Novick gets endorsements from activists on both sides of the Middle East divide

Steve Novick with Palestinian-American and Jewish peace activists: Novick Campaign PhotoSenate candidate Steve Novick today received simultaneous endorsements from Palestinian-American and Jewish peace activists, who cited his consistency in discussing Israel, a Palestinian state and the Middle East Peace Process.

Consistency was Novick's key here, and is especially relevant due to the fracas that surrounded Novick's primary opponent Jeff Merkley's comments on the Middle East back in April.

Last month, a number of Merkley's campaign contributors were upset by statements made by the candidate on the Arab-Israeli peace process. One of them, Hala Gores, a Palestinian American peace activist was especially disillusioned after Merkley seemingly solicited contributions from the pro-Palestinian community (and then returned Gores's) and consequently released a public statement on Middle East policy that represented what the community termed as an about-face.

"He was a hypocrite in first seeking our money and saying certain things to our community and then, in public, saying something different," Gores told the Willamette Week in April. Merkley has maintained that his position has been consistent in seeking a balanced solution.

Apparently Gores disagreed, because she and Sandy Polishuk, a Jewish peace activist, joined together to support Novick's candidacy.

"We are confident that Steve is committed, as we are, and as most Israelis and Palestinians are, to the goal of peace between Israelis and Palestinians," said Gores. "I am proud to support a Jewish Senate candidate whom I know I can count on to work to ensure that the United States is an engaged and supportive partner for peace, sensitive to the concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians."

"Steve understands that the United States does not have to choose between being 'pro-Israeli' and 'pro-Palestinian.' To play a constructive role in resolving the conflict and bringing peace and security to the region, the United States must be both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian," Polishuk added.