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There's no one in Israel who appreciates more than me the importance of American support for Israel.

I support Israel. And I have long supported a two-state solution and a democratic and secure state for the Jewish people, with a democratic and viable Palestinian state side-by-side in peace and dignity.

I feel there's a lot of anti-Israel sentiment in the world and a lot of ignorance about what Israel is and does. But it's not for me to speak on Israel's behalf.

It's not only in Israel's interest but in America's as well to stand with one of its closest and important allies.

You can easily justify to anyone about the need to keep supporting Israel. We get very generous support. We need it.

I have absolute respect for Israel and people in Israel who are critical of their own country.

As a Jew I am aware of how important the existence of Israel is for the survival of us all. And because I am proud of being Jewish, I am worried by the growing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in the world.

The United States and Israel have a unique relationship based on our mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and peace. Therefore, just as our commitment to these principles must be steadfast, so must our support for Israel.

As a Jew, I recognize the importance of Israel historically, liturgically: its place in our history and in our sacred texts. I fully recognize and appreciate that. I just think that, for me, a sole focus on Israel gets in the way of the pursuit of a relationship with God and a more spiritual existence within Judaism.

I've always been supportive of the right of Israel as a state, and I've always fought against anti-Semitism, even in my own community.