Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     

July 30th Marks Two Year Anniversary of Chris Van Hollen's Personal Attack on Israeli Policy 

SILVER SPRING, MD—Today, July 30, 2008, is the 2-year anniversary of Chris Van Hollen's letter to Secretary Rice condemning Israel's tactics in the war with Lebanon.  In 2006, after harsh criticism from the Jewish Community, Van Hollen scheduled a hurry-up trip to Israel and "clarified" his position.   In his response letter, Van Hollen arrogantly stated to the Jewish Community that "you may dispute certain policy conclusions that I reach, but I hope you won’t question my motivation." Many have forgotten the letter, but its effects still ripple.  In June 2008, a Washingtonian Magazine article stated "one stand that Van Hollen has taken could come back to haunt him: In 2006, he criticized Israel’s tactics in the war with Lebanon, angering some Jewish constituents. He quickly scheduled a five-day visit to Israel and reaffirmed his commitment to the Jewish state." As Van Hollen carefully considered and penned that letter on this date two years ago, he claimed himself to be a foreign policy expert.  Realizing he had made a political error in expressing his true views, he retracted for his own political preservation.  However, many people saw a glimpse of the true Van Hollen. Warren Manison, an 8th district resident from Potomac, Maryland, said "Chris Van Hollen's attempt to placate the Jewish Community for his ill-tempered letter to Sec. Rice, is remarkable for his naivete in failing to understand the tremendous threat to America and to Israel from Islamofascists.  Van Hollen places possible political gain above what is in the best interest of this nation.  I resent this attitude. It is not in the best interest of the nation." In his efforts to nullify the reaction to his strong err in judgment, Van Hollen issued a statement resolving to "do all we can to ensure" Israeli soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah "are freed expeditiously and returned to their waiting families."  Executed Reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser were returned to Israel in caskets in a prisoner swap with Hezbollah this month. In 2006, Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, National Vice-President of the Coalition of Jewish Concerns stated that "even after his 'clarification,' Van Hollen never admitted that he misspoke. Instead he refers to our 'misinterpretations.' It is foolish citizens such as ourselves who misunderstood his nuanced, highly sophisticated foreign policy views." Eighth District Congressional Candidate Dr Steve Hudson, released the following statement:  "Two years ago, my opponent let us all see a glimpse of his true attitude towards Israel. He expressed his belief that in relative peacetime, Israel has the right to defend itself, but in the midst of a terrorist attack and having soldiers kidnapped, tortured, and killed, Israel has a right to cease-fire.  His July 2006 letter was well thought-out and portrayed his actual policy positions.  Because of the political fallout from his policy position, he went to great lengths to move on from his err in judgment.  This is very typical for my opponent, as noted by others like Mr. Manison.  My opponent has made very clear, through his past words and actions, that he is more concerned with playing politics than the safety and security of one our greatest allies, Israel." Dr. Hudson concluded, “I have pledged my undivided support for the nation of Israel.  At a time when the threats are mounting against Israel, we need leaders in Congress who can be fully trusted to support our faithful ally.  We must prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, we must prevent a conventional buildup by Hezbollah, and we must provide more aid to Israel."   ###  Paid for by Hudson for Congress

Statement of Dr. Steve Hudson on Iranian Missile Tests

SILVER SPRING, MD - Maryland Eighth District Congressional candidate, Steve Hudson, M.D., issued the following statement on Iran's missile test:

"Iran's missile tests today demonstrate the gravity of the threat it poses to the region, especially Israel. The U.S. will learn much more about the range and capabilities of these missiles as intelligence on the launch comes in, but many surrounding countries are at risk, including Israel, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others.  The Iranian missile tests and Iran's blatant refusal to cease and desist with efforts to develop a nuclear arms program call for the United States and other leaders around the world to unite in preventing their dangerous intended actions.  The United States must continue to advance more stringent diplomatic solutions, while sending a clear and strong message to the Iranian Regime that we will fully support our ally Israel and work with others in the region to ensure their safety."