As an American and Israeli citizen, and as the executive director of our foundation dedicated to strengthening Israel-American Jewish bonds, I feel compelled to address the current state of these relations. Our countries share a long-standing alliance built on mutual respect and shared democratic values, which we must protect and nurture, especially in times of strain.
The recent demands by the American administration on Israel are deeply concerning. Insisting on conditions that are virtually impossible for Israel to meet inadvertently emboldens Hamas, a terrorist organization that shows no regard for human life or international norms. These demands risk rewarding Hamas, responsible for heinous acts of terror, threatening regional stability and global security.
It is essential to recognize the political context of these demands. With an election year upon us, President Joe Biden faces pressure from extreme left-leaning factions within his party, risking the alienation of his broader base, including those who value a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
The American Jewish community understands the dangers of compromising this relationship for short-term political gains. The current U.S. political climate, influenced by long-standing social trends, has pushed citizens to extremes on multiple issues, not just Israel.
We share some blame for letting Israel become a partisan issue. The safety of the American Jewish community and the Israel-U.S. relationship should not depend on one president or another. We must expand our network of allies within the U.S. political system, reaching out to anyone who values democracy, peace and human life, communicating with all parts of the administration and opposition.
2 View gallery
Pro-Palestinian rally at Columbia University
(Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Images North America / AFP)
We must be clear: rewarding entities like Hamas, Iran and its proxies, which threaten both our democracies, is dangerous and counterproductive. Such actions undermine our alliance and send a message that terror tactics can achieve political gains, a notion we must reject.
The American Jewish community’s democratic and Jewish values, emphasizing justice, equality and the sanctity of human life, are fundamentally aligned. Embracing these principles reinforces our commitment to core tenets of Judaism and ensures our heritage thrives in harmony with American citizenship.
The American Jewish community's commitment to Israel is rooted in shared values of justice, freedom and human dignity. Supporting Israel involves advocating for these values, ensuring a democratic and just society within Israel that mirrors U.S. foundational principles. Maintaining a strong connection to Israel aligns with our commitment to democracy and justice.
Shira RudermanPhoto: Itay TzavkerAs we navigate these complex times, the American Jewish community must stand united in supporting Israel. We must work with all sides of the American political system, advocate for Israel’s legitimate security concerns and counter any narrative that paints Israel as anything other than a nation defending itself.
In conclusion, the bond between the United States and Israel is more than diplomatic; it is a testament to shared values and part of our national security. Let us not allow short-term political pressures to erode this bond. Instead, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting Israel, one of the strongest allies of the U.S. and the only democracy in the region, defending its people, and working toward peace and security. By standing together, we can ensure the Israel-American Jewish relationship remains strong, vibrant and resilient.
- Shira Ruderman is the executive director of the Ruderman Family Foundation.