[Peace-discuss] More on Americans' view of Israel

[LAURIE SOLOMON]

In all fairness, it might not be anti-Semitism (old or new) at all but just
plain old American Jingoism where we cannot be or do evil only others can. J
We have God on our side; our enemies either do not or are godless.

 

From: peace-discuss-bounces at lists.chambana.net
[mailto:peace-discuss-bounces at lists.chambana.net] On Behalf Of David Green
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 9:05 AM
To: Peace Discuss
Subject: [Peace-discuss] More on Americans' view of Israel

 

It's interesting, if true, that "most Americans see Israel as a dark and
militaristic place." I have mixed feelings about that. While they're on to
something, why don't they see America as a "dark and militaristic place."
There may actually be a little good old-fashioned anti-Semitism going on
here, for a change.

 

DG

 

 

Hoenlein: Obama's spirit of change could harm Israel

By Anshel Pfeffer
Ha'aretz
2/13/08

The head of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish
Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein, expressed concern yesterday regarding the
atmosphere that has surrounded Democratic Senator Barack Obama's campaign
for president, while making it clear he has no problem with Obama himself. 

"All the talk about change, but without defining what that change should be,
is an opening for all kind of mischief," Hoenlein said at a press conference
in Jerusalem. Obama has made change a central theme in his campaign. 

Hoenlein is in Jerusalem for the annual leadership mission of the Conference
of Presidents, which will take place this week in Georgia and next week in
Israel. 

Hoenlein was careful to stress, "It's not the candidates themselves we are
concerned about," pointing out that Obama, like the other major candidates,
has signed on to found a national committee to celebrate Israel's 60th
anniversary in the U.S. 

"Of course Obama has plenty of Jewish supporters and there are many Jews
around him," Hoenlein said. "But there is a legitimate concern over the
zeitgeist around the campaign." 

He also cited the fact that Obama has criticized his rival, Democratic
candidate Senator Hillary Clinton, for her vote in favor of including the
Iranian Republican Guards in the list of terror organizations. 

The U.S. Jewish leader warned the American presidential campaign could
signal a shift toward declining U.S. support for Israel. 

"Support for Israel is at an all-time high, [but] our polling suggests that
as broad as the support is, it is also thin, and most Americans see Israel
as a dark and militaristic place," he said. 

He termed the current election season "transitional" and said that it "could
bring about a shift in the political life." 

Hoenlein said that Israel's supporters should be worried by "the heightening
of the bar and the greater tolerance of anti-Israel statements that wouldn't
have been allowed in the past." 

He singled out the book by Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer on the Israel
lobby, which "has become a bestseller and a college textbook," and said that
there "is a steady poisoning of the elites, mainly on campuses, that could
trickle down." 

He also mentioned Republican candidate Ron Paul, saying "he is openly
anti-Israel and managed to raise $15 million in two days and is the second
preferred candidate of many young voters - that is very worrying." Hoenlein
said that the fact that little space in the candidates' debates had been
devoted to foreign policy and the Iranian issue was also a source of worry.

  

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