Where is the liberal Zionist's place at the US Democratic victory party? - opinion

As the Democratic Party secured a sweeping victory in the midterm elections, a sense of emotional conflict pervaded the Jewish community. Liberal Zionists, who have traditionally aligned with Democratic values, found themselves in a quandary. On one hand, they rejoiced at the prospect of a Democratic-led Congress, which historically championed civil rights, reproductive freedom, and immigrant rights.

On the other hand, many liberal Zionists held reservations about certain Democratic nominees, particularly those who expressed doubts about Israel's continued existence as a Jewish state.

One prominent example was Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim candidate elected to the Senate in Michigan. While El-Sayed's Muslim faith was not the issue at hand, his stances on Israel and American-Israeli relations were a point of concern. El-Sayed's refusal to affirm Israel's continued existence as a Jewish state, coupled with his remark "hurt people hurt people" following a terrorist attack on a synagogue, raised questions about his commitment to Israel.

Such sentiments were not isolated, as at least five members of the Democratic Socialists of America, all advocating for an end to military assistance to Israel, secured seats in the House. Long-standing supporters of Israel in Congress also faced defeat.

This shift in political sentiment towards Israel was not solely attributed to Israel's own policies and rhetoric. The American Jewish establishment's conflation of support for Israel with support for its government's policies, as well as the Republican Party's decision to end nearly $4 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, further fueled this change. President Donald Trump's announcement and Vice President JD Vance's subsequent comments highlighted the Republican Party's desire to distance itself from Israel.

The result was a feeling of political homelessness among American Jews, who struggle to reconcile their commitment to Jewish identity with their loyalty to the American project. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, a 20th-century Orthodox theologian, offered a guiding principle in the ancient formulation "ger v toshav" - a stranger and a resident.

This concept encapsulates the dilemma faced by Jews living in non-Jewish societies. They are both part of the society they inhabit and distinct from it at the same time. Just as Abraham, who sought to purchase a burial plot for his late wife Sarah, understood his role as both a resident and a stranger, modern American Jews must navigate their dual identity without compromising either.

While there is no easy resolution to this quandary, the Torah's guidance suggests three principles for navigating it. First, one must resist the temptation to surrender either side of their identity. The pursuit of sacred knowledge should not lead to the abandonment of parochial commitments or the relinquishing of civic responsibilities.

Instead, Jews must strive to walk "ba-emtza" - in the middle - and find a balance between their religious and civic duties. Second, Jews should not abandon their civic responsibilities out of discomfort or fear of political rejection. Finally, it is essential for American Jews to recognize their historical precedent and the lessons set by figures like Abraham, Moses Mendelssohn, and Soloveitchik.

By understanding that Jews have navigated similar dilemmas throughout history, they can find the strength to remain faithful to their Jewish commitments while still participating fully in the American project.