(Community Matters) I am a fan and supporter of Israel. I am sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians. When I was asked to join the board of the local Anti-Defamation League, I agreed with the understanding that I would also seek to join a Palestinian right’s organization. When I hear tilted rhetoric, I’m inclined to speak up and offer a more balanced perspective – for instance here.
President Obama is right to speak honestly and publicly about Israel and the need to curtail illegal settlements in occupied territories. I believe (though have not confirmed) that the majority of Israelis would concur given the comments so many made to me and Steven during our tour two summers ago. All but one I spoke with were more than willing to trade land for guaranteed peace.
As a very dear friend and Jewish leader explained earlier this year, the United States would make a better friend to Israel if it would practice a tough/honest friendship. Obviously, GWB’s unlimited support for recent Israeli practices didn’t help either the Israelis, Palestinians or Middle East peace.
Only by publicly exhibiting a fair and balanced perspective of Middle East politics can America hope to facilitate peace in the Middle East. I am not suggesting we abandon, dilute or otherwise lessen our friendship to our critical ally, Israel. Nor am I suggesting we turn a blind eye to the plight of Palestinians or their sufferings – nor condone terrorism in the name of freedom fighting or disregard human rights (/human life) in the name of defense.
Americans remain pro-Israel, yet this year’s Rasmussen poll showed we were evenly divided over the Gaza occupation. This year’s J Street poll showed that 2/3 of Amercan Jews support an independent Palestinian state and that most American Jews oppose expansion of Jewish settlements. Americans have long favored a Palestinian state, according to Zogby.
I’ve voiced my opinion before that we risk a tipping point in American progressives’ political sympathies toward Israel if we don’t take a more balanced approach in our diplomatic stances. The widening gulf between American political sympathies by party is at least as disturbing as the gulf between legislators and their constituents. I don’t believe the latter serves Israel’s long term interests – in fact, I fear it may be Israel’s biggest political risks in its friendship with the US.
Community Matters 