Sandy Polishuk, a Jewish peace activist, said she was “pleased to join Hala in her support of Steve Novick’s candidacy. Steve understands that the United States does not have to choose between being ‘pro-Israeli’ and ‘pro-Palestinian.’ To play a constructive role in resolving the conflict and bringing peace and security to the region, the United States must be both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian.”
Joining Polishuk in supporting Novick were several members of Oregon's Jewish community including Phil Goldsmith [of Congregation P'nai Or Tikkun Olam (social action) Committee], Rabbi Ariel Stone, Steven Goldberg, former President of Congregation P'nai Or Milt Markewitz Hilda Welch, Myra Himmelfarb (organizational names used for identification purposes only).
Palestinian-American attorney and human rights advocate, Zaha Hassan, joined Hala in endorsing Steve Novick stating, “For too long, Arab Americans have felt like election season was more like ‘open season’ on our community. By standing here with us today, Steve has made clear that he represents a break from this type of divisive politics. I am glad to be able to support his bid for the Senate.”
In addition to Hala and Hassan, Novick also received the endorsement today of Arab-Americans Frank Afranji, Gloria Tuma, Rima Ghandour and Nofal Kasrawi.
Portland lawyer Brandon Mayfield and his wife Mona Mayfield also declared that they will be supporting Novick in the primary, after having previously supporting Merkley. Mayfield was falsely arrested by the FBI in 2004 as a material witness in the Madrid train bombings. He was later cleared of all charges and the FBI apologized for their error in the case.
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