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By Colin Campbell 9/18/12 1:22pm

the holy land

(Photo: YouTube)

Ed Koch Isn’t Sure What Obama’s Support of Israel ‘Means in Practice’

Despite being a fellow Democrat, former Mayor Ed Koch was harshly critical of President Barack Obama’s attitude towards Israel last year. Time and time again, Mr. Koch railed against Mr. Obama, notably using his clout to help elect Congressman Bob Turner win a Democratic-leaning district last summer in a campaign largely based on Mr. Obama’s alleged lack of support for the country. After the election, however, Mr. Koch flipped and said Mr. Obama was indeed a friend of Israel declaring, “I’m now on board the Obama Re-election Express” and vowing to campaign for him in Florida. In light of the recent attacks on the U.S. embassy in Libya, however, Mr. Koch has returned to criticizing Mr. Obama’s stance on Israel.

“President Obama on a number of occasions has publicly stated, ‘I have Israel’s back,’” Mr. Koch said in a statement this afternoon. “I don’t know what that means in practice.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 8/17/12 8:26am

the holy land

Dan Halloran praying at the Wailing Wall. (Photo: Halloran campaign)

In A Long Statement, Halloran Touts Endorsements From Israeli Leaders

Councilman Dan Halloran, running for congress in a Democratic district that he hopes will become competitive with the help of northeastern Queens’ various Jewish constituencies, is back from last week’s trip to Israel and pointed to his “eye-opening experience” and the support he received there in a press release sent out this morning.

“Just like Americans, the Jewish people may build and live wherever they want,” he declared in the statement. “All free people have the right to live where they choose. I fully support Israel and the settlement in Judea and Samaria. I will never forget what I learned, saw and experienced on my trip to Israel. And when I am in Congress, I will be Israel’s most devoted advocate. The United States needs a secure, free Israel to make this world safer for all freedom-loving nations.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/27/12 4:39pm

the holy land

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Lancman Works to Outflank Opponents on Israel [Video]

The various candidates for an open Queens congressional race are rushing to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel, and one of them, Democratic Assemblyman Rory Lancman, is hustling to try and make that argument the hardest.

For example, earlier today, Mr. Lancman held a press conference calling on the U.S. Department of State to change its policies and allow its passports to recognize the country of Israel as a birthplace for citizens born in Jerusalem

“Israel is a key part of this race. A big part of a Congress Member’s responsibility is to help shape foreign policy for this country,” Mr. Lancman told The Politicker after the event. ”Where one stands on Israel, what one’s record on Israel has been, and what one’s vision is for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, I think is going to be a big part of the primary and a big part of the general election.” Read More