AIPAC condemns Republicans for ‘loyalty’ jibe

October 25, 2006 at 9:00 pm | Posted in political parties | Leave a comment

(JTA) The American Israel Public Affairs Committee condemned Republican activists who said failure to support their candidate amounted to “disloyalty” to Israel.
Jonathan and Irit Tratt earned boos and walkouts at an event last week in Scottsdale, Ariz., when they spoke on behalf of U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth, who is fighting a tough challenge from Democrat Harry Mitchell, the mayor of Tempe.

The Tratts faced questions about Hayworth’s endorsement of the late Henry Ford’s writings on “Americanization” of immigrants, which included anti-Semitic passages.

According to news accounts, Jonathan Tratt told the audience that because Hayworth was a steadfast Israel supporter, such questions showed “disloyalty” to the Jewish state.

He also said Hayworth, a regular churchgoer, was a “more observant Jew” than those in attendance because he opposed abortion.

As audience members walked out in disgust, Irit Tratt reportedly remarked “no wonder there are anti-Semites.”

Speaking on behalf of AIPAC, board member and Phoenix resident Gene Schupak said the organization “unequivocally condemns the Tratts’ statements. Their actions were repugnant and they in no way speak for or represent the views of our organization.”

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