Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today hosted Jewish leaders from across Palm Beach and Broward counties for a roundtable discussion on America's foreign policy challenges, focusing on strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Congresswoman Frankel said, “In light of the serious issues currently unfolding in the Middle East, including ongoing negotiations with Iran, I welcomed the opportunity to hear from local leaders from the Jewish community about their hopes, concerns, and priorities. Input from these leaders helps inform my decisions when I’m back in Washington debating critical foreign affairs issues, making sure the U.S.-Israel bond remains strong.”

Rabbi David Steinhardt of B’nai Torah said, “It was a very productive meeting. The congresswoman obviously feels the great tensions that exist right now, but expressed the understanding of the significance of the relationship between the United States, Israel, and the P5+1. So in spite of the current tension regarding the timing of Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit, the larger goal has to be unifying dimension of the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Rabbi Andrews Jacobs of Ramat Shalom said, “I think the congresswoman’s commitment to be at the speech is commendable, and her putting politics aside for the U.S.-Israel relationship is important. And the other piece that is important for us all to remember when discussing issues in the Middle East is there is no clear cut answer, it is an incredibly complex issue and her words reinforced this point as we explore what this answer is going to be.”

In addition to discussing the U.S.-Israel relationship, the group addressed the importance of preventing a nuclear Iran and combatting ISIL.

The roundtable was held at B’nai Torah in Boca Raton. Participants included Rabbi Steinhardt (B'nai Torah), Rabbi Englander (B'nai Torah), Rabbi Spey (Temple Bat Yam), Rabbi Jacobs (Ramat Shalom), Rabbi Silvers (B’nai Israel), Rabbi Levin (Temple Beth El), Rabbi New (Chabad of East Boca), Rabbi Brockman (Temple Beth El), Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner (Temple Solel), Rabbi Josh Broide (Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County), Dr. Luis Fleischman (Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County), and Al Newman (Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County).

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