Compared to Iowa Democrats, the DNC is Mainstream on Israel

I wanted to follow-up a piece on I wrote about the Iowa Democratic Party’s platform concerning Israel and whether Fred Hubbell, their gubernatorial nominee, supported that position. 

Looking at the Democratic National Convention platform approved in 2016, the Iowa Democratic Party is extreme in their treatment of Israel in comparison.

Here are the planks on Israel in the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2018 platform approved this year at their state convention (emphasis mine):

We support:

550. equal human rights/health/welfare for Palestinians and Israelis    551. right of return/just compensation for displaced Palestinians
552. rights of BDS
553. escrowing aid to Israel until Israel recognizes Palestine at 1966 borders
554. Palestinian statehood/UN membership
555. peaceful efforts to achieve separate secure Israeli and Palestinian states respecting the rights of all persons

We oppose:

556. Israel Separation Barrier/settlement activities/moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem prior to final resolution and blockade of Gaza Strip
557. Anti-Semitism/Islamophobia

Again, for review, BDS stands for “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” against Israel. 

Here is the DNC statement on Israel from their 2016 platform:

 A strong and secure Israel is vital to the United States because we share overarching strategic interests and the common values of democracy, equality, tolerance, and pluralism. That is why we will always support Israel’s right to defend itself, including by retaining its qualitative military edge, and oppose any effort to delegitimize Israel, including at the United Nations or through the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement.

We will continue to work toward a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiated directly by the parties that guarantees Israel’s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders and provides the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity. While Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, it should remain the capital of Israel, an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths. Israelis deserve security, recognition, and a normal life free from terror and incitement. Palestinians should be free to govern themselves in their own viable state, in peace and dignity.

Wow, the DNC’s statement is pretty mainstream and in step with current policy, the Iowa Democratic Party, not so much.

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Shane Vander Hart

Editor & Founder at Caffeinated Thoughts

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought-after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

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