Obama seeks to reassure Jewish voters

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 22 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama told a Jewish audience in Florida Thursday he would maintain good relations between the United States and Israel.

Speaking at a conservative synagogue in Boca Raton, Fla., Obama answered questions about U.S.-Israeli relations and said he would not negotiate with Hamas until the organization renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel's right to exist, The Miami Herald reported.

"When I am in the White House I will bring an unshakable commitment to maintaining that bond between the (United States) and Israel,'' he told the crowd gathered at B'nai Torah Congregation.

The Illinois senator has had tepid support among the Jewish community. Obama rival Hillary Clinton was favored 2-1 among Jews in Florida's Jan. 29 primary.

If Obama becomes his party's nominee, he needs the Jewish vote, particularly in Florida where Jews account for about 5 percent of voters.

Jews view Obama two ways, said Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington. When viewed as a scholar, Obama is seen as social justice advocate and a defender of Israel, Saperstein said.

The other view, however, is tempered by the controversy surrounding his vitriolic former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, raising questions about his support for Israel.