A Strong U.S. Israel Relationship
David Ashe supports our strong U.S.-Israel relationship. America has too powerful a position in the world to ever be viewed as anything less than staunchly pro-Israel. If we waiver even a fraction, the world will see and the enemies will act.
David is a student of Israel and Middle East history and understands the importance of key United States legislation condemning the ICJ’s decision on Israel’s Security Fence, Nuclear Nonproliferation as it pertains to Iran, and Foreign Aid. Unwavering support and acknowledgment that Israel knows best how to defend herself, will drive David’s actions in Congress.
Israel shares American values of democracy, market economy and individual freedom. From that first moment in May 1948, Israel has had to fight for existence, and today stands with the United States in the war on terror against a common foe. America must continue to support Israel the way Israel has supported America.
Of Our Community, Serving Our Community
David Ashe is a proud Jew whose family has a long history of deep involvement in the Tidewater Jewish community. David’s father and grandparents evaded the Nazi’s in France during WWII and then emigrated to the US in 1949. David’s grandfather, a Navy master chief, was a leader of fundraising programs for the founding congregation of Temple Israel in Norfolk. David’s mother was principal of the Temple Israel Sunday School for over ten years. David has spent the last 7 years on active duty in the US Marine Corps and recently returned from Iraq. In Iraq, he spent five months on the streets of Iraq with an infantry battalion. Towards the end of his deployment in Iraq, his Jewish identity was discovered by the local Iraqis.
David is proud to have an official letter of endorsement from Senator Joe Lieberman based on their shared values and support of a strong Israel.
Israel an Invaluable Ally
Not only is Israel one of the few nations in the world that America can rely upon, Israel is one of the few nations with the will and the capability to be a strong ally. Israel has kept herself at the forefront of the technology that enables the same infrastructure and military strength that we strive for in the United States.
Supporting the Israeli and American Security
One of the most spectacular successes of American foreign aid is our financial support of Israel and the mutual benefits both nations reap. Our security and commerce is directly supported by a strong Israel. As well, Israelis demonstrate tremendous pride in assisting the efforts and security of the United States.
Israel’s military strength has numerous benefits to American military strength. Pre-positioning equipment and personnel is key to US military doctrine and Israel is an important part. As well, the high-value of intelligence delivered by Israel is an undisputed fact. Partnership in weapons development also assists both countries as demonstrated by Israel’s leadership in anti-aircraft and anti-missile technology which assisted United States advances with the Patriot missile.
Though Israel has chosen to decrease the pure ESF she receives, Israel’s security is threatened by near constant mobilization on her economy. The sheer numbers against which Israel defends requires that the IDF, to the last soldier and the last piece of equipment, be the best in the world. Israel has mapped out precise requirements in terms of aircraft, anti-aircraft and all weapons systems. However, Israel cannot meet these requirements alone.
The restructuring plan by which FMF funding increases and ESF decreases is a tremendous act of good faith by Israel and a source of pride for the Israeli government. It is one of many acts of good faith by Israel that is unmatched by any other strategic partner of the United States. Congressional representatives must ensure that America is aware of this good faith by Israel. As a Member of Congress, David Ashe pledges to vote for the annual foreign operations appropriations bill that includes aid to Israel.
The Fall of Saddam Hussein
David Ashe not only supported the use of force against Saddam Hussein, he was on the ground in Iraq with infantry. Saddam had demonstrated his inclination and capability to wage war and use weapons of mass destruction. The dozens of missiles he senselessly launched into Israel in 1991 were a clear demonstration of his eagerness to use any opportunity to attack Israel. Saddam Hussein as a threat is now gone, but other equally serious threats remain in the region such as Syria, Iran and nations who have actively waged war repeatedly against Israel.
No Partner for Peace and the Success of the Security Fence
Prime Minister Sharon has stated accurately and solemnly that Israel has no partner for peace. While a two-state solution has been the goal of American and Israeli foreign policy, Israel’s leaders are blocked by the failed Palestinian leadership. Arafat does not, and never truly had, the willingness to make peace with Israel. His attempts to reign in terrorism or even condemn it have been ineffective at best and disingenuous at worst. Today, there is barely even a remnant of responsible leadership among the Palestinians.
Faced with stepped-up terrorism since the end of the 1990s, Israel had no choice but to build a security barrier to protect her people and even Palestinians. And, the barrier has worked, notwithstanding the poor rulings of the International Court of Justice.
In 1993, the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s acceptance of the Oslo Accords with Arafat at the White House represented a significant compromise and a generational outreach by Israel for peace. However, the promises of Oslo were broken as Palestinians continued to teach terrorism and hatred of a peaceful solution and refused to amend the PLO charter. And at Camp David in 2000, it became sadly clear that the Palestinian leadership had no intention of any compromise. It rejected Israel’s generous offer of peace and squandered the efforts of Israel’s leadership to make such an offer possible.
At present, America must support the two-state solution while carefully heeding the parameters defined by Israel. Each turn of the boundary line is the result of decades of assessment by Israel as to how to maintain security. Israel knows the boundaries best.
The Threat from Iran
Sadly, the strides made with Jordan have not been achieved with any other neighbor. While the progress with Egypt in the 1970s has been welcomed, it is not true peace or cooperation between the countries. As a result, Israel continues to face threats by Palestinians from within and by her neighbors.
Iran has the will and the infrastructure to expand its nuclear capability. Its missile delivery system is tested and lethal. And, Iran has openly boasted about their arsenal and advances.
The progressive voices inside Iran are encouraging, but far from being a power base. Public consciousness of the threat from Iran must increase so that the world is ready to respond to this danger.
Jerusalem
The propaganda concepts of “Arab East Jerusalem” must be rejected. Jerusalem has only been occupied and divided during the first 19 years of Israel’s existence. Israel was not militarily strong enough to hold this land until 1967, and since that moment, Jerusalem has been a united and open city once more. America has lagged in its support over key issues regarding Jerusalem. Such equivocation is dangerous and wrong and David Ashe will work against anything that is less than full support of Israel.
The Responsibility of the US Congress
Congress must be united in its support of Israel and in support of Israel’s leadership. There are forces from outside and within that strain Israel’s leadership. . The recent aid package for Israel was a success and as a member of Congress I will staunchly support our assistance program for Israel. Our aid to Israel must bear in mind the strain of constant mobilization on Israel’s economy. While I am willing to agree to humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, aid to the Palestinian Authority must be restricted until it acts aggressively against terrorists, ends corruption, and open its books to the world — and of course, Yasir Arafat must no longer be its leader.
David Ashe supported President Bush’s decision to use force in Iraq and was proud to be part of that military effort on the ground. One important result of the removal of Saddam Hussein is increased security of Israel. However, Iran still continues to ignore global calls to halt its nuclear build-up. Sanctions at every level must continue with the goal of eliminating this threat to Israel.
David’s commitment to Israel is a result of his family and life-time of involvement as a member of the Tidewater Jewish community