The images of the brutal terror attack from Israel are beyond belief. Civilians were ripped from cars; women raped and beaten brutally marched through the streets of Gaza to jeering crowds; children and youth murdered in mass at a concert has no place in our world. Please make no mistake: this is not the action of religious disagreements. Hamas and their fighters are not soldiers; they are not enemy combatants they are murderers and terrorists. The Quran says explicitly that Women and Children are not to be abused and harmed in war. But Hamas is a political terror group that controls Gaza and is supported by terror regimes in Iran, Russia, and China. The victims are innocent people, including those residing in Gaza and being held captive by Hamas. With the recent rise in antisemitism in the United States and beyond, I would like to point out how vital the Israeli-United States relationship is and how it has benefited all of us here in the US. I would also like to answer some of the questions I have received over the last two days. Please keep sending me your questions and comments, and I will try to respond appropriately. Many of you asked why now, how did Mossad and the CIA not see this coming? At this point, I cannot address the failures and have no information that I can share, so let’s start with the most obvious question: Why should the US support Israel’s response to unthinkable terror?
The recent horrific terror attack underscores a pivotal and longstanding truth: the United States has a moral, strategic, and historical imperative to support Israel.
1. Shared Democratic Values: The U.S. and Israel are both democracies grounded in the rule of law, freedom of expression, and human rights. Israel stands as a beacon of democratic principles in a region where autocracies and dictatorships often dominate. By supporting Israel, the U.S. is championing democratic values and reinforcing a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared ideals.
2. Strategic Partnership: Israel is the U.S.’s most steadfast ally in the Middle East. With its advanced military capabilities, intelligence apparatus, and regional understanding, Israel has repeatedly provided the U.S. with critical insights and cooperation on issues ranging from counterterrorism to cyber defense. Supporting Israel enhances America’s security and broadens its strategic reach in a tumultuous region.
3. Historical Commitment: Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the U.S. was the first nation to recognize the Jewish State and has stood by its side ever since. This historical bond has weathered countless crises and challenges. To abandon Israel, especially in the wake of a devastating terror attack, would be a betrayal of a partnership that has endured for decades.
4. Moral Duty in the Face of Terror: The recent attack is a heart-wrenching reminder of the threats Israel faces daily. Civilian targets, innocent lives, and the very fabric of Israeli society are under siege. The U.S., having experienced its own share of terror attacks, understands the trauma and pain of such incidents. Standing with Israel now is a testament to the bond between the two nations and a powerful message against terrorism and extremism.
My Personal Reflection on Jewish Values and Contributions
My Personal Reflection on Jewish Values and the Contributions to the United States: Why the US Should Deepen its Support for Israel
The heartrending images from the recent terror attack in Israel brought a flood of emotions. As I sat, shaken, it brought back memories of my story in the region, those of my grandparents shared – stories of resilience, hope, and an unyielding spirit of America. The narrative of the Jewish community is intertwined with that of the United States. From that viewpoint, it’s clear that the support for Israel transcends politics; it’s about shared values, historical bonds, and the myriad contributions Jews have made to the fabric of America.
Shared Values: Jewish values emphasize community (kehilla), repairing the world (tikkun olam), and justice (tzedek). These principles are mirrored in American ideals, and our founding fathers based the US Constitution on the Torah. Despite its young age, Israel has consistently shown resilience in the face of adversity, an unwavering belief in democracy, and a commitment to creating a just society for all its citizens. By standing with Israel, especially in such trying times, America supports an ally and upholds these mutual values.
Historical Bonds: The bond between Jews and America is storied and profound. From the time of the Founding Fathers, who drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible to the waves of Jewish immigrants who saw America as a haven from persecution, the tales of these two entities are intertwined. Supporting Israel is a nod to this shared history, a recognition of past struggles, and a commitment to ensuring a secure future for the Jewish state.
Jewish Contributions to America: It’s impossible to reflect on America without acknowledging the indelible contributions of its Jewish community. In every sphere, from arts to sciences, from business to social activism, Jewish Americans have enriched the nation.
- Arts and Literature: From the melodies of George Gershwin to the literary genius of Saul Bellow and Philip Roth, Jewish creativity has enriched America’s cultural landscape.
- Sciences: The likes of Albert Michelson, the first American to win a Nobel Prize in Physics, and Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, symbolize the Jewish community’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
- Business and Innovation: The entrepreneurial spirit of Jewish Americans is legendary. Companies like Levi Strauss & Co. and innovations stemming from minds like that of Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, underscore the community’s business acumen and forward-thinking.
- Social Activism: The Jewish ethos of justice and community service has been evident in America’s social movements. From the early 20th-century labor rights movements to the Civil Rights Movement, where figures like Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the imprint of Jewish values is undeniable.
The recent terror attack in Israel is a poignant reminder that the safety and security of the Jewish state and its people are often perilous. The number of civilians killed in the past 72 hours is the greatest slaughter of Jews at one time since the Holocaust. In terms we can understand in America, it is the equivalence of our 9/11, except that Israeli losses are the equivalent of over 28,982 Americans. And that number will only rise. Israel faces existential threats, and the trauma of such incidents reverberates across the global Jewish community. The United States, with its own historical struggles and triumphs, should recognize this and stand unwaveringly with Israel. The US Congress will take up a bipartisian resolution of support of Israel and condemnation of Hamas today (10/10/2023).
In essence, supporting Israel is personal. It’s an acknowledgment of the shared journey of the Jewish People and Americans. It’s a recognition of a community’s sacrifices, contributions, and unwavering spirit that has given so much to America. At this crucial juncture, let us reaffirm our commitment to Israel, cherishing the bonds of the past and looking forward to a shared, secure future.
In conclusion, the recent terror attack on Israel amplifies the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its support. At a time when the world can seem fraught with divisions, the U.S.-Israel alliance showcases the strength of shared values, strategic interests, and historical commitments. The U.S. should stand unwaveringly with Israel, not just in the aftermath of terror but always.
While prayers and thoughts are very meaningful, I have included two links if you choose to donate to Israel. Both links are fully tax deductible and support the humanitarian needs of families disrupted by this conflict, medical supplies, and the families of deployed and fallen soldiers.
JNF-USA Israel Resilience Campaign www.jnf.org
Friends of the Israel Defense Fund www.fidf.org