By Reuven Rosenfeld in VINnews
Baltimore, MD (VINnews)-The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), which represents more than 2,500 traditional Orthodox rabbis across the United States, issued a strong statement of support Thursday for Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), condemning what it called a “dishonest and outrageous” campaign against him following remarks regarding humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Fine, the only Jewish Republican in the Florida legislature, has come under fire from left-wing media outlets, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and notably, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), for remarks that critics claim show indifference to starving children in Gaza. In reality, CJV argued, Fine simply pointed out that the responsibility for the humanitarian crisis lies with Hamas, the designated terrorist group governing Gaza.
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“Mr. Fine demonstrated both moral clarity and courage,” CJV stated, referencing his consistent advocacy for Jewish students and his decision to wear a yarmulke in Congress to show solidarity. “His statement was an appropriate response to the false and inflammatory claim that Israel is starving Gazans.”
The CJV sharply criticized the AJC’s response, which called Fine’s remarks “unacceptable” and accused him of “scoring political points.” The rabbinic group accused AJC of applying a partisan double standard—remaining silent when Rep. Tlaib used the controversial slogan “from the river to the sea,” but quick to condemn Fine for calling out Hamas’s role in Gaza’s suffering.
“It is deeply inappropriate for a Jewish organization to rebuke a Jewish leader when he stands in the breach for the Jewish community,” the CJV stated. “But it is sadly typical of the AJC.”
The group also pointed to support from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who echoed Fine’s assertion that Israel bears no obligation to supply aid to its enemies during wartime.
The CJV’s statement concluded with a call for “individuals and organizations to reject political posturing and stand with those who defend all lives, including Jewish ones, without apology.”
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