BOSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by The Honorable Frank Lautenberg, before the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, July 28, 2004:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm here to discuss a very familiar subject, and that is: John Kerry's strong support for Israel.

I have visited Israel over 80 times. I served as the National Chairman of United Jewish Appeal. I directly know the strategic, political, and cultural bonds between the United States and Israel.

I am also very close to my Senate colleague, John Kerry, with whom I have worked for twenty years. I know John Kerry, John Kerry is a friend of mine, and John Kerry is a great friend of Israel.

When John Kerry was putting his life on the line to fight for our country in Vietnam, he learned the value of teamwork among his crewmates to fight the enemy. Now, when our nation faces the threat of terror, John Kerry is ready to lead an all-out effort to win the war. And in our fight against terrorism, John Kerry knows that one of America's most important crewmates is Israel. And when it was time to stand up for Israel in the United States Senate, John Kerry wasn't just standing there -- he was leading.

I'll tell you this: John Kerry will face up to those who try to blame Israel for the turmoil and violence in the Middle East. Israel has become the scapegoat for despots and corrupt governments in the region. It has become a pariah just for demonstrating how well a democratic society functions.

With John Kerry, Israel will have a strong voice because he will never stop reminding the world of Israel's respect for life and democracy, and its desire to make peace. And John Kerry will never sit silently in the face of hateful anti-Semitic speech at home, or abroad.

John Kerry defends Israel's right to build a security barrier to prevent terrorist attacks. He agrees that the fence is a legitimate response to the terror Israel faces. It is an effective tool against terror, it is not a matter to be litigated before the International Court of Justice, nor, for resolutions by a United Nations General Assembly, that has done nothing to address the terrorist threat Israel faces.

As president, John Kerry's commitment to a safe and secure Jewish state will be unwavering. It is a pledge he has always kept in the United States Senate -- whether through his votes on economic aid, military security, or the location of the U.S. Embassy. And it is one he will always keep as president.

John Kerry knows Israel is an indispensable friend.

That's why I stand here before you today to tell you that Israel will never have a better friend in the White House than President John Kerry.

We must do it for America and the democratic world!!

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/