Blue and White Meets Red, White and Blue

Devora Greenberg
Shliha to the Conservative Movement

On the television a presidential convention was being broadcast. Blue, white and red colors were everywhere, the candidate standing on the podium was promising that as president he would bring freedom, liberty, peace and justice to all, and may god bless the United Stated of America. The crowd cheers and the candidate hugs his wife and children, they smile and wave, smile and wave.

Watching these images, I couldn’t stop thinking how different it is from the way politics are done in my home country. It seems to me that in Israel, everything is much more heated, loud, Middle Eastern. My friends tell me that the mud slinging is yet to come and that politics in the US are not as polite and clean as I think.

This month’s KOACH on Campus ezine is about American and Israeli politics and the relationship between the two countries. I must confess that I am far from an expert on American politics and regarding Israeli politics, well, I’ve spent my whole life trying to understand. (Politics in Israel are nothing short of a birthright.) Nevertheless, I do feel that as the elections are approaching, this subject is important to discus.

Eleven minutes after the proclamation of Israel's independence on 14 May 1948, the American president, Harry S. Truman extended recognition to the new state. This marked the beginning of a relationship based on common values and characterized by deep friendship and mutual respect. Both countries were designed to be vibrant democracies, whose political and legal systems were anchored in liberal traditions. Both began as pioneer societies and both are still receiving and integrating new immigrants.

Throughout the years, a special and unique relationship has developed and strengthened. It encompasses mutual economic, political, strategic and diplomatic concerns. Israel currently receives some $3 billion a year in security and economic aid.

There is no doubt in my mind that in looking at the relationship between the two countries, I can conclude that Israel perceives America as its closest ally and friend among the nations of the world. Knowing that the US will always come to its side if it is needed, by influencing decisions in the U.N or if it is through financial assistance. In turn, though Israel is a small country, America perceives it to be one of its closest allies and friends, having strategic importance as the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.

In recent weeks I have been hearing a lot of talk about American Jews voting for the next president on the basis of the single criterion "is the candidate good for Israel." As an Israeli, I admit that it feels good to see the extent to which these Jews care Israel. However, as a strong believer in democracy, I think that this criterion for voting can be one of the reasons you choose a candidate, but shouldn’t be the only one. Furthermore, in order to determine if a candidate is good for Israel you need to understand what is happening in current Israeli politics as well as American foreign policy, Frankly, I don’t think it matters who is the president when it comes to Israel. I hope that the commitment is between the countries and not only between the individuals who run them. If you disagree with me, all I ask is that you make sure your decision is based on knowledge and not just rumors.

I wish us all a fair and democratic process and peace for both our countries and all nations.

[If you would like to talk more about this subject, or, if you just have questions about getting to Israel, please contact me at shlicha@mercazusa.org -- I am more than happy to chat and help out!]

[Posted 10/14/04]