Jewish safety isn’t partisan: No party’s victory can substitute for that obligation - editorial
Congressional arithmetic will command attention as the election unfolds, as Israel will understandably examine what the results mean for assistance, diplomacy, and the future of the alliance.
Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers two days before the midterm elections, amid growing tensions over Israel and antisemitism. Stevens criticized Rogers' association with streamer Hasan Piker, citing concerns about antisemitism. This endorsement highlights a broader issue: how will the polarization over Israel impact Jewish life in America? Neither Jewish safety nor the ability to maintain an attachment to Israel should be contingent on party affiliation.
The discord over Israel is palpable in Michigan, but it's merely a microcosm of larger national tensions. Divisions over Israel, the impact of politically charged personalities, and the challenge of addressing prejudice without facing political backlash are all at play. Stevens' endorsement came as an outside group's advertisement featuring El-Sayed, which linked US aid to Israel with increased grocery prices, further exacerbated the dispute.
Pew Research Center's April report revealed a significant shift in attitudes toward Israel. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, 80% viewed Israel unfavorably, up from 53% in 2022. Similarly, 57% of Republicans aged under 50 held an unfavorable view of Israel. These figures indicate a generational divide, as well as a partisan one.
However, it's crucial to distinguish between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. While criticism of Israeli policy or opposition to military assistance can be expressed without hostility towards Jews, conflating these issues is problematic. It's essential to challenge antisemitism credibly, recognizing the distinction between legitimate criticism and prejudice.
Both Democratic and Republican leaders must address this boundary clearly, even when dealing with allies who hold differing views. A party committed to minority rights should extend that commitment to Jews who identify as Zionists. Disagreements over Israel should not be grounds for dismissing concerns about Jewish safety or belonging.
On the Republican side, support for Israel should not excuse antisemitic conspiracy theories or provide immunity from scrutiny. Similarly, concern for Jewish safety should not justify attacks on the religious beliefs of Muslim candidates. Protecting religious freedom safeguards the very principle that underpins Jewish security.
For Israel, fostering a durable relationship with the US requires bipartisan engagement. Jerusalem cannot afford to view Democratic estrangement as inevitable or Republican support as permanent. This necessitates engaging with lawmakers who hold differing views on Israel, maintaining relationships beyond election cycles, and addressing the concerns of younger Americans regarding the war, Palestinian rights, and Israel's future.
Effective public diplomacy requires listening to difficult questions rather than dismissing them as expressions of bad faith.
Israel must also listen to American Jews as an independent community, recognizing their needs and responsibilities. Their identities cannot be reduced to their utility in defending Israeli positions. They deserve to disagree with Israel's government without their attachment to Israel being questioned.
Ultimately, ensuring Jewish security in the United States is a responsibility of American government and institutions, irrespective of the state of the bilateral relationship. This requires reliable protection for threatened schools and synagogues, effective investigation of threats, enforcement against violence and vandalism, and university leadership that safeguards Jewish students while allowing for lawful expression.
Congressional arithmetic and the implications for Israel aid, diplomacy, and the alliance will undoubtedly be under scrutiny during the election. However, the more pressing test will be whether Jews can live, study, work, and participate openly in American life without fear. No party's victory can substitute for this fundamental obligation, and no disagreement over Israel should diminish it.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
