Members of Congress, 
including those AIPAC-allied, 
condemn group’s comments 
about Rep. Andy Levin

A

s former and current members of Congress and supporters 
of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, we are all too familiar 
with how differing policy approaches to ending the Middle 
East conflict have been used to divide and polarize us as a community, 
especially during elections. That’s why at a moment when so much 
is at stake in not only defending our own democracy, but defending 
democracy around the world, we are dismayed by the shockingly 
unhelpful and unfortunate attacks leveled against Congressman Andy 
Levin that have occurred, questioning his support for Israel.
It is fair to disagree on and debate policy approaches. But it is 
out of bounds to malign the only Jewish candidate in this race by 
impugning Andy’s love for the State of Israel or his community bona 
fides, which run strong and run deep. Andy helped organize a trip of 
Jews, Christians, and Muslims to Israel and the Palestinian territories 
in 1990. Upon his return he penned an op-ed in the Detroit Jewish 
News calling for immediate support of a two-state solution to end the 
conflict.
And as Sandy Levin’s son and Carl Levin’s nephew, Andy has grown 
up sharing the deep and passionate commitment to Israel that was 
a hallmark of their respective congressional careers. It is that very 
commitment that animates Andy’s work on these issues.
Andy’s vision for a safe, secure and prosperous Israel coexisting in 
a lasting peace with a Palestinian state has been central to his work. 
In Congress, Andy has been a strong supporter of Israel, whether it’s 
voting for security assistance for Israel in annual spending bills or 
supporting the replenishment of funding for the Iron Dome.
It is also true that Andy has been a staunch defender of human 
rights, which enables him to bridge divides in the Jewish community 
and exemplify support for Israel in a way that resonates with many 
younger voters who care deeply about protecting human rights for all 
peoples.
As current and former members, we also understand the 
tremendous courage it takes to stake out a principled position like 
this. Even more, we understand the fortitude it takes to stick by it 

in the face of outrageous personal attacks for the sole, cynical aim 
of dividing the Jewish community. They are taking a page right out 
of the playbook of those who have sought, unsuccessfully, to drive 
a wedge between Jews and the Democratic Party. We call on others 
who share Andy’s and our commitment to Israel’s survival and 
security as a Jewish and democratic country to reject these divisive 
and counterproductive attacks on Andy.
We should welcome and not fear a Jewish member willing to 
express his support for Israel by taking up policy questions so 
seriously and thoughtfully and seeking dialogue across the spectrum. 
Especially as Congress continues to evolve, Levin will continue to 
play an essential role in advocating for a Jewish and democratic state 
in a context where Palestinian rights can also be fulfilled through a 
two-state solution.
Finally, we hope this race can focus on priority issues ingrained 
deeply within the fabrics of American Jewish life, guided by the 
spirit of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world: supporting workers’ 
rights, expanding access to health care, promoting equity in public 
education, protecting the environment and advancing the cause of 
human rights.

Sincerely,

Former U.S. Senator Al Franken
Former U.S. Representative Barney Frank
Former U.S. Representative Sam Gejdenson
Former U.S. Representative Paul Hodes
Former U.S. Representative Mel Levine
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen
U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs
U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal
U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler
U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin
U.S. Representative John Yarmuth

PAID ADVERTISEMENT 

Originally published on Forward.com opinion section, 5/24/22 

https://forward.com/opinion/letters/484513/members-of-congress-including-aipac-allied-condemn-comments-rep-andy-levin

To the editor:

