Malliotakis Statement on Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Address to Congress
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the below statement following Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a Joint Meeting of Congress:
“As someone who proudly represents a large Jewish population, it was an honor to be selected by Speaker McCarthy to escort Israeli President Isaac Herzog into the House Chamber for his historic and brilliant speech in honor of the 75th anniversary of Israel.
“Stability in an around Israel is dependent on the ever-growing military and security partnership between our two nations and we must continue to foster and strengthen this relationship. As our bilateral bond continues to evolve, we must ensure our nations continue to build upon the success of the Abraham Accords that has brought economic opportunities and stability to the region, and work toward our shared ultimate goal of peace in the Middle East. As President Herzog so eloquently said, ‘When Israel is strong, the United States is more secure.’
“Despite recent ignorant and antisemitic rhetoric by some far-left members in our chamber, Israel is one of our country’s strongest allies and a key strategic partner in the Middle East. President Herzog’s strong rebuke of the anti-Semitism expressed by a few Members of Congress who simply do not want Israel to exist was on point and appreciated by the rest of us.
“As the Biden Administration is irresponsibly looking to suspend sanctions and negotiate another flawed Nuclear Deal with Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, it’s critically important for Congress to assert its authority over any agreement and protect Israel from aggressors in the region. I also commend President Herzog for his desire to make peace with his Palestinian neighbors during this time of political unrest and the United States should support these efforts.”
Banner Image: Fisheye view of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. Image Credit – Steven Su
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was sworn in on January 3, 2021 to represent Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 2, 2010, defeating a two-term incumbent. In the Assembly, she served as Minority Whip and the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees. For five terms, Congresswoman Malliotakis fought to restore ethics in Albany, expand transit service in her district, improve programs for senior citizens, reform education and improve New York’s economic climate by reducing the tax burden on small businesses and residents. A cornerstone of her tenure was helping her community recover and rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In addition to advocating for these same issues in Washington, Congresswoman Malliotakis is acutely focused on securing New York’s fair share of federal mass transit funding, which would go towards expanding transportation services and easing traffic congestion, while also championing public safety by supporting our nation’s law enforcement officers. Congresswoman Malliotakis is the daughter of immigrants, her father from Greece and her mother a Cuban exile of the Castro dictatorship. She is currently the only Republican member representing New York City in Congress, representing a district spanning the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and the strengthening of animal cruelty laws, and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her chihuahua, Peanut.