter the threats of terrorism and the barbaric acts inflicted upon it again and again throughout its history.”
On U.S. involvement in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas: “Few states have endured the daily threat of extremist violence more than Israel. It is time for Israelis to enjoy peace and security within their borders. This is non-negotiable. At the same time, we must work to build an economically viable and peaceful state for the Palestinians. I support the continuation of aid that assists the Israeli military in its efforts to dismantle threats to its security and maintain peace in the Middle East. Above all, the U.S. must counter efforts by Iran and its proxies to broaden their influence in the Middle East and destabilize relations between Israel and its neighbors.”
On rising antisemitism in educational institutions: Rishi spoke of the impact that billions of dollars in funding from countries like Qatar have had on America’s educational institutions and how this funding has inaccurately and negatively shaped the way our students view the world and Israel. Kumar said Congress can do a lot to address this and that he would codify laws to stop foreign interference in America’s educational institutions.
In his closing remarks, Rishi called out the failures of career politicians and how they have derailed California and the country as a whole. How did California's multi-billion dollar surplus turn so quickly into a multi-billion dollar deficit? “The reason I’m in public service is to fix problems. Crime has gone up in California. Prop 47 came from Sacramento. Politicians aren’t solving problems; instead, they’re creating more problems. It’s fashionable now to say, “I will fight crime.” However, I’m the only one in this race who has actually dropped burglaries and delivered results. It’s time for change, it’s time for integrity, and it’s time for ethics in politics!”
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/decision-2024/candidates-vying-rep-anna-eshoo-seat-palo-alto/3426163/
