WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said he walked out of a speech Wednesday night to a Christian organization after some audience members booed his comments in support of Israel and the Jewish people.
At the "In Defense of Christians" gala dinner, the Texas senator said he told the gathering that those who hate Israel also hate the United States and those who hate the Jewish people also hate Christians. He said that hatred of Israel and Jews runs counter to the teachings of Christ.
That elicited boos from a small but vocal minority. Cruz insisted that Christians in the Middle East have no better friend than Israel.
"After just a few minutes, I had no choice," Cruz said. "I told them that if you will not stand with Israel, if you will not stand with the Jews, then I will not stand with you. And then I walked off the stage."
Cruz, mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2016, called anti-Semitism a "corrosive evil" that reared its ugly head at the event.
"Tonight in Washington should have been a night of unity as we came together for the inaugural event for a group that calls itself `In Defense of Christians," Cruz said. "Instead, it unfortunately deteriorated into a shameful display of bigotry and hatred."
(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Latest News:
Top Trending:
Texas Sen. Cruz Walks Out After Pro-Israel Comments Draw Boos
/ CBS Texas
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said he walked out of a speech Wednesday night to a Christian organization after some audience members booed his comments in support of Israel and the Jewish people.
At the "In Defense of Christians" gala dinner, the Texas senator said he told the gathering that those who hate Israel also hate the United States and those who hate the Jewish people also hate Christians. He said that hatred of Israel and Jews runs counter to the teachings of Christ.
That elicited boos from a small but vocal minority. Cruz insisted that Christians in the Middle East have no better friend than Israel.
"After just a few minutes, I had no choice," Cruz said. "I told them that if you will not stand with Israel, if you will not stand with the Jews, then I will not stand with you. And then I walked off the stage."
Cruz, mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2016, called anti-Semitism a "corrosive evil" that reared its ugly head at the event.
"Tonight in Washington should have been a night of unity as we came together for the inaugural event for a group that calls itself `In Defense of Christians," Cruz said. "Instead, it unfortunately deteriorated into a shameful display of bigotry and hatred."
(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Latest News:
Top Trending:
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Texas
CPAC 2026 kicks off as conservatives gather in Grapevine
280‑acre community redefining how North Texas supports its most vulnerable
Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, police say
Lawmakers want to hold Pennsylvania Turnpike toll evaders accountable
St. John's in NCAA tournament Sweet 16 tonight. Here's where to watch in and around NYC.
Car thieves targeting parking lots in downtown Chicago
Atlanta physician shares importance of colorectal cancer screenings
Howard County Executive to include $116.6 million for schools in 2027 budget request