Barack Obama today will try to assuage Jewish voters who are concerned about his support for Israel.
David Naftaly, an Israel activist from Maryland, said many Jews are particularly worried about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who has made comments they view as anti-Israel.
Obama will discuss Middle East issues at a synagogue in Boca Raton, Fla., to defuse the criticism, which his campaign said ignores a consistent pro-Israel record.
The Democratic presidential candidate has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Israel’s security and has rejected the Palestinians’ demand for the right of return.
Rep. Robert Wexler, a Florida Democrat and one of the Illinois senator’s strongest Jewish supporters, said Obama would talk about his staunch support for Israel and outline his commitment to thwarting Iran’s quest for a nuclear weapon.
Obama has an “A-plus record” on Israel, Wexler said.
“This is going to be a big boost.”
