Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after Israeli President Herzog’s historic speech in the House chambers.
“I was honored to welcome President Herzog of Israel to the United States Capitol, be part of his welcome escort, and attend his address to a joint session of Congress,” said Congressman Lawler. “Israel and the United States enjoy a special friendship and an unshakeable bond, which President Herzog spoke to during his remarks. Israel is our closest ally and the United States was the first nation to recognize its statehood, eleven minutes after its founding. President Truman’s grandson joined the audience for President Herzog’s speech, and it served as a reminder of how the bonds between our nations extend back for many decades.”
“Earlier this year, I joined a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel, where Speaker McCarthy addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem,” Congressman Lawler added. “I look forward to being back in Israel later this year with AIPAC to further the bonds between our nation and Israel.”
“President Herzog spoke to the tremendous achievements that have been made for peace in the region over the past 75 years as well as threats Israel continues to face from terrorists who deny its very right to exist,” continued Congressman Lawler. “We must remain vigilant against those who threaten Israel’s security – that’s why in Congress I spearheaded legislation to expand the Abraham Accords, defund anti-Semitism on college campuses, and stop intergovernmental organizations from supporting the anti-Israel BDS movement. I was pleased to see my Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act pass the House 413-13 last month and will continue working with my colleagues to pass the Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act and the IGO Anti-Boycott Act.”
“The longstanding bipartisan support for Israel which President Herzog referenced during his address is something to be celebrated and cherished,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “I remain hopeful that all of my colleagues will recognize this fact and seek to demonstrate their support publicly, without a modicum of hesitation.”