Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,
Many of you know that I live in Canada, but I am a Yankee Doodle Dandy through
and through by birth. So, when I say: I am an American Jew; I am a Jewish
American; I am a member of America’s Jewish community; I emphasize that my
national allegiance is to the United States of America and that I am a Jew.
It saddens me, but in the heat of this intensifying U.S. Presidential election,
I am all too often hearing slightly differing versions of “I’m gonna vote for
the candidate that is best for Israel.” This November’s election is not to
choose the Prime Minister of Israel, but to select the President of the United
States. Although the welfare of Israel is an issue of great importance, it is
not the unique issue facing our country. As citizens of the United States we
have greater responsibilities.
We all have specific issues and priorities that play a part in our electoral
considerations but we must never resort to purely selfish voting. When we select
for whom to pull the lever, mark the ballot or touch the screen, we must
consider carefully who is best for our nation and demonstrates the strongest
ability to lead us.
A president must take the needs of America into his heart and care deeply about
the citizens who live in our country. We need a president who takes a world view
concerning the policies of our nation, and rightly embraces our leadership role
in the world community. A well functioning world is good for everyone no matter
what their national allegiance might be. Overall however, the interests of the
United States is what must be of primary concern to our president and therefore
to us when we consider for whom we will cast our vote.
Naturally, I want to see peace in the Middle East and I support the right of
Israel to exist in a free and unthreatened state with her neighbours. It is not
the job of the United States to support one side of the issue against the other.
The ultimate responsibility for the U.S. is to be an unbiased arbiter of peace.
Our policies must bring both sides together in a mutual agreement that will
allow the region to move forward in a positive and fruitful direction; a place
where honey can flow instead of blood.
I understand the special place Jews in the Diaspora have in their hearts for
Israel. Eretz Yisroel is a symbol of survival and hope for the Jewish people who
have endured thousands of years of discrimination, slavery and bloodshed. A
large part of my life is devoted to the promotion and understanding of Jewish
culture and society or what I prefer to call Yiddishkeit. The notion that what
is good for Israel is good for America is a reverse expression of reality. I
prefer to believe that keeping America fair-minded, strong, sympathetic, and
eager to be a positive influence in the world community, is good for Israel.
Have a safe and happy August and as the old song goes, “See You in September.”
Much love to all of you,
Michael |
