Oren asks American Jews for support
Speaking at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs annual plenum in Dallas on Sunday night, Israel's ambassador to the United States Michael Oren asked American Jews to support Israel, whether or not they agree with all its policies. “In spite of some of the differences that sometimes divide you and in spite of the differences you may have with our decisions, respect them, for they have been made by the majority of Israelis, through one of the world’s most resilient democracies,”
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In blunt words, he urged American Jews to support Israel while it is at a “crucial crossroads” in the peace process.
“Support us, too, if we decide the peace being offered us is not a real peace and does not warrant those sacrifices and risks,” he said. “Join us in fighting for Israel’s right to defend itself, in fighting for Israel’s right to exist.”
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During his talk Sunday, Oren referenced “long-simmering issues” between American and Israeli Jews.
“While Israelis turned toward the center and right,” he said, “American Jews gravitated in the other direction, casting 80 percent of their ballots for Barack Obama.”
But unfortunately, the days when American Jews support whatever Israeli government is in power are long gone. Much of American Jewry is detached from Israel. The Six Day War was a generation ago and the Holocaust was two generations ago. Will the American Jewish community (as a whole - not the supportive group that reads this blog) stand up for Israel if necessary? I have my doubts.
So does Michael Oren.
Israel Matzav: Oren asks American Jews for support
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