Menendez: Tougher Sanctions Needed Against Iran

“What would we have done if we had been bombarded at our borders for eight long years—day after day, night after night—as Israel was?”

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., posed this question Sunday morning as he addressed more than 300 at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills. The senator, who serves as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, discussed Israel, Iran and anti-Semitism.

He speaks out on these issues because, he said, “I just answer the question, what is in the national interest of the U.S.; what is in the security interests of the U.S.? It is in our national interest to have a strong, unwavering relationship with Israel; to have a democratic ally in the Middle East.”

The resounding message of the day was that tougher sanctions are needed to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

“Hamas and Hezbollah may be the head of the snake, but we all know the tail extends much further,” Menendez said. “The weapons Hamas and Hezbollah use come from Iran. The money they receive comes from Iran. The propaganda calling for Israel’s destruction comes from Iran; conceived and produced in Iran. Let us be perfectly clear—under no circumstances can the world stand by and let Iran become a nuclear power.”

Measures are under way to impose stronger sanctions.

“I should note,” Menendez said, “that the Banking Committee on which I sit passed an Iran sanctions bill by a unanimous vote last week that would strengthen the president’s authority to sanction companies that help Iran import or produce refined petroleum. This sanction has teeth given the fact that Iran imports 40 percent of its refined petroleum.”

He was also steadfast in his belief Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas and Hezbollah. He condemned the recent Goldstone report, which accuses Israeli and Palestinian militants of war crimes in Gaza. The report was favorably voted for in the U.N. General Assembly, by a vote of 114-18 with 44 abstentions. The U.S. was among the votes against.

“Looking at the threat Israel faces to the southwest one thing should be clear: there is no moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization. The one-sided Goldstone Report…in my view, ignored these key facts and has already been rejected by the House of Representatives as being ‘irredeemably biased.’ The report failed to acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and other external threats – a right of all UN members under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

The senator cited recent instances of anti-Semitism in Caracas, Tehran, Turkey, Canada and Europe. “Anti-Semitism is something we need to challenge,” he said, “No matter how loud or numerous the hateful voices, there can be no denying the Jewish people’s right to live in peace and security in a homeland to which they have had a connection for thousands of years.”

The event was sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, Jewish Community Relations Council of UJA Federation of Northern NJ and Community Relations Council of Jewish Federations of Central NJ. There were 8 co-sponsoring organizations.

“I thought he spoke beautifully,” Beth Meyer, of South Orange, said, “I was intrigued by how concerned he is about Iran. It really underscores the threat that Iran poses.”

“I think he was right on the ball,” added David Meyer. “He is pro-American and pro-Israel also, because of his support of democracy. His position on Israel is a result of his position on U.S. security.”

“It was very interesting to hear the support for Israel,” Andrew Cytron said, “especially at a time when anti-Semitism seems to be resurgent.” Cytron went on to say that he does not agree with all of Menendez’s views but came because he was interested in hearing what the senator had to say.

Menendez was sworn into the U.S. Senate in January 2006, appointed to the seat formerly occupied by NJ Gov. Jon Corzine. He was elected to a full six-year term in November 2006.

In addition to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he currently serves on the Senate Committees on Finance; Banking; Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Budget. He is the Chairman of the Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development; and the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection.

“He is an important voice for the Jewish community,” said Melanie Gorelick, Associate Director of Community Relations for UJC, “and as voters in New Jersey, we have a responsibility to come out in support of Israel.” 

“As a U.S. Senator,” Menendez closed, “I plan to do everything I can to support that partnership [between the U.S., Israel and the Jewish people] this year and every year until the violence and bloodshed end and peace is at hand.”

Menendez also made an appearance Sunday morning at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston to address the Jewish War Veterans Post at a breakfast meeting to mark Veterans Day.