HIKIND URGES SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND TO OPPOSE POTENTIAL HAGEL NOMINATION

NEWS FROM

ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

December 19, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                             For Immediate Release

               718-853-9616       

  

HIKIND URGES SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND TO OPPOSE
POTENTIAL HAGEL NOMINATION

CITES ANTI-ISRAEL, PRO-IRANIAN VOTING RECORD

“History has shown that policies of appeasement to extremists and terrorists don’t work. Senator Hagel’s approach would be contrary to the best interests of the United States.”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is urging United State Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to do everything in their power to convince President Obama to look for a better choice for Secretary of Defense than Senator Chuck Hagel. Assemblyman Hikind points out that Senator Hagel’s negative views on Israel—and seemingly all Jews—are clearly documented. “His 2006 statement about the ‘Jewish lobby intimidating many’ reveals an insensitivity and subtle prejudice on the part of the Senator that cannot be taken lightly,” said Assemblyman Hikind.

“Senator Hagel’s willingness to appease Iran is even more shocking given the danger that the terrorist state poses,” wrote Assemblyman Kind. “He has stated that he believes it is wise to directly negotiate with Hamas and has openly objected to the European Union declaring Hezbollah a terrorist organization. He was part of a minority of senators who refused to sign a letter to President Bush urging him to pressure the Palestinian Authority to ban terrorist groups from participating in Palestinian legislative elections.

“In short, Senator Hagel’s positions represent a 180-degree turn from the United States’ proud and distinguished policy of not negotiating with or supporting terrorists. His appointment to the key position of Secretary of Defense would mark a clear deterioration in our country’s relationship with Israel and many of our allies. Moreover, it would endanger the interests of the United States in the Middle East as extremist groups are given a signal that their policies of terror and wanton destruction have worked to change America’s position.

“History and common sense have shown that policies of appeasement to extremists and terrorists do not work. Senator Hagel’s approach would be contrary to the best interests of the United States.”