Your Efforts Make a Difference For Israel

With all the fast moving developments in Washington, the Middle East, and in Israel, I wanted to make sure that the members of the congregation and community are aware of the recent passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes the Pentagon to spend money for a variety of critical military programs as well as establish critical national defense priorities. This year's NDAA again provides a tremendous benefit to Israel's national defense as well as a series of important joint US-Israel programs. It will authorize more than $627 million for critical programs, demonstrating bipartisan commitment to Israel's security needs as well as maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge (QME). The NDAA passed the House last week, the Senate yesterday and will soon be signed into law.

Let's take a look at some of its more significant provisions.

The NDAA contains $500 million for US-Israel missile defense collaboration on important defensive provisions such as Iron Dome (which is used to defend against short range rockets), David's Sling (defends against medium and long range missiles), and the Arrow Missile Defense systems (to defend against long range ballistic missiles). Each of these systems has saved countless Israeli lives and are also used by the US military.

It contains $80 million for US-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation to help both Israel and the United States counter the threat of terror tunnels. It requires the US military to conduct an annual anti tunnel exercise with the Israel Defense Force. (IDF) The $80 million reflects a $30 million increase in anti-tunnel cooperation over last year's NDAA.

It includes $47 million for emerging defense technology cooperation to ensure that the United States and Israel have the resources to address and counter new and emerging threats. It requires our Department of Defense to enhance defense innovation cooperation with Israel. It also includes an upgrade to the STARS (Space Technology And Regional Security) Act, which works to enhance space and satellite security coordination between the United States, Israel, and other American allies in the Middle East.

The NDAA also established new cooperative programs to help American and Israeli veterans suffering from battlefield trauma and severe injuries. It contains provisions for improving intelligence sharing to help Israel in its goal to defeat Hamas, strengthens campaigns against anti-Israel boycotts and prevents the US Military from using or citing casualty data from Hamas and other terror organizations.

You have heard me say that one of the great achievements of the Jewish community in the post WWII era has been to build bipartisan support for Israel. I have also shared with you my concern that given the hyper-partisan nature of American politics, the bipartisan support that Israel depends upon, especially so since October 7th, is being challenged before our eyes. There is a small, vocal, and growing group of Democrats whose hostility to Israel must not be ignored. There is an isolationist wing within the Republican party that, while not generally motivated by an anti-Israel  bias, has nonetheless frowned on foreign aid. Their influence is significant as well. It is important for you to know of the significant efforts of both leading Republicans and Democrats in both houses of congress to see this bill passed. Special thanks are due to Democrats Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, and Republicans Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader, and Mike Rogers, House Armed Services Committee Chairman -- in other words, the leadership of the House, Senate, and the leading members of the committees that oversee defense spending and policy. At a time when Israel is facing danger, we need allies in both parties to help Israel achieve its goals, and continue to strengthen the unique relationship between the United States and Israel.

For years now, I have encouraged the members of our congregation and community to write to our elected officials, to share their opinions on the important issues of the day. But since October 7th, I've especially encouraged your writing letters, signing petitions and calling our elected officials to talk about rising anti-Semitism, the need to stand with Israel, and the need to provide the weapons and diplomatic support that Israel requires right now. Your voice and advocacy make a difference. The extraordinary  pro-Israel provisions in the new NDAA is the proof of that.

 

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