'US Jewish donors tired of Obama's tough Israel stance'

US president is at risk of losing financial support for re-election campaign because of anti-settlement policy, 'Wall Street Journal' says.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Obama Mourning 311 (R) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Obama Mourning 311 (R)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
US President Barack Obama is at risk of losing financial support for his re-election campaign from Jewish donors and fund-raisers because of concerns about his attitude towards Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
The complaints began early in Obama's term, centered on a perception he has been too tough on Israel, the report suggested.
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According to The Wall Street Journal, top Democratic fund-raiser Michael Adler said he urged Obama campaign manager Jim Messina to be "extremely proactive" in countering the perception in the Jewish community that Obama is too critical of Israel.
There are some Jewish donors who claim that the US president has put too much pressure on the likes of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to halt the construction of housing settlements in the West Bank, the report said.
Obama is also putting more pressure on the Israelis than the Palestinians to enter peace negotiations, according to some Jewish donors, The Wall Street Journal reported.
In a bid to maintain support of Jews around the US, Obama praised American Jews for standing up for the rights of others, even as they themselves have faced significant obstacles, at a reception honoring Jewish American Heritage Month on Tuesday.
“Jewish Americans have always stood up for freedom and democracy around the world, and that includes our unshakable support and commitment to the security of the State of Israel,” he said. “The Jewish people have always persevered.”