Israel: a democratic beacon of hope in the middle east
Binghamtonreview.com
Israel: A Democratic Beacon of Hope in By Bella Rubinton the Middle East In the first few weeks of the Trump administration, Trump has proven to stand by his protectionist, “America first” rhetoric that began on the campaign trail. However, those words, compounded with a phenomenon of ongoing bomb threats to JCCs, have led American Jews to question: What does a Trump presidency mean for Israel? Historically, US presidents from both the left and right side of the political spectrum have placed an emphasis on US-Middle East relations due to economic and diplomatic interests in the region. Republicans are known for ardently supporting Israel, while Democrats can sometime lean towards peace negotiations and a two state solution. Towards the end of his presidency, the Obama administration chose to abstain on a UN vote that condemned Israeli settlements. To many, this seemed to signal a final slap in the face as a conclusion of eight years of ‘peace talks’ that seemed to go nowhere. Trump, on the other hand, appeared to speak highly of Israel on the campaign trail. Touting his Jewish family members such as Jared Kushner, who has a friendship with Benjamin Netanyahu, he promised a new era of Israel policy. The policy that Trump promotes leans towards a one state solution and a more right-wing government. Jews in America, however, held their breath, possibly waiting to see if anti-Semitism and other hate-
“It appears that [Donald Trump] may be in support of a one-state solution. While this might anger some people on the left, a two-state solution is not currently viable. When the Palestinians routinely deny Israel its right to exist and then the media negatively spins Israel’s attempts at self-defense, a falsely anti-Israel climate is created.” ful speech and actions would emerge. Shortly after Trump took office, it did, with a vengeance. Bomb threats began being phoned into JCCs across America, including the one in Vestal. The Trump administration failed to mention Jews in a statement regarding International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In addition, it was on this very day that Trump signed his executive order, temporarily banning refugees from seven countries from entering America. Ironically, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a day where many Jews remember America’s history of turning away Jewish refugees during World War II. Many Jews see Israel as a consolation prize for all of the suffering of the Holocaust. However, there’s a joke that’s told about the creation of Israel. It goes, “On the sixth day G-d turned to the angel Gabriel and said, “Today I am going to create a land called Israel. It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty. It will have rolling hills and mountains full of goats and eagles, a beautiful, sparkling, clear ocean full of sea life and high
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cliffs overlooking white sandy beaches.” G-d continued, “And I shall make the land rich in oil to allow the inhabitants to prosper. I shall call these inhabitants ‘Jews’ and they shall be known as the most friendly people on the earth.” “But,” asked Gabriel, “don’t you think you’re being too generous to these Jews?” “Not really,” replied G-d, “just wait and see the neighbors I am going to give them.” For those who identify with more progressive politics, it seems natural to side with Palestinians, since they are the ‘oppressed’ and Israel is the ‘oppressor.’ But for other people, like me, that impression appears false. If anything, Israel is the one democratic beacon of hope in the quagmire that is the Middle East. Funding Israel and providing aid to Israel is investing in democracy and combating terrorism. Every day, citizens of the state of Israel live in fear of rockets being fired from Gaza. However, with the innovation of the Iron Dome, these rockets are stopped in mid-air. Also, by providing financial aid, America is strengthening a key strategic relationship. Just to put the situation in perspective a bit, take the example of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier that was held captive for over five years. In exchange for his freedom, the Israeli government released 1,027 prisoners. Would the Palestinian Authority act in the same way if the Israeli government captured a Palestinian? Would they actually be willing to release a substantial amount of prisoners to save one life? If you truly think that the Palestinian Authority (note that Palestine is not a state) cares that much about the lives of its people, then think again. Think of their mistreatment of their own people, especially of LGBTQ people. Even Israel, whose government is heavily influenced by Judaism, has a better record on LGBT rights. On the other hand, LGBTQ people often flee the Palestinian territories due to discrimination and lack of legal protections. It is important to note this discrepancy especially when pinkwashing, or claiming that Israel uses its positive record on LGBTQ people to cover up human rights abuses, is utilized as a common way of attacking Israel. Whether you like it or not, the Trump Era is going to usher in a new age of foreign policy with Israel. With the nomination of David Friedman, along with Trump’s comments in his joint press conference with President Netanyahu, it appears that he may be in support of a one-state solution. While this might anger some people on the left, a two-state solution is not currently viable. When the Palestinians routinely deny Israel its right to exist and then the media negatively spins Israel’s attempts at self-defense, a falsely anti-Israel climate is created. Ideally, the president and his ambassador nominee will not be a part of the perpetuation of these ‘alternative facts.’ Instead, they should aim to humanize the conflict, portray Israel more positively in the media, and advocate for a one-state, bi-national solution. As a famous Zionist, Theodor Herzl, once said, “If you will it, it is no dream.”
Vol. XXIX, Issue VIII