American Jewish Committee New England Questionnaire

The murder of George Floyd is prompting a national discussion concerning our nation’s failure to fully address historic racial injustice. What is the role of Congress in defining and addressing historic injustices? What measures will you promote as a member of the United States Congress to combat racial injustice?

The murder of George Floyd put into high relief an enduring truth — racism is entrenched in our systems and traditions. At this pivotal moment, Congress must take a central role in defining and addressing historic injustices. As a member of Congress, I will champion anti-racist policy as we work towards this country’s core aspiration: equal justice and equal opportunity for all.

I’ve initiated this work here at home. As Chair of Public Safety in Newton, I led a review of Newton Police Department’s policies surrounding use of force. I also helped quarterback our independent Police Review Task Force for us to reexamine, through the lens of racial justice, what we want out of public safety, and to identify which services can be provided through other channels. 

We must demilitarize our police. After September 11th, government at all levels  increasingly flipped the idea of policing on its head. State and local police were given more military and intelligence capabilities, while troops overseas were tasked with policing foreign soil. This shift has harmed our communities, and has disproportionately affected communities of color. We must unwind this — not just by repealing and replacing the AUMF, but also by taking a hard look at police departments that are acting inappropriately through tools like consent decrees, an Obama-era reform that Trump has since abandoned. Beyond a necessary demilitarization of the police, I’ll push for an increase in research done at the national level regarding police-community interactions, and for comprehensive reviews of police through the lens of racial justice.

I know that racial justice is more than just police reform. As a city councilor, I’ve worked to increase and expand opportunity for all in Newton — to not just speak about diversity, but to take action to make Newton a more inclusive place. I’ve taken tough votes on housing, education, and the environment, and have earned the support of housing and civil rights activists in Newton because of it. I’ll bring these values of equality and opportunity for all to Congress as the next representative from the Massachusetts Fourth.

There is widespread agreement that our current immigration system is in need of reform consistent with our nation’s economic and national security interests and its historic commitment to be a haven for the vulnerable and oppressed around the world. What do you foresee as the best pathway forward for immigration reform and how would you work across the aisle to achieve these policy goals?

America’s promise is that the condition of your birth should not determine the outcome of your life. We fail that promise when we shut our doors to immigrants and refugees, and when we deprive them of the same rights and opportunities of native-born Americans. 

We can start by abolishing ICE, as it has lost its moral mandate. ICE performs some productive functions — like combatting human trafficking — but as an institution, as an agency, ICE is harmful and counterproductive.

We need to lift the cap on refugees. America must be a place that welcomes people from all corners of the world. We need visa reform, especially in Massachusetts, but everywhere in this country. We need a pathway to citizenship. But perhaps most importantly, we need to dismantle the hate-filled mindset that Trump and his administration have invoked. As a city councilor, I led the charge to pass the Welcoming City ordinance, deeming Newton a Sanctuary City. In Congress, I will serve as a steadfast and vocal advocate for America as a nation of immigrants.

To what extent should the safeguarding of human rights, including but not limited to preventing genocide and combating racism and religious persecution, inform our nation’s international relationships, trade agreements, and diplomatic conduct?

It is imperative that the safeguarding of human rights play an integral part in our global presence. One such example is China’s horrific treatment of the Uighurs — an abuse of human rights on a massive scale. The United States must do more in working with allies and partners to develop coordinated responses to global challenges.

Without a doubt, the Trump administration has turned a blind eye to, and even encouraged, autocrats and human rights abusers around the world. From China, to Turkey, to his lack of response to Jamal Khashoggi’s brutal assasination, Trump has abdicated the presidency’s moral authority. 

With proper leadership, the US can promote deterrence and disincentive structures that push back on authoritarian abuses without the risk of kinetic escalation, and, perhaps even more importantly, can use the platforms of Congress and the White House to speak out against human rights abuses around the world.

There is growing concern in the country about financial inequality and its consequences for those lower on the economic ladder.  If elected to the United States Congress, describe at least one initiative you will propose to address this concern?

The growing financial inequality in the United States is a serious problem — one that requires far more than one initiative to tackle. It’s a problem that shows itself in the economic disparity of the Massachusetts Fourth district, where economic opportunity varies widely between the North and the South. As the next representative from the Massachusetts Fourth, a green economic recovery will be a core priority of mine.

We need to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as it is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in American history. We must also increase the amount the very wealthy pay in taxes by both raising the rate on the highest tax bracket and raising the estate tax. 

An inclusive economic recovery means every family, everywhere in their district, gets back on their feet with good-paying jobs. In the short-term, I’ll focus on helping working families and small businesses, directing budget relief to state and local governments, and providing aid to underserved children. I’m already working with state and local officials, business leaders, and unions on a roadmap for creating good jobs throughout the district. In this vein, I’ve released a plan for life sciences manufacturing as an economic lifeline, and will continue to partner with state and local leaders to close the economic gap throughout the district.

Lastly, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable is critical to reducing economic inequality. In Congress, I’ll work to strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act, lower drug prices, and advance reproductive rights. Healthcare is a human right, not a job perk.

