Two Congressmen representing constituents in Westwood and the surrounding area took contrasting positions in how they received a visit this week on Wednesday, July 24th by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a Joint Meeting of Congress.
Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-4) attended the meeting with his invited guest, Newton’s Rabbi Michelle Robinson of Temple Emanuel of Newton, the largest Conservative Synagogue in New England. In announcing Rabbi Robinson as his guest, Rep. Auchincloss characterizes the relationship of the U.S. and Israel as “forged from an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy and the cultivation of love and labor from generations of the Jewish people.”
In contrast, Congressman Stephen Lynch (D, MA-8) released a statement that he “respectfully declined” to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, believing it to be “a political ploy to use our House as a backdrop to strengthen his weakened political position back in Israel.” Rep. Lynch noted his longtime support of Israel but his belief that the prime minister's "recent policies have undermined any chance for peace and stability in that region during our lifetime."
Both politicians are united in calling for the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages.
“I continue to call for the release of the hostages, the defeat of Hamas (who use their own people as human shields), and the search for a peaceful way forward,” said Rep. Lynch.
In a June statement regarding the International Criminal Court’s seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, Rep. Auchincloss stated, “Israel is an ally and fellow democracy fighting for its security and for the release of the hostages, including eight Americans. Hamas is evil and must be defeated. . . . I urge the Biden Administration to continue its efforts to return the hostages home and defeat Hamas.”
Heavy rain, with a high of 48 and low of 46 degrees. Overcast in the morning, moderate rain for the afternoon and evening, overcast overnight.
Building Commissioner needs to keep his comments restricted to MA Code and how it relates to the proposed building. Not interject with his personal opinion that anything built smaller would be insufficient or impactable. Commissioner is to review the plans as proposed and render opinions as it relates to MA Buildin
46° and Overcast