[HedgeYourBets]

JStreet Endorsed Rep. Woolsey Chants Anti-Israel Rhyme with CodePink


Rep. Lynn Woolsey was endorsed by JStreet in the 2010 elections. She has now been caught on video aside Rae Abileah, the CodePink member, who interupted Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. In the video, Woolsey praises Abileah, saying "you made me proud." In addition, Woolsey is seen pumping her fist and mouthing the words "Not one dollar, not one dime, occupation is a crime."
So, has there been some backlash? Yes. However, JStreet did not condemn her, but the NJDC did - CHALLAH @ Adam Kredo
After video evidence of Woolsey's Code Pink appearance surfaced today, the National Jewish Democratic Council swiftly denounced her.

"It's deeply unfortunate to see video of Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) turning to the protester who screamed at and disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address before Congress and saying, 'you made me proud.' " NJDC's David Harris said in a statement, demanding she apologize for her remarks. "On other issues, Woolsey makes us proud, but today she did not."

While the Republican Jewish Coalition pounced on Harris for the latter portion of his statement (the Woolsey "makes us proud" on other issues part), at least the NJDC boldly -- and quickly -- spoke out.

The NJDC is making it clear that these kind of comments -- such as advocating for the U.S. to stop aid to Israel -- don't have a place in the mainstream Democratic party.

One group that remained silent on the matter until a pesky reporter from WJW called them (that's me!) was J Street, whose PAC endorsed Woolsey and contributed money to her campaign in 2010.

J Street didn't exactly denounce Woolsey's comments, choosing instead to boldy defend her pro-Israel bonafides.

"Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has voted consistently for aid to Israel in each of her 18 years in Congress," Jessica Rosenblum, J Street's director of media relations told me. "In 2010, she supported funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system that is today protecting the citizens of southern Israel from attack. Her record is one of staunch support for the state of Israel and for American leadership to achieve peace between Israel and its neighbors through a two-state solution."

Rosenblum added: "All JStreetPAC-endorsed candidates consistently support aid to Israel and must agree to continue supporting it to receive our endorsement."

Still, J Street's defense of Woolsey's record isn't enough for some Democrats. One of them spoke to me on background.

"Once again, it makes the distinction clear between pro-Israel Democrats and fringe groups like J Street who sometimes endorse candidates who spout radical rhetoric like we saw today with Rep. Woolsey," said an aide to a Democratic congressman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsbbb...layer_embedded

Video 1:53