Ted Cruz Gains Backing of US Jewish Leaders

JERUSALEM, Israel – Over the weekend, more than three dozen American Jewish leaders joined a coalition backing Sen. Ted Cruz in his bid for the White House.

On his website, Cruz said the coalition features "a diverse group of rabbis, business, and community leaders from around the country."

The weekend announcement follows last week's decision by NORPAC, America's largest pro-Israel political action committee, led by Dr. Ben Chouake, to endorse the Texas senator.

"My commitment to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people began long before my days as a senator or presidential candidate; it began with the experience my father had as a refugee fleeing oppression in Cuba to come to this country," Cruz said on the website. "As president, I will stand unapologetically with Israel, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and cut off federal funding to any institution that adopts BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) measures."

Several of America's most prominent Jewish leaders worked with the presidential hopeful before he decided to run for president, among them Sarah Stern, president of the Endowment fo Middle East Truth. 

"I have worked with many congressional offices for many years, and there is no stronger advocate for Israel and the Jewish people than Ted," Stern said. "We have worked closely on bringing justice to victims of Iranian and Palestinian terror and stopping the Iranian nuclear deal. Speaking as an individual, I cannot wait to work with President Cruz and turn our country around."

Yeshiva University director Rabbi Zev Reichman said he was impressed by Cruz's "deep respect for people of faith, his dedication to protecting the U.S. homeland and his unflinching support to protecting the US homeland and his unflinching support for America's greatest ally in the Middle East, the nation of Israel."

Reichman said Cruz has demonstrated "foresight, understanding and good judgment," calling him a leader with "integrity, strength and courage."

"The stakes for America, the West, and Israel have rarely been higher," he said. "I hope and pray that the Almighty will help Ted Cruz become the next President of the United States and leader of the free world."