Antisemitism and violence against Jews are on the rise around the world. According to the FBI’s most recent Hate Crimes Statistics report, in 2018 anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for 57% of all religiously motivated hate crimes. Nearly one third of respondents in a recent AJC survey of American Jews reported having been afraid to wear something in public that identifies them as Jews. To address this problem, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance drafted a “Working Definition” of antisemitism, which has been adopted in dozens of countries in Europe (including Germany, France, and the UK) and endorsed by UN Secretary General Gutierrez and the US Department of State. This definition provides a means for assessing when given actions may involve bias against Jews, thereby reducing confusion and providing a basis for constructive action. Will you go on record to endorse the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism?    

I will absolutely go on record to endorse the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism. In recent years, we have seen a concerning rise in antisemitism, both implicit and explicit. As a Jew and a representative for the most Jewish Congressional district in Massachusetts, I will stand strong against any form of antisemitism. Further, I will push for increased hate crime reporting. With a serious lack of information comes an inability to properly address the issue — we must increase reporting of hate crimes in order to truly address the discrimination that the Jewish community faces.

In recent years, advocates for anti-Israel and, at times, anti-Jewish political agendas have demonstrated growing success in their effort to coopt the movement for racial justice.  For example, before and since the murder of George Floyd, some proponents of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement have circulated a false and tendentious narrative that holds Israel responsible for law enforcement tactics that brutalize people of color. These claims undermine the fight against the current manifestations of white supremacy (e.g. voter suppression, de facto segregation, over-policing, over-imprisonment and other measures that promote inequality). They also demonstrate how readily false and malicious claims about Jews and Jewish interests can take root and spread. Should you be elected to the United States Congress, how do you propose to ensure that the quest for racial justice remains strong and that those who would undermine it through false and malicious claims are marginalized?

In Congress, I’ll stand strong against every form of discrimination and hatred. Proponents of the BDS movement often traffic in anti-Semitism and sterotyping, and this must be called out for what it is. I support laws, regulatory protections, and effective institutional frameworks that protect American Jewish lives and livelihoods to at least the same standards as every other minority group when they exercise their right to pro-Israel speech in their workplace, in their communities and on their campuses. More than 90% of House Democrats properly joined in condemning BDS, without running afoul of our sacrosanct First Amendment, and I support this House resolution. Fighting hate requires both condemning Trump and his allies in Congress as well as confronting the growing BDS movement from the left. We can continue to fight for racial justice here at home and support a strong, secure Israel abroad, and this includes not conditioning military aid to Israel and to increase non-military aid to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. 

We are in the midst of another fraught moment in the ongoing struggle for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors. Hamas continues to advocate for Israel’s destruction. The Palestinian Authority has refused negotiations for more than 5 years.   And, in the absence of a credible peace process, the new Israeli coalition government has stated its desire to apply Israeli law to West Bank settlements (albeit, it appears now, within a much smaller territory than was proposed before the formation of the current government).  For decades, a two-state solution has been a pillar of American foreign policy. Do you support a two-state solution to this conflict that will provide for a Palestinian and an Israeli state? What do you believe the role of the United States should be in resolving this conflict? As a member of Congress, what policies would you advocate for to advance your view of our nation’s role?

I favor a two-state solution while recognizing that such a solution must be negotiated between the involved actors and cannot be imposed by outsiders. I also know the history — I know that Israel has offered to create a Palestinian state and those offers were, unfortunately, rejected by Palestinian leaders. The solution here must result in a viable state for the Palestinians, and security for Israelis, with mutual recognition. 

An active U.S. role in promoting a peace process and a two-state solution is vital — but effective U.S. mediation does not start with pressuring Israel with UN resolutions or conditions on military assistance. While previous administrations of both parties have worked hard to bring the involved actors together and to agreement, the Trump administration has failed to take that tack — and has even encouraged the unilateral actions of the Israeli government such as legitimizing settlement expansion. I oppose settlement expansion activities in the West Bank, which obstruct the path towards a two-state solution.

In Congress, one of my core priorities will be to reassert Congressional authority and oversight over foreign policy. Allowing unchecked executive power has not only led us to two destabilizing, wasteful wars in the Middle East, but has also begun to undermine the bipartisan consensus on Israeli security. With stronger oversight, Congress can prevent the use of Israel policy as a domestic political wedge, which is not in the long-term interest of either the US or Israel. The last four years have shown what can happen to allies and partners in the hands of an erratic president, and Congress needs to step up and manage the long-term strategic interests of the United States.

Israel is home to nearly half of the world’s Jewish population. Israel is a democratic country and its citizens are accustomed to robust debate, at home and abroad, concerning their nation’s policies and actions. Regrettably, in the United States and elsewhere, there is mounting support for movements, such as the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign, that purport to promote Palestinian rights but do so by denying Israel’s legitimacy, refusing dialogue, and advocating for Israel’s destruction. This malicious portrayal of Israel and the reality of its conflict with the Palestinians has prompted notable acts of antisemitism; especially on college campuses. It has also polarized public discourse and dimmed prospects for a negotiated solution to the conflict. If elected to Congress, what, if anything, would you say to those who deny Israel’s legitimacy and advocate for an end of the world’s only Jewish state?

