There is too much at stake to passively support Israel from the sidelines. Congress is replete with 'yes' votes - what it needs is more leaders.

Julie will be a vocal advocate for the U.S. defense of Israel, and Israel's fundamental right to defend itself. As Congresswoman, Julie will work across party lines to strengthen sanctions wherever possible.

For more than a decade, Julie has been a proud member of the Jewish delegation in Springfield. In Congress, she will be an outspoken member of the Democratic Israel Working Group.

The Iranian Threat - Tougher Sanctions Now
The United States must take immediate action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has pledged Israel's destruction and is actively pursuing the means to make good on this threat, which would be the most destabilizing factor in the Middle East, and present a direct threat to Israel as well as the United States and Europe.
 
Iran is a leading state-sponsor of terrorism, and its possession of weapons of mass destruction would help its Hizballah and Hamas allies attack Israel, as well as U.S. troops throughout the region.
 
Enacting crippling economic sanctions on Iran will inhibit their ability to create nuclear weapons. As State Representative, Julie helped lead the effort to divest Illinois’ pension holdings from Iran, which has sapped roughly $133 million from Tehran’s coffers. She strongly supports a bill currently being considered by Congress, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which would limit Iran's ability to import refined petroleum, forcing a shift in their cost-benefit analysis.
 
The Two-State Solution and a Commitment to Israel’s Security
While in Israel in 2008, Julie saw first hand Israel’s desire for a two-state solution. She fully supports the vision of a safe and secure Israel living in peace alongside an independent Palestinian state. Israel has long sought this goal and has made difficult sacrifices in its pursuit. The 2005 disengagement from Gaza is a prime example of that effort.
 
However, Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip was met with continued violence, not peace – 8,000 rockets have since landed on Israeli towns and homes.  American foreign policy must support the two-state pursuit, but its achievement rests on three fundamentals:
 
1. A clear rejection of terrorism by Palestinian leaders
2. A Palestinian commitment to past agreements made to Israel
3. Recognition of Israel's right to exist as a sovereign Jewish state
 
Israel should not be forced to weaken its position before a real and responsible partner for peace emerges on the other side.
 
Supporting Foreign Aid and Maintaining Israel’s Qualitative Edge
Israel faces a myriad of security challenges. As Congresswoman, Julie Hamos will support and advocate for foreign aid to Israel. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is joined by the military build-up of Hamas in Gaza, Hizballah’s rearmament and militarization of Southern Lebanon, and Syria’s provision of weaponry and political sanctuary to terrorist groups bent on Israel’s destruction. Aid to Israel ensures its continued qualitative military edge over its adversaries and is a demonstrable symbol of our commitment to its security and the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship.