FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Zack Cohen, 404-821-0572, zackcohen@rational360.com, press@proisraelamerica.org
JANUARY 9, 2024, WASHINGTON, DC – Today, at a critical moment for our shared values and security, Pro-Israel America (PIA) is proud to re-launch with an updated mission focused on ensuring the next generation of leaders are committed to strengthening America’s alliance with Israel and working to create a world free of antisemitic hatred.
Pro-Israel America’s Executive Director Samantha Garelick is a seasoned philanthropist and pro-Israel advocate. Manuel Rajunov will serve chair the organization’s board of distinguished business and community leaders, including Michelle Lobel, Sean Alpert and David Meyerson.
“This is a critical moment for the US-Israel relationship. We need leaders across divides who will stand up for Israel’s right to exist and speak out against the alarming explosion of antisemitism,” said Pro-Israel America Executive Director Samantha Garelick. “Pro-Israel America is proud to re-launch to educate and empower leaders everywhere to confront the voices that try to delegitimize and demonize Israel – the same voices that throughout history have called for the violent persecution of the Jewish people.”
“It is up to our leaders – from town halls to the halls of Congress – to reaffirm the importance of Israel’s existence for the Jewish people and to do so in no uncertain terms,” said Pro-Israel America Board Chair Manuel Rajunov. “Our country’s alliance with Israel is not only crucial for our national security, but for defending our shared values and commitment to free and vibrant democracy.”
The new Pro-Israel America website includes a “What We’re Watching” page highlighting statements, videos, campaigns, social media posts, and more that speak to the moment by taking pride in Zionism, dispelling misinformation, and countering false narratives. The website also includes a “Leaderboard” page that lifts up examples of leaders at all levels speaking out to support Israel and counter antisemitism.
Pro-Israel America will endorse candidates, with a focus on Congress, that demonstrate leadership by supporting Jewish self-determination, building a strong US-Israel alliance, and standing up to antisemitism. Today Pro-Israel America announced endorsements for a bipartisan slate of twelve leaders in Congress for re-election in 2024:
- Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04)
- Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08)
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01)
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-04)
- Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05)
- Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40)
- Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21)
- Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10)
- Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05)
- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)
- Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15)
“These leaders have worked tirelessly to advance and defend our strategic relationship and we thank them for their commitment with our endorsement,” said Pro-Israel America Executive Director Samantha Garelick. “Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader Jeffries, Rep. Bacon, Rep. Fitzpatrick, Rep. Gottheimer, Rep. Hoyer, Rep. Kim, Rep. Mast, Rep. McCaul, Rep. Meeks, Rep. Wasserman Schultz, and Rep. Torres have been important voices to advance the US-Israel relationship in Congress and raise the alarm on rampant antisemitism. In this moment and in the future, we need more leaders like them.”
About
Pro-Israel America is a nonprofit organization working to educate the public about US-Israel relationship. Pro-Israel America highlights leadership from figures in media, education, politics, and more, who support Jewish self-determination, a strong US-Israel relationship, and who speak out against antisemitism. You can follow Pro-Israel America on X, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Threads or join our email list to receive more information and updates.
