US Vice President Biden reassures Jewish community following Trump win

"Even if a new administration were inclined to reduce a commitment, which it's not. Congress would never let it happen. The American people would never let it happen."

By TAMARA ZIEVE
US Vice President Joe Biden addresses the AIPAC 2016 Policy Conference on March 20, 2016 in Washington, DC. (photo credit: MOLLY RILEY / AFP)
US Vice President Joe Biden addresses the AIPAC 2016 Policy Conference on March 20, 2016 in Washington, DC.
(photo credit: MOLLY RILEY / AFP)
US Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday night assured the Jewish community that the country's commitment to Israel will not waver under the Trump administration.
"A number of my friends in the community are anxious about what it'll mean for America's commitment to Israel. I stand here to tell you that I have no doubt, none whatsoever, that in the Trump administration there will be no diminution of support as a consequence of this transition," Biden said.
"Even if a new administration were inclined to reduce a commitment, which it's not. Congress would never let it happen. The American people would never let it happen," he continued.
Biden was speaking at a World Jewish Congress event, during which he was presented with the annual Theodor Herzl Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who work to promote Herzl’s ideals for a safer, more tolerant world for the Jewish people. At the dinner he was introduced by former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, who together with WJC President Ronald S. Lauder presented him with the Herzl Award.
Previous recipients include Israeli President Shimon Peres, Elie and Marion Wiesel, former secretaries of state Henry A. Kissinger and George P. Shultz, and, posthumously, Ronald Reagan and Axel Springer.
“Over the course of his more than four decades in service to this country, Vice President Biden has proven that he is a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, a leader in the fight against  antisemitism, and a champion of human and civil rights for all,” Lauder said. “He has stood out over the last eight years in his devotion to ensuring that America and Israel remain close allies. When he leaves the White House in just a few months, I am confident that his commitment to both Israel and the Jewish community will remain as strong as ever.”