John Kasich takes stage at AIPAC

Republican party candidate John Kasich says he has been involved with AIPAC since the 1980’s, and recalls his first trip to Israel.

Kasich says during his first trip, he spoke with Avital Sharansky, the wife of Natan Sharansky, who was at the time jailed in the Soviet Union. Kasich says upon his return to the US, he helped organize a rally in Washington demanding the release of Natan Sharansky.

Kasich stresses that he remains committed to upholding the special bond between Israel and the US. He says he will not only honor the connection between the two countries, but will work to expand ties.

The Republican party candidate says he had pushed the US to fund the Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as other military projects aimed at ensuring Israel’s safety.

Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has not turned its back on the US, unlike other allies in the region, Kasich continues.

He says that he shares Israel’s concerns about the Iranian regime and its nuclear program.