By Gloria Ogbonna
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Newly-installed Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-LA), made his debut public address as Speaker during the Republican Jewish Coalition annual summit, delivering a powerful message of solidarity with Israel.
In his impassioned speech, he declared, “We are going to stand like a rock with our friend and ally, Israel.”
Johnson began by acknowledging that the event marked his first public appearance as Speaker, having been elected just days before. He shared that he had been deeply moved by the stories of Israelis who had survived attacks by the “demonic” Palestinian terror group Hamas.
Drawing upon his own religious faith, which has been the subject of criticism from his opponents, Johnson proclaimed, “I believe that God is not done with America yet, and I know He’s not done with Israel.”
With a resolute tone, he emphasized the importance of restoring public trust and faith in American leadership. “We have a moment to rebuild the trust of the people and restore their faith in who we are and what we’re fighting for,” he stated.
Johnson’s ascension to Speaker followed in the footsteps of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), a staunch friend of Israel. He promised to continue this tradition, pointing out that his first resolution was in support of Israel, and his initial official trip was to address the coalition.
This announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience, underlining the strong commitment to Israel.
Highlighting the emergence of anti-Israel views within a faction of the Democratic Party caucus, Johnson framed these sentiments as a manifestation of rising antisemitism in Congress, universities, and the media.
Additionally, Johnson directed a message to the United Nations, making it clear that there would only be a ceasefire when Hamas ceased to pose a threat to Israel. He underscored the deep religious ties that bind the United States and Israel, referring to the Biblical teaching that those who bless Israel will, in turn, be blessed.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) also addressed the gathering, introducing Speaker Johnson. Scalise, himself a survivor of an attempted mass shooting in 2017, assured the attendees that the recent turmoil within the Republican caucus would not hinder the GOP from advancing legislation in response to the Hamas terror attacks.
He mentioned a specific bill that aimed to prevent the Biden administration from transferring control of $6 billion in assets to Iran, which had been part of a recent hostage agreement.
Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks commended this year’s summit as the “best and most important event” in the organization’s history, given the context of the ongoing conflict in Israel.
He highlighted an empty table at the center of the room, symbolizing the 230 Israeli hostages and numerous others missing since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.
Brooks expressed gratitude for the Republican leaders who had shown their solidarity by attending the conference, including all eight major presidential candidates (now seven, following former Vice President Mike Pence’s withdrawal during his speech).
Before the main event, Rabbi Leo Dee of Israel, who tragically lost his wife Lucy and daughters Maia and Rina in a terror attack earlier in the year, received the Defender of Freedom & Security Award.
Dee addressed the gathering via video from Israel and called for an end to the Palestinian Authority’s policy of financially supporting the families of terrorists who attack Israelis. He criticized the portrayal of Israel, the region’s only free country, as an evil regime by oppressive governments.
Eli Beer, the CEO of United Hatzalah first responders, shared harrowing stories of his organization’s members who were killed or wounded while attempting to provide aid during the October 7 terror attack.
He described the brutality of the attacks, including the torture and murder of volunteers and the gruesome acts committed against children. Despite the heavy toll, Beer pledged to continue their life-saving work, vowing to save more lives as long as they were needed.
In a time of heightened global focus on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican Jewish Coalition summit demonstrated unwavering support for Israel and a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the region.
source breitbrat News