Americans for Peace Now Spokesman Ori Nir on Friday welcomed US President Barack Obama's nomination of John Kerry for secretary of state, saying of the Massachusetts Senator: “He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex foreign
policy challenges facing the United States in the Middle East and around the
world, and a profound appreciation of and respect for the vital role that US
diplomacy can and must play in addressing these challenges.”
The
National Jewish Democratic Council likewise sent out a strong statement of
support. "We are ecstatic to see that President Obama has selected
Senator Kerry to be the next secretary of state,” the group said.
“His
record on the foreign policy issues of special interest to the Jewish community
is exceptionally strong,” the statement continued.
Morrie Amitay,
a former executive director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee,
agreed that Kerry had a good record on Israel-related issues but was more
reserved in his praise.
“I would not list him among the more enthusiastic
supporters, but certainly it’s a fine record,” he said, noting that on
Israeli-related letters, resolutions and other initiatives he was almost never a
lead sponsor and that Iran sanctions legislation was most strongly championed in
the Senate banking committee rather than Kerry’s.
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