Koch May Take Israel Message to National Stage

By Forward Staff September 16, 2011

Ex-New York Mayor Ed Koch says he may take his critique of President Obama’s Israel policy to a national stage.

Flush from helping Republican Ed Turner score an upset in Anthony Weiner’s old district, Koch says he wants to keep a fire under the White House about Israel.

“I’m hopeful the president will read the tea leaves, will get the message. You’d have to be deaf not to,” he told The New York Times, adding, “I’m hopeful that he will change his position.”

Koch, 82. told the paper he might rally Jewish voters in Florida, a key swing state.

“I might,” Mr. Koch said. “In fact, if it doesn’t work out that the president changes his position, I certainly will.”

Koch is unhappy at Obama’s perceived soft support of Israel. That message could resonate with Jewish voters, especially as the Palestinians make their bid for statehood at the United Nations.

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