President of Nation’s Largest Pro-Israel PAC Backs Ted Cruz
According to reports, Presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was slated to receive Tuesday afternoon the endorsement of the head of the nation’s largest pro-Israel PAC.
Jewish Insider broke the news Tuesday morning that the Texas senator, who is campaigning in South Carolina ahead of that state’s Republican presidential primary on Saturday, will receive Dr. Ben Chouake’s backing. Chouake is president of NORPAC, a nonpartisan political action committee whose primary purpose is to support candidates and sitting members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the strength, security and survival of Israel.
According to the report, Chouake said the endorsement was based on Cruz’ “emotional” and “religious” determination to make Israel’s security and safety a priority. He also noted the senator’s legislative activities and use of his “bully pulpit” to add a “moral voice” for the nation’s most important Middle East ally.
The report also stated NORPAC has hosted fundraisers for Cruz, Marco Rubio and Hillary Clinton. Clinton raised nearly $400,000, while Cruz and Rubio raised $150,000 and $100,000, respectively. Chouake referenced other candidates in his endorsement of Cruz:
“We are fortunate that there are several candidates for president who can be expected to have a positive outlook on U.S.-Israel relations. However, one of the candidates for president, Senator Ted Cruz, has clearly shown that the safety and security of the Jewish homeland is an emotional and religious priority. Senator Cruz has demonstrated a superior understanding of the issues in the Middle East and a deep commitment to America’s historic role as the guardian of our ally, Israel.
“Ted Cruz has used his formidable talents in the Senate towards promoting this guardianship unequivocably (sic) to both the friends and adversaries of America and Israel. Our membership is grateful and fortunate to have such an outstanding advocate of U.S.-Israel relations such as Ted Cruz running for our nation’s highest office. He is a great moral voice for America, and we are proud to support him.”