(JTA) — Vice President Joe Biden said the U.S. commitments to Israel will remain the same under President-elect Donald Trump.
“I stand here to tell you that I have no doubt, none whatsoever, that in the Trump administration there will be no diminution of support as a consequence of this transition,” Biden said Wednesday night in a speech to the World Jewish Congress in New York, where he was honored by the organization. “Even if the new administration were inclined to reduce the commitment, which it is not, Congress would never let it happen, the American people would never let it happen.”
Biden called the run-up to Tuesday’s election “one of the most divisive campaigns in modern American history.”
He praised the Obama administration for looking out for Israel’s interests, including the 10-year, $38 billion dollar security aid deal.
“No administration in U.S. history has done more to enhance Israel’s security than this administration,” Biden said.
He praised the American Jewish community, as well.
“You measure your influence on how well you influence me, presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, senators, congressmen. But your influence on the American community at large has been profound,” Biden said.
The vice president received the World Jewish Congress’ annual Theodor Herzl Award, “which recognizes outstanding individuals who work to promote Herzl’s ideals for a safer, more tolerant world for the Jewish people,” according to the group.
Also at the event, actor Kirk Douglas was recognized with the inaugural Teddy Kollek Award for the Advancement of Jewish Culture. Actor-director Michael Douglas accepted the award on behalf of his father.
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