WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Republican Jewish Coalition called on all Americans to "come together to craft real solutions to the very serious problems our country faces today" after President Obama won reelection.
In a statement released by Executive Director Matt Brooks, the RJC noted what it called a significant erosion of support for Obama among Jewish voters, with exit polls saying that Obama garnered about 69 percent of the Jewish vote, down from an estimated 74 percent to 78 percent in 2008.
"In five of the last six national elections, Republicans have increased their support among Jewish voters and they continue to make inroads in the Jewish community," Brooks said. "One clear take-away from the outcome of this election is that the Jewish community spoke loudly and clearly regarding their concerns about the policies of the Obama administration."
The chairman and president of the National Jewish Democratic Council released a statement saying they were "thrilled" with Obama’s reelection.
"In his first term, President Obama signed historic legislation into law, appointed outstanding Supreme Court justices and reflected Jewish values at every turn — all while being Israel’s most important friend and most persistent advocate in the world," the statement by Marc Stanley and David A. Harris said. "We know that he will continue to build on his outstanding foreign and domestic record in his second term, and that he will continue moving our country forward."
A host of other Jewish groups also offered their congratulations to the president.
"President Obama has made it clear during the past four years that he and his administration are strongly committed to solidarity with Israel in confronting the many security challenges that she and our own nation face," the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a statement.
The statement noted that both candidates for president were "firmly supportive of the U.S.-Israel relationship" and that the commitment is reflected in the newly elected Congress.
"The election once again demonstrated that the solidarity between the U.S. and Israel transcends partisan politics," AIPAC said.
"We offer our prayers that God will grant you the wisdom, strength and compassion to address the challenges that face America today," the leaders of the Orthodox Union said in a congratulatory message.
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