NORPAC to Host Cruz Fundraiser on Eve of NY Primary

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is expected to spend the eve of the New York primary at a high-dollar fundraiser hosted by NORPAC in Manhattan.

The NYC fundraiser is hosted by the group’s president Dr. Ben Chouake, Elliott Lauer, Ben Heller, Batya Klein, and Steve Lonegan among others, according to an invitation obtained by Jewish Insider.

NORPAC is a non-partisan political action committee whose primary purpose is to support candidates and sitting members of the Senate and House of Representatives who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the strength, security, and survival of Israel. however, in February, Chouake announced his endorsement of Cruz. “Since entering the Senate, Ted Cruz has made support of US-Israel relations a priority,”he said in a statement. “He has used the legislative powers of his office to advance the relationship, and his bully pulpit to add a moral voice for America’s most important ally in the Middle East. It is evident that Senator Cruz’ support for Israel is heartfelt and effective.”

Chouake later joined Cruz’s Jewish Leadership team.

On Thursday, after touring a matzah bakery in Brooklyn, Cruz told Jewish Insider that he hopes to see the Jewish community pay him back for his steadfast support of Israel by voting for him in the remaining primary contests. “We are fortunate to enjoy tremendous support in the Jewish community here in New York and across the country,” Cruz said. “I think that’s the result of having built a long record – fighting to strengthen our relationship with the nation of Israel and fighting to defend religious liberty.” Asked if he expects to see his steadfast support of Israel pay off with votes in the April 19 primary, Cruz said, “I certainly hope so. It the right thing to do so, regardless, but I would be grateful if it also earned the support of many people in New York and elsewhere.”

The Cruz campaign announced on Friday that it had raised more than $12.5 million in the month of March, making it the highest amount raised in one month during the entirety of the campaign.