JewishInsider Coverage - Tribute to the U.S. Israel Security Alliance - 2015

The Iranian nuclear threat has been considerably lessened in light of the nuclear deal signed with Iran in July, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said on Thursday.

"We have successfully pushed backward the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran," the Florida congresswoman said during a speech at the Capitol honoring the U.S.-Israel security alliance. Going forward, she said, the U.S. must focus attention on combating Iran's terrorist activities in the Middle East region, as well as securing the "most robust security package for Israel that we've ever seen."

Wasserman Schultz said she joined President Barack Obama and his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday to discuss ways "in which we continue to ensure that Israel has all capabilities that she needs in order to protect her citizens."

Highlighting her role as "the first Jewish woman to represent Florida in the U.S. Congress," Wasserman Schultz emphasized, "My connection and commitment to the State of Israel is much deeper than F35s and missile defense."

"I can assure you that as long as I am serving in Congress, Israel and U.S.-Israel relationship will always have a vocal and tireless advocate," she promised. "As a Jewish mother, before anything else, nothing is more important to me than making sure Israel is safe and secure for the next generation."

Also speaking at the Congressional Tribute to the Iron Dome and the U.S. -Israel relationship, hosted by The Friedlander Group, were Democratic Majority Whip Steny Hoyer and Reps. Hal Rogers, Ed Royce, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Peter Roskam, Nita Lowey, Lee Zeldin, Brad Sherman, Mike Rogers, Derek Kilmer, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Doug Lamborn, Luke Messer and Mike Turner.

"All of us raise our voice and say we're strong allies of Israel. But words without action does not make a difference," Hoyer said in his speech. "It is ever more important today that the Congress, the president, and the American people speak with a clarity that cannot be confused - clarity that if Israel is at risk, America is at risk. It is our clarity that will be our first line of defense. Israel's sovereignty will never, ever be put at risk."

Congressman Sherman expressed his support for the U.S. selling to Israel bunker busters so "the IDF is capable of putting all options on the table" in stopping Iran developing a nuclear bomb. He also suggested that the Obama administration should move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as part of restoring the warm relationship with the Israeli government in light of the recent rift over the Iran deal. "There has been some miscommunication between the governments; and I got my finger on one part we could solve, and that is we can make sure our Embassy is in Israel's capital," he said.

"The unwavering commitment of Congress to defend Israel has been proven time and time again, reaffirming America's commitment to Israel's security," Ezra Friedlander, CEO of The Friedlander Group, told Jewish Insider. "Through the funding by both the House and Senate, Israel has been provided with a force field of protection as she defends herself against those who do not view freedom, democracy, and equality as common values. This mutual ground upon which both America and Israel have been built has strengthened their everlasting friendship in the fight against terror, wherever it may be."