IL 9: Pro-Israel To Protect Our Heritage endorses Joel Pollak, drops Schakowsky

For years I've been reluctantly represented by Jan Sckakowsky, one of the most liberal members of Congress, who has been masquerading as someone who is pro-Israel. The mask is off.

From a Pollak for Congress press release:

TO PROTECT OUR HERITAGE ENDORSES JOEL POLLAK, DROPS SCHAKOWSKY

Niles, IL—October 21, 2010: The Pollak for Congress Campaign is pleased to announce the endorsement of To Protect Our Heritage, the Midwest’s oldest and largest pro-Israel PAC, which today selected Republican challenger Joel Pollak over Democratic incumbent Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th District.

In making the decision, TPOH noted Schakowsky’s “problematic…strong ties with individuals and groups such as J Street,” and that Rep. Schakowsky has not authored any legislation on Israel in her 12 years in Congress.
TPOH continued:

Joel Pollak, who brilliantly articulates his pro-Israel message whether his audience is in a synagogue, church or mosque, understands the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and is unafraid to declare a clear and compelling case for that relationship. Therefore, To Protect Our Heritage PAC, whose sole mission is strengthening the bonds between Israel and the U.S., endorses Joel Pollak. By serving as a leader on the issue, Joel Pollak will strengthen both nations.

Most telling, TPOH found that the candidates' answer to the question: "Why is Israel important to the U.S?" highlighted the core difference between the candidates.

Rep. Schakowsky listed Israel's important technological and medical achievements which benefit the U.S. On the other hand, Pollak underscored the deeper philosophical and cultural connection between the two nations. He noted that America and Israel represent the values of opportunity, liberty, and respect for the individual human being. Moreover he stated, "America and Israel were founded on the same idea that oppressed and persecuted people could build something new through nothing more than hard work and faith... A world that is not safe for Israel and the idea of Israel is not safe for the United States and the idea of the United States."

"I am grateful and honored to receive the respected endorsement of To Protect Our Heritage PAC," Pollak noted. "I will be a leader for the U.S.-Israel relationship on the floor of the House of Representatives. Jan Schakowsky has voted for foreign aid to Israel, yet also backed groups and individuals hostile to Israel, such as Helen Thomas, would-be dictator Manuel Zelaya, and the pro-Hamas CAIR organization. She has taken tens of thousands of dollars from J Street, which has tried to sever the close relationship between Congress and the State of Israel. TPOH's endorsement is a sign that the people of the 9th District and the Midwest as a whole are eager for new leadership that understands the challenges that America and Israel face today."

TPOH made its decision after Sunday night’s candidate forum on Israel at Congregation K.I.N.S. in West Rogers Park, Chicago. Joel Pollak's closing statement can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45aCbm3kFno Additional video is available at: http://www.youtube.com/user/toprotectourheritage

 Of Thomas, Schakowsky said at that luncheon, "She is so awesome."

Click here to donate to the Pollak campaign.

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