FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2008
Contact: Jake Weigler, 503-236-7289
Members of Oregon’s Arab-American and Jewish Communities Support Steve Novick As A Candidate Committed to Peace in the Middle East
{josquote}“For too long, Arab Americans have felt like election season was
more like ‘open season’ on our community. By standing here with us
today, Steve has made clear that he represents a break from this type
of divisive politics. I am glad to be able to support his bid for the
Senate.”{/josquote}Portland – Members of Oregon’s Arab-American and Jewish communities joined together today to announce their support of Democrat Steve Novick’s candidacy for the United States Senate at a press conference in Portland.
“We are confident that Steve is committed, as we are, and as most Israelis and Palestinians are, to the goal of peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” said Hala Gores, a Palestinian-American activist who had previously supported another Democratic Senate candidate, Jeff Merkley. “I am proud to support a Jewish Senate candidate whom I know I can count on to work to ensure that the United States is an engaged and supportive partner for peace, sensitive to the concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
{josquote}Steve understands that the United States does not have to choose
between being ‘pro-Israeli’ and ‘pro-Palestinian.’ To play a
constructive role in resolving the conflict and bringing peace and
security to the region, the United States must be both pro-Israeli and
pro-Palestinian.”{/josquote}The public endorsements followed several meetings between Novick and
advocates for the Palestinians and Israelis in recent months. Activists
from both sides emphasized their appreciation of Novick’s consistency
and candor in discussing Israel, a Palestinian state and the Middle
East Peace Process.
Sandy Polishuk, a Jewish peace activist, said she was “pleased
to join Hala in her support of Steve Novick’s candidacy. Steve
understands that the United States does not have to choose between
being ‘pro-Israeli’ and ‘pro-Palestinian.’ To play a constructive role
in resolving the conflict and bringing peace and security to the
region, the United States must be both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian.”
Joining
Polishuk in supporting Novick were several members of Oregon’s Jewish
community including Phil Goldsmith [of Congregation P’nai Or Tikkun
Olam (social action) Committee], Rabbi Ariel Stone, Steven Goldberg,
former President of Congregation P’nai Or Milt Markewitz Hilda Welch,
Myra Himmelfarb (organizational names used for identification purposes
only).
Palestinian-American attorney and human rights advocate, Zaha Hassan, joined Hala in endorsing Steve Novick stating, “For
too long, Arab Americans have felt like election season was more like
‘open season’ on our community. By standing here with us today, Steve
has made clear that he represents a break from this type of divisive
politics. I am glad to be able to support his bid for the Senate.”
In
addition to Hala and Hassan, Novick also received the endorsement today
of Arab-Americans Frank Afranji, Gloria Tuma, Rima Ghandour and Nofal
Kasrawi.
Portland lawyer Brandon Mayfield and his wife Mona
Mayfield also declared that they will be supporting Novick in the
primary, after having previously supporting Merkley. Mayfield was
falsely arrested by the FBI in 2004 as a material witness in the Madrid
train bombings. He was later cleared of all charges and the FBI
apologized for their error in the case.
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