Washington, DC – In response to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announcing she will not seek re-election at the end of her current term, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“Speaker Pelosi’s extraordinary career embodies the principle that strong support for Israel and a deep commitment to peace, justice and democracy are – and have always been – compatible.
Nancy Pelosi was an early and steadfast supporter of J Street and a champion of diplomacy. She played a pivotal role in securing congressional support for the Iran nuclear deal and consistently advanced pro-Israel, pro-peace policies aimed at strengthening Israel’s security and promoting safety, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Her leadership delivered historic progress: expanding affordable healthcare for millions, defending democracy and human rights at home and abroad, and driving ambitious climate action. The impact and example of her work will be felt for generations.
Congresswoman Pelosi and I also shared a personal bond rooted in our fathers’ history. Her father, Congressman Thomas D’Alesandro, supported my father’s work in the 1940s to urge President Roosevelt to do more to rescue Europe’s Jews and later to help secure the establishment of the State of Israel. It has been my honor to continue the legacy they forged of moral courage and commitment to Jewish safety and security – and to do so in partnership with Speaker Pelosi.
J Street extends its deepest gratitude to Speaker Pelosi for her decades of service and principled leadership. Her record will continue to inspire those committed to peace, justice and democracy – in particular, those of us working as she did ‘for the children.’”
Congresswoman Pelosi was proudly endorsed by JStreetPAC and was the first congressional party leader to address a J Street National Conference.