Christie and Menendez honored as ‘champions’ of Israel

‘Governor Christie and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez were honored Thursday night as “champions” of Israel at a gala hosted by Republican donor Sheldon Adelson and the World Values Network, a group of Jewish leaders founded by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach of Englewood.

Also honored were Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley and Anne Frank’s childhood friend Jacqueline Van Maarsen. With Israel under threat in a volatile Middle East, and amid mounting concerns about Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, organizers said it was vital to have U.S. leaders standing up for the Jewish state.

The New York City gala had political overtones for the Republican governor and Democratic senator, with Christie edging closer to announcing a presidential run and Menendez under fire from federal prosecutors accusing him of corruption.’

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