The Democrats and Israel
Regarding Ron Klein’s attempt to mollify Israelis with his “Democrats remain in the pro-Israel camp, despite Pew Poll” (Comment & Features, February 4), it’s no secret that the Democratic Party took a sharp turn left during the Obama days, and continues to do so at an alarming rate. The chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America can try his best at pulling apart the question on the poll, but there is no denying that the inclusion of the likes of Keith Ellison among the party leadership doesn’t bode well for Israel.
More importantly, the Democratic Party is still hell-bent on the continuation of former president Barack Obama’s policies, such as support for the Iran deal. It was the Democrat Obama who refused to veto one of the strongest anti-settlement resolutions in the UN Security Council, allowing it to pass days before his departure in an appalling act of abandonment of Israel.
Mr. Klein also claims that anti-Israel sentiment does not come from the Democratic Party, but from the likes of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, “who is not even a Democrat.” That statement would be hilarious if not frightening, considering the recently leaked photo of a smiling Obama, then a senator, standing side by side with Farrakhan.
Save us the whitewash, please. Instead, admit that the Democratic Party needs a serious overhaul and then get to work! MEIRA OVED Modi’in
Israeli chauvinism, which equates the American political system with that of Israel, has led Israeli talking heads to call out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his alliance with US President Donald Trump, believing it will alienate Democrats who are sure to return to power – someday (“Gabbay: PM mishandling relationship with US,” January 31).
Indeed, Israel is losing support among Democrats. But taking a more laid-back role with President Trump will not only alienate the most pro-Israel president we’ve seen in decades, it will do nothing to improve Israel’s relations with the Democratic Party. What might help is a more laidback attitude toward settlements, rights for Palestinians and the two-state solution – all of which more closely reflect the Democratic agenda. If you want to champion these positions, fine, but say so – and don’t blame Netanyahu for turning off American Democrats just because he favors Trump.
Youth, especially Democratic youth, are abandoning the progressive, technologically savvy success story we call Israel because it does not align with their value system, which is to champion the underdog. I suggest that achieving Democratic support means not abandoning President Trump, but creating a hasbara (public diplomacy) package that young democratic minds can accept.
The problem is Israel’s inability to forge alliances with Diaspora Jews of all stripes, to attract youth of all faiths, and to make our cause – the world needs us – their cause. BARBARA PFEFFER BILLAUER Netanya