Gov. Hugh Carey of New York stressed in a speech delivered here last night that “We must reaffirm in simple and unequivocal language, the support of the people of the United States for Israel” because “the national security of the United States is best served by a clear recognition that the only true force for continued stability in the Middle East is Israel.”
The occasion was the annual national dinner of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Carey’s speech was read by his Special Assistant, Menachem M. Shayovich, who explained that the Governor was delayed in reaching the city during yesterday’s torrential rains. Carey referred to what he said “appears to be a limited debate in certain circles in the United States over the nature of the relationship between the U.S. and Israel.” In that connection, he note that “the economy of Israel is undergoing a difficult transition and it is not the time for the United States to contribute to Israeli uncertainty about the future.”
He continued: “The relationships between Israel’s neighbors in the region of the Middle East are undergoing some important shifts and now is not the time for Americans to indulge in a debate, however limited, about the basic commitment of this country to the safety of Israel. The internal political situation of several of Israel’s neighbors continues to be marked by the uncertainty of factional politics and factional strife and this is not the time for American supporters of Israel to let down their guard.”
The Governor noted that “The politics of Israel is free and open and democratic. The political and economic changes that have taken place in Israel in recent months are the changes that a people passionately devoted to freedom make for themselves. . . . At this time it is important that the natural and long-standing affinity between Israel and her supporters and friends here in the United States be strengthened and broadcast as publicly as possible.”
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