The Republican Jewish Federation on Monday endorsed the Republican primary candidate to face House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-Va.), arguing that the congressman “shamefully” abandoned Israel in its time of need. did.
“If you don’t stand with the Jewish community, if you don’t stand with Israel, the Republicans, the Democrats, RJC will work to bring you down,” RJC CEO Matt Brooks said in a statement. Probably.”
Brooks, a former Navy SEAL and Virginian, was criticized by an influential Jewish group on Saturday for the incumbent’s vote against a $95 billion emergency spending bill that included $17 billion in military aid for Israel. He announced his support for state Sen. John McGuire in the District 5 primary against Goode. .
“Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) shamefully abandoned Israel, which continues to fight for survival after the worst genocide of Jews since the Holocaust, by voting against this important support for the Jewish state. ” said the RJC representative.
“This vote showed who Israel’s true friends are and exposed those like Congressman Bob Good who are not,” Brooks added.
While 112 Republicans in Congress voted against the aid package, a majority of vulnerable House Republicans voted for it.
The RJC said concerns about Goode’s “undermining U.S. support for Israel” have been raised in the past, with him voting against a standalone Israel aid bill in February and the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in December. He noted that he voted against the law. Missiles used in Israel’s Iron Dome and other bilateral research and development programs.
Goode explained in a statement that despite Saturday’s vote, support for Israel’s right to defend itself is “unwavering.”
“We are nearly $35 trillion in debt, so the days of unpaid additional spending bills must end,” he argued.
“Instead of hurting American taxpayers with the bill, the Senate should have taken up the $14.20 bullion Israel bill paid five months ago to help our allies.”
The primary election for Virginia’s 5th District will be held on June 18th.
The RJC called Good’s opponent, McGuire, “a conservative stalwart who has made it clear that he supports Israel,” and called on Virginians to support him.
