Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) emphasized Israel’s success as a democracy in the Middle East at an event in Emerson Hall last night, and stressed the importance of a continued relationship between Israel and the United States.

Frank—a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district since 1981 and an outspoken supporter of Israel—spoke at “The Future of The Middle East: Israel, Iran, and The War on Terror,” an event organized by Harvard Students for Israel and the Harvard College Democrats.

Frank said that Israel serves as an example of a flourishing democracy, maintaining “a superb record of standing by democratic principles,” despite continual outside threats.

Frank compared the rights of Israeli women to those in many Middle Eastern countries, arguing that women are granted a political voice in Israel because they played such significant roles in the army.

Frank then criticized the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the American military. He said that gays and lesbians serve openly in the Israeli army, and said that Israel is a safe haven for gay male Palestinians, who may fear death in their societies.

Frank also underscored the fact that Israel offers significant rights to its minorities, and has in recent years assimilated a large number of immigrants from places like Yemen and Ethiopia.

According to Dana A. Stern ’09, President of Harvard Students for Israel, Congressman Frank is the embodiment of the spirit of partnership between her group and the Harvard College Democrats.

“Congressman Frank is one of the strongest supporters and advocates of the relationship between Israel and the United States as well as one of the most prominent proponents of Democratic values in American politics today,” she wrote in an e-mailed statement.

She also stressed that “the support of a U.S.-Israel relationship is important for all Americans regardless of political affiliation, as Israel stands as the only country in the Middle East committed to democracy, freedom, and human rights.”