Kennedy Again Blasts Carter for ‘flirtation’ with PLO

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D. Mass.) last night called American support for Israel “not gift of charity but an act of national security.” The Massachusetts Senator, who is challenging President Carter for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency, attacked what he called Carter’s “on-again, off-again flirtation” with the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Speaking at a dinner of the American Jewish Congress where he received its Stephen Wise Award for “distinguished contributions to the cause of social justice at home and human dignity around the world, ” Kennedy said no member of a Kennedy Administration would ever deal “openly or covertly “with the PLO. “America must never barter the safety or future of Israel for a barrel of oil, “he said.

Noting that this was an election year, Kennedy asked “how soon after the election would this President resume, his attempt to amend UN (Security Council) Resolution 242 appease PLO demands? “

Kennedy said he believes “our bonds with Israel are deeply rooted in a moral commitment and common values. And they are founded on a realistic view of America’s own security interests.” He said Israel has “the most powerful armed forces in the Middle East, “it has “protected American interests in the past, and …will do so in the future.” He added that “peace is all that Israel asks.”

Kennedy noted that “In Argentina, in Syria and in other Arab countries, anti-Semitism has been condoned by governments. It has been made into a weapon against the State of Israel. Indeed, Israel is the ultimate target of which all the attacks on the Jewish people are now armed.” He pledged that “in the years ahead, I will stand, as I always have stood with Israel, our surest ally and our closest friend in the Middle East.”

The dinner, marking the 35m anniversary of the AJCongress’ Commission on law and Social Action (CALL), also honored three former directors of CALL, Will Mallow, Leo Pfeffer and Joseph B. Robinson.