Mazi Pilip’s most recent campaign ads make a ridiculous claim that Tom Suozzi joined the far-left Squad during his time in Congress.

Nothing could be further than the truth, as Tom was one of the most moderate members of Congress, serving as the vice chair of the Problems Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group that seeks out policy solutions by reaching a middle ground (the antithesis of everything The Squad stands for).

In fact, he was one of the leading critics of The Squad in Congress, including by going on CNN immediately after Rep. Ilhan Omar’s noxious “Benjamins” comment in which she claimed it was Jewish money influencing her colleagues’ votes on Israel policy to fiercely criticize her and stand against her antisemitic remarks.

Congressman Suozzi responded by relating his own family’s story as Italian immigrants, who were once treated as disloyal Americans and reiterating that he supports Israel because it is good U.S. policy.

Congressman Suozzi was one of the strongest allies of the U.S.-Israel relationship during his time in office, co-sponsoring multiple pieces of legislation and consistently speaking out against Israel’s detractors, and traveled to Israel in a show of solidarity following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.

What supporters of Israel need now are representatives looking to build a bipartisan consensus in favor of the U.S.-Israel relationship, something that Congressman Suozzi has done and will do again if elected on Feb. 13.

Pilip’s charges reek of projection, as despite her remarkable personal story, she has failed to offer critical information during her campaign to explain to residents what type of representative she would be.

She has declined opportunities to participate in numerous debates that would allow voters to assess her policy positions, refused to say who she voted for in the 2016 and 2020 elections, or how she came to support former Rep. George Santos, despite the red flags about his background and support for the Jan. 6 rioters that he expressed during the campaign, as he defrauded our district and is the very reason this special election is even occurring.

I am supporting Tom Suozzi because of his strong, consistent and outspoken support of Israel and because he has the experience needed to deliver on the issues most important to our community.

Peter Fishkind

Great Neck