Bill Clinton Meets Jewish Leaders in Palm Beach

Former President Bill Clinton met with over hundred Jewish community leaders, rabbis, elected officials, and supporters in South Florida on Monday to discuss issues important to the Jewish community and the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

The “Jewish Americans for Hillary organizing meeting” took place at the Port of Palm Beach in Riviera Beach, Florida. Some of the leaders attending the meeting included Rabbi Mark Winer, former head of the Central Conference of American Rabbis; Nan Rich, former President of the National Council of Jewish Women, and Congresswoman Lois Frankel, according to the Hillary campaign.

“President Clinton and Hillary Clinton have always had a deep connection to the Jewish community – and Hillary Clinton has made clear that continuing to strengthen this partnership will be a top priority of her presidency,” the campaign said in a readout of the closed-press event.

Photo by Adam Schultz for Hillary for America

Hillary was originally scheduled to attend the event as well as hold a campaign rally at the Port of Palm Beach. But facing a stronger-than-expected challenge from Bernie Sanders, Hillary chose to campaign in Nevada ahead of its Caucus on Saturday.

During his remarks at the rally, the former President told the crowd of 800 that “Hillary and I have been strong supporters of the state of Israel” while also supporting Muslim-Americans.

“For decades, President Clinton and Hillary have maintained strong ties to South Florida’s Jewish community – and today’s conversation was an opportunity to build upon years of friendship and shared values,” Sarah Bard, Director of Jewish Outreach for Hillary for America, told Jewish Insider. “From lowering prescription drug costs to providing paid family leave to reaffirming our unbreakable bond with Israel, they understand deeply the issues that matter most to our community. We look forward to continuing to deepen our relationship with local Jewish communities in the months to come.”