While the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Movement works hard to appear benign, its objectives are clear: delegitimizing and demonizing the State of Israel. More than 90% of House Democrats properly joined in condemning this effort, without running afoul of our sacrosanct First Amendment. I support the House resolution and, in Congress, will support others like it. As a Jew and a representative for the most Jewish Congressional district in Massachusetts, I will consider it my obligation to educate those in my own party about anti-Semitic tropes that are often employed in criticism of Israel and pro-Israel Jews.

Should a new administration come to Washington, a discussion may result concerning a return to the JCPOA.  Given new evidence of Iran’s secret undeclared nuclear facilities and Iran’s: (1) refusal to allow inspection of these facilities, (2) ongoing efforts to destabilize countries across the region, (3) continuing to financing and arming of  Hezbollah and other radical actors dedicated to Israel’s destruction and (4) repeated bellicose attacks on Western values and interests, are there conditions you would want to attach, beyond those stipulated in the JCPOA, to any proposal to return to the JCPOA?

Iran must not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons. That has been U.S. policy under both parties. I publicly supported the JCPOA, and maintain that President Trump should not have abandoned it with no strategy and no commitment to forge a better agreement. As a result of his withdrawal, Iran has broken through a number of caps. There is no way to return to the deal as previously constructed — too much time has passed and we are too close to the sunsetting of key provisions. A rigorous nuclear inspection regime, extending sunset provisions, extension to ballistic missile limits, as well as full disclosure of all of Iran’s past work in this area are part of the minimum necessary to move forward.

Separate from any renegotiation of the JCPOA, the US must do more to counter Iranian proxy forces and destabilizing actions. Given the asymmetric and disavowable nature of proxy forces, it would be difficult to make meaningful progress on this issue through direct negotiation — at least at present. A combination of “deterrence and détente,” as has frequently been applied to asymmetric actors, is the right approach to Iran.

A robust Transatlantic relationship between the United States and European democracies (AJC has 5 European offices and three regional representatives) has been a pillar of US foreign policy since the end of World War II. In recent years, this relationship has suffered strains. Some contend that this historic alliance is undergoing a fundamental change. Is it important that we sustain the United States historic post-World War II partnership with Europe or is it time to rethink this relationship? If elected, what policies will you pursue to advance your views? 

The Transatlantic relationship between the United States and European democracies is fundamental to the United States’ role in the world. This relationship is rooted in both shared values and shared interests, and it is critical that we work to mend strains in this relationship and recommit to the post-WWII liberal international order. The United States must deepen trade relations with both the EU and the UK, and maintain our deterrence to Russian aggression. We must commit to coming back into compliance with the JCPOA as our European allies have urged, and renegotiate the aspects of that agreement that are already beginning to sunset. Lastly, energy security is critical to our allies who rely on Russian natural gas - reentering the Paris Climate Agreement and committing to free trade and R&D in green technology will help NATO and the EU break Russia’s gas monopoly. 

What experiences qualify you to represent the citizens living in your district? 

I’m a three-term Newton city councilor and a Marine Veteran. In the Marines, I led Americans from all walks of life in Afghanistan and Panama. Here, I learned to lead in crisis — to stay calm, and get the job done. In business, I protected small businesses from online threats and built products for a green future. As a city councilor in Newton, I’ve worked together with both friends and opponents to deliver results for my constituents. 

Six months ago, no one predicted the issues we’d be grappling with today. Six months from now, we’ll need members of Congress who have proven they can work together to get results in crisis and uncertainty. I’m running for Congress to be that representative for the Massachusetts Fourth.

What would be your top three priorities if elected?

As a city councilor in Newton, I see already the strains on local budgets from COVID-19. Without federal relief, cities and towns will be forced into cuts to essential services like education and waste management. We have already asked kids, parents, and teachers to sacrifice so much – no more. We must get federal relief to prevent education cuts.

Families are also under immense stress from the weak economy. Unemployment is above 20% in parts of the South Coast. I have already been working with state officials and business leaders on a green economic recovery. As a representative, I’ll make sure no one is left behind.

Healthcare is a human right, not a job perk, and a pandemic is precisely the time to ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all. In Congress, I’ll work to expand Obamacare, lower drug prices, and protect and expand reproductive rights.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the leading organization dedicated to Jewish advocacy at home and around the world. Through a global network comprised of 24 domestic regional offices; 12 overseas posts in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East; and 37 partnerships with international Jewish communities, AJC engages with political, religious and civic leaders to combat antisemitism and bigotry, support Israel’s quest for peace and security, and advance democratic values at home and abroad.

AJC New England recently invited all 11 Republican and Democratic declared candidates for the Congressional seat from the 4th District of Massachusetts to participate in a survey on some matters of import to our community.

AJC is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization and does not endorse or support any candidate for elected office, whether or not they responded to the survey. We offer this survey to educate the electorate about the views of the candidates for this office.