Wexler talks Obama and Israel on convention stage

Rep. Robert Wexler trumpeted Barack Obama’s support for Israel in his speech to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, while arguing that the GOP presumptive nominee would make Israel less safe. Here’s an excerpt:

We entered into an unnecessary war and remain bogged down in Iraq, as Afghanistan backslides, and the architects of Sept. 11 remain free. On Bush and McCain’s watch, we have witnessed the growing influence of a belligerent Iran that has destabilized the Middle East and threatens our ally, Israel.

John McCain offers more of the same failed policies that endanger both America and Israel. Barack Obama offers the change we need. Barack Obama will responsibly end the war in Iraq, prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and turn our focus back to defeating Al Qaeda.

We know Barack Obama is the President America needs. He’s also the leader and friend Israel needs, and he will bring to the White House an unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security. In his heart, in his gut, Barack Obama stands with Israel. Not only his words, but his deeds, bear testament to this fact.

Barack Obama, not John McCain, led the fight in the Senate for divestment legislation that would deliver powerful economic sanctions against Iran. As President, he will increase the international pressure on Iran and finally get results through direct and tough diplomacy. Results due to his stronger, more engaged American foreign policy.

This respected and strategic Obama foreign policy will be best for the security of Israel, our other allies worldwide, and America herself.

Barack Obama has seen with his own eyes the genuine threats faced by Israelis every day.

He recently traveled to the town of Sderot along the Gaza border, and met young families who want nothing more than to go about their lives in security and peace. Instead, as they go to work, as they take their children to school, they suffer under the daily threat of rocket attacks.

Barack Obama understands the threats Israel faces from Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran. And as President, Barack Obama will strongly support Israel’s right and capability to defend itself, and finally make progress toward the goal of a two-state solution that preserves Israel’s security as a Jewish state.

During his recent trip to Israel, Barack visited Yad Vashem, Jerusalem’s Holocaust Memorial, where he recommitted himself to combating anti-Semitism and ending the genocide in Darfur.

Because Barack Obama knows that the words “never again” must have real meaning in our time. That’s the leadership we need to keep America strong and allies like Israel secure. Leadership that restores our strength and America’s global standing.