DANIEL GREYBER & RONALD GODBEE: Reject litmus tests and look at candidates' complete record

We serve diverse Durham congregations and in what follows, we do not speak for, or represent, those congregations. As faith leaders, we aim to model participation in America’s political process by writing publicly about our shared personal concern: an ongoing effort to silence pro-Israel voices in the progressive wing of the Democratic party.

The latest such attack occurred when the Progressive Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party (PCNCDP) revoked its endorsement of North Carolina state Sen. Valerie Foushee because she refuses to cut ties with AIPAC and the pro-Israel Americans across the country supporting her.

Never mind Sen. Foushee’s longstanding dedication to progressive policies and her “sterling reputation and years of service,” as the PCNCDP even noted in its press release.

Never mind Sen. Foushee’s proven track record of standing up for a woman’s right to choose, supporting our immigrant communities, and protecting the voting rights of all North Carolinians.

Never mind Sen. Foushee’s commitment if elected to Congress to be a champion for working families, a leader to reform our criminal justice system and tackle systemic racism, and a fighter to protect our environment and address climate change.

Never mind that Sen. Foushee has also been endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC and former Caucus Chair Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC).

None of this apparently matters, because Sen. Foushee refuses to repudiate AIPAC and the support of pro-Israel Americans across North Carolina’s 4th congressional district like us. AIPAC political donors can earmark dollars to candidates they want. We choose not to support candidates that failed to certify the election or who push the “big lie,” subverting our democracy.

At the same time, we reject litmus tests for politicians that will reduce the number of elected officials who support Israel. We are smart and sophisticated enough to do both.   We all can walk and chew gum.   As Foushee’s campaign said: “The insinuation that (Sen. Foushee) could be bought by any interest group or donor is outrageous and offensive.”

As residents of this congressional district who love Israel, we believe Progressive Caucus' recent decision was counterproductive, divisive, and weakens our ability to work together to promote progressive policies.

Sen. Foushee is a strong progressive who understands that Israel is America’s closest ally in the world’s most volatile region and who endorses a two-state solution that strives for Palestinian independence and dignity, and preserves Israel's Jewish and democratic identity.

Sen. Foushee is running against a candidate who has failed to publicly endorse a two-state solution, and who has called for a wholesale cessation of U.S. military aid to Israel negotiated by former President Obama, including defensive systems that protect millions of Israeli civilians against internationally acknowledged war crimes. Citizens should vote for the candidate they support most but Sen. Foushee is being attacked solely because of her principled support for Israel’s security.

Our response is unequivocal: We will stand with our friends, and we will not be bullied into silence.