opinion
Responding constructively and effectively
to Israel’s new government
Martin J. Raffel
Tuna salmon / AdobeStock
T The special U.S.-Israel
relationship is based in
significant part on common
strategic interests. But it has
always been rooted more
deeply in “shared values,”
especially the commitment
to democracy. These shared
values now appear to be in
grave jeopardy.

he Israel-American Jewish relationship
is severely challenged these days by
the new Netanyahu-led government in
Jerusalem. This government includes ministers inspired
by the hateful ideology and politics of the late
Meir Kahane. It has a stated policy agenda,
which could threaten the country’s democratic
structure of checks and balances by stripping the
Israeli Supreme Court of its independence and
undermining the delicate relations between the
country’s Jewish and Arab citizens. The minister
in charge of “Jewish identity” and an important
segment of Israel’s educational system is a proud
homophobe. Also, the government plans to
disqualify for state recognition all non-Orthodox
conversions in Israel.

And, to top it off, the new government is
poised to increase Jewish settlement in the West Bank
to an extent that achievement of a negotiated two-state
outcome becomes all but impossible. Israel cannot
continue to control the lives of millions of stateless
Palestinians in perpetuity and remain a full democracy.

That is why polls show that most American Jews oppose
settlements and favor the creation of a demilitarized
Palestinian state alongside Israel.

In other words, this Israeli government is abhorrent to
a sizable majority of American Jews. So, what are we to
think and do?
First, do not walk away. It took two millennia of horrific
persecution and a 20th-century genocide until we, the
Jewish people, finally managed to reconstitute ourselves
as a sovereign nation-state in our ancient homeland. Our
commitment to Israel must be unbreakable. If anything,
this is a time to intensify our engagement with Israel.

Second, the Netanyahu government was elected fair
and square, and the wishes of Israel’s voters must be
respected. That said, do not conflate the Netanyahu
government with the state of Israel. Don’t let anyone
get away with the accusation that criticism of Israel’s
policies is anti-Israel, any more than criticism by Israelis
and other foreigners of our policies is anti-American. To
criticize from a place of love is not only your right; it’s an
obligation. Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people,
not only its citizens. That includes us.

Third, look for ways to express yourself constructively
and effectively. Get involved with those American
Jewish organizations that reflect your values. Some
criticize Israeli policies even as they work to strengthen
Israel’s security, including through active support of the
two-state outcome. Yes, it is clear this outcome won’t be
achieved anytime soon. But many steps can be taken in
the meantime to preserve conditions that, hopefully, will
make it possible in the future.

Also, directly support organizations in Israel that fight
for democracy, pluralism and human rights. You also can
have an impact as an individual. Write a personal email or
letter with your feelings about what’s happening in Israel
and send it to the Israeli consul general in New York
City, at the consulate with jurisdiction over Philadelphia.

If he receives a large number of communications, rest
assured that the message will get back to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.

Fourth, share your opinions openly and honestly with
elected officials, especially members of Congress. Let
them know that they will not be seen by most in our
community as anti-Israel if they, too, voice criticism of
Israeli policies.

Here it gets a little tricky. Some in Congress, I suspect
a very small number, may want to exact a tangible price
for Israeli government policies that conflict with U.S.

values and interests, including even reducing our military
assistance. Punishing the Israeli government for its
actions is not the way to go. It will only feed the forces of
extremism in Israel. Moreover, Israel’s very real enemies
in the region – such as Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas —
need to recognize that while we may criticize, America’s
fundamental support for Israel’s defense continues to be
rock solid.

Fifth, pay special attention to the young American
Jewish generation. Surveys consistently show that
emotional attachment to Israel is weakest among this
population. That is understandable. They are furthest
removed from the Holocaust, Israel’s birth and the epic
struggles for survival.

Young Jews are in need not only of enhanced
education about Israel; they also must be provided
with a safe environment to raise all their questions
and concerns candidly, without fear. That is especially
necessary during this period of strain in Israel-American
Jewish relations.

Sixth, recognize that there are critics of Israel who do
not come from a place of love for the Jewish state. Much
ink has been spilled on the controversy surrounding BDS
– boycott, divestment and sanctions. Do I believe some
who advocate the boycott or sanction of Israel do so in
good faith with the intent to affect its policies? I do, even
as I also think such a path is misguided.

But we need to guard against those who use BDS as
a tactic to undermine Israel’s core legitimacy as a Jewish
state. This problem is most acute on college campuses.

The special U.S.-Israel relationship is based in
significant part on common strategic interests. But it
has always been rooted more deeply in “shared values,”
especially the commitment to democracy. These shared
values now appear to be in grave jeopardy. We can hope
for the best but need to prepare for the worst. ■
Martin J. Raffel is former senior vice president of the
Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the agency’s
lead professional on Israel.

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