Bernie Sanders and J Street are jeopardizing Israel’s security

As my son fights for the IDF, Bernie Sanders and J Street are jeopardizing his security

When Bernie Sanders and 18 other senators voted to block the sale of American-made weapons to Israel last year, they knew they were backing a failed effort. They knew the broad, bipartisan, pro-Israel consensus in the Senate would prevail and that America would continue to stand by Israel as it fights a multi-front war.

Yet Sanders and his allies – goaded by groups like J Street, Justice Democrats, and Jewish Voice for Peace – led an effort to stick it to Israel’s government and “send a message” to the prime minister.

Now, as the war continues and Israel looks to America for vital support, they’re at it again.

Bernie Sanders has introduced seven more resolutions to block a new package of arms sales to Israel. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is leading four others in the House. Both members working to block weapons to our ally are endorsed by J Street. They are once again playing politics with Israel’s security, and lives are at stake. I know, because my son is one of them.

Jacob has spent over 250 days in reserve since October 7, and spent the majority of that time on the frontlines (he is currently not in uniform but, like all reservists, could be called back any time). I could not be more proud of him, and the courageous young men and women alongside him, who are fighting to protect the Jewish homeland.

But I am thousands of miles away.

J Street and its allies don’t seem to care about my many sleepless nights wondering if my son is safe. They know that the terrorists he’s fighting hide among civilians and booby-trap buildings where they know soldiers will enter. They’ve watched with all of us as Israel used American weapons to degrade Hamas and Hezbollah, destroy tens of thousands of ready-to-fire missiles, and dismantle hundreds of terror tunnels.

Yet inexplicably, they would rather leave my son and his fellow soldiers more exposed to the terrorists.

Those of us with loved ones on the front lines desperately want this war to end. We are amazed at how Israel has reshaped the region and restored its deterrence in recent months. But we also know that only the complete defeat of the terrorists will bring about a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.

The message from those calling to disarm Israel is loud and clear: My son’s life, and Israel’s security, are expendable.

All pro-Israel Americans must stand up to this threat and ensure these resolutions to block arms sales to Israel are defeated.

We in the pro-Israel camp must reject J Street and other fringe groups that want to undercut America’s support for Israel, and demand that our elected officials reject them too.

As the war against Israel continues, I ask that you join me in praying for my son Jacob and the valiant soldiers of the IDF as they battle the forces of evil. And then, join me in calling on our members of Congress to stand with Israel and deliver the weapons it needs to win.

Rabbi Neil Zuckerman