"My overriding goal as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee is to strengthen American allies like Israel and weaken our enemies like Iran and Hezbollah," said Congressman Royce.
"It is not our job to dictate to Israel every bit of policy minutia," Senator Paul said. "It is not our job to tell Israelis where they can or cannot build."
Chaskel Bennett, a noted community leader from Brooklyn, talked about the scene that unfolds in Southern Israel when the siren sounds to warn of an incoming rocket. "When a siren sounds, you have 15 seconds to get to safety," he said. "Yes, we believe in G-d and prayer, but the Iron Dome is a game changer."
"Support for Israel is strong and it's bipartisan and that's the way it should be," Congressman Engel said. "The bond between the United States and Israel is strong and it is unbreakable."
Upon the conclusion of the tribute luncheon, the attendees participated in a special White House briefing with members of the Obama administration, including Zachary Kelly, President Obama's liaison to the Jewish community, Andy Abel- Director for Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian Affairs for the National Security Staff and Eric Lynn, a senior policy official on Mideast affairs at the Department of Defense who was presented by Robert Rechnitz with the Iron Dome Medal in recognition of President Obama's key role in the development of the Iron dome anti-missile defense system.