At AIPAC, Bloomberg Pledges to Combat Anti-Semitism, Supports Two-State Solution

At the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy conference in Washington, D.C., former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged to combat anti-Semitism and work toward a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestinian conflict if he’s elected president.

The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate told the 18,000 attendees at the conference that he found the 4,000 college students in attendance inspiring, as they’re necessary to ensure pro-Israel voices are included in social justice spaces on college campuses.

“Your refusal to be intimidated reminds us of the courage and integrity we need in our political discourse,” Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg believes Judaism is more than just following rituals, but “about living our values.” He called Israel a “living miracle” and highlighted that in 2014, he flew to Israel during Operation Protective Edge, despite the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) brief ban on flights headed to the Jewish state.

“Sometimes, gestures matter, and in my own little way, I wanted to show the world that terrorism will not keep us away from the Holy Land,” Bloomberg said.

He vowed to support Israel’s as president. “I will never impose conditions on military aid. no matter what government is in power,” Bloomberg said, pointing out how “Israel is on the front lines, countering American enemies in the region, sharing valuable intelligence for us.”

He also said he would leave the United States embassy in Jerusalem “because that’s where it belongs.”

The former mayor also expressed opposition to the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, saying BDS seeks to demonize Israel. However, Bloomberg stated his support for a two-state solution through direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. “Palestinians deserve dignity and opportunity as well,” Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg lauded bipartisan support for Israel in U.S. politics and criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for accusing AIPAC of “providing a platform to bigots.”

“He’s dead wrong,” Bloomberg said, adding that “calling [AIPAC] a racist platform is an attempt to discredit those voices and weaken the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for Israel in light of rising anti-Semitism in the country. “Jews have been beaten and harassed in the streets [in New York City],” Bloomberg said. “Attacks on Jews have taken place with horrifying regularity.”

Bloomberg noted there has been a rise in hate crimes across the country against all minority groups in the United States. “We need to stand up against all bigotry and hatred,” Bloomberg said, stating he was in favor of building a mosque in 2010 near the memorial of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Bloomberg posited that while the rise of anti-Semitism and other forms of hate can’t be attributed to any one person or political group, he suggested President Donald Trump has played a role in its rise. “Presidential leadership matters,” Bloomberg said. “It sets a tone.”

He added, “I will never stand idly by in the face of anti-Semitism.”

On the Iran nuclear deal, Bloomberg said he opposed its passage in 2015 because he didn’t think it adequately addressed Iran’s ballistic missile program or the regime’s support for terrorism. However, he criticized Trump for exiting the deal in 2018, arguing that doing so provided a green light for Iran to restart its nuclear program.

“As president, I will work to make the strongest deal possible,” Bloomberg said, pledging to “to end their nuclear program forever.”