Caught in the middle of Pennsylvania’s governor’s race, the question of Jewish loyalty to Israel presents a problem for the American Jewish Community. In America since before the American Revolution, Jews found a home in America, hundreds-of-years before Israel became a country in 1948. Yet the debate rages on about why some 71% of American Jews are registered Democrats, largely the party of immigrants or at least that’s how it was with American Jews migrating in large numbers through Ellis Island in New York Harbor, where some 12 million immigrants processed between 1892 and 1954. So, depending on how long Jews were in America, it affects political attitudes, especially toward Israel. So when former President Donald Trump asked why more American Jews don’t register Republican, it probably has to do with the long history of immigration to the United States.
In the Pennsylvania governor’s race, it features 58-year-old Doug Mastriano of Italian ancestry against 49-year-old Lt. Gov. Josh Shapiro, of Jewish background. When it comes to campaign issues, the Jewish question is irrelevant for Jewish politicians because they consider themselves Americans, like every other ethnic group immigrating to the United States. During the governor’s campaign, Mastriano and his wife, Rebecca, raised the Jewish question as it relates to Israel. “As a family, we’re so much in love Israel,” Rebecca said. “In fact, I’m going to say we probably love Israel more that a lot of Jews do. I have to say that,” making a divisive statement. Former President Donald Trump made similar statements, questioning why more American Jews don’t vote Republican when he was Israel’s best friend while in office, giving the Jewish state everything it needed during his time in office.
For American Jews, there’s a large range of mixed opinions, largely because of sympathies to Palestinians. Entire organizations like “J-Street,” are built around pursuing a two-state solution with Palestinians. Organizations like the American-Israel Public Affairs Council [AIPAC] take a hard line on Palestinians, seeking peace but not a two state solution, especially if it weakens Israeli’s National Security. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Israel became an integrated part of the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, working day-and-night to provide seamless intel on terrorism, giving the Pentagon unlimited access to Israel ports. So, when it comes to former President George W. Bush working closely with Israel, it was a matter or life-and-death after Sept. 11. Obama’s presidency did little to continue the same closeness to Israel, with Obama having more sympathies to Palestinians
Then Trump came along and essentially gave former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, soon returning to Prime Minister, a blank check to reinforce Israeli national security. American Jews have loyalty to the United States, not to Israel. Most don’t know any Israelis, nor if they do, can’t relate to them, except possibly with religious rituals because Jews practice, whether in Israel or anywhere else, with the same bible. But when it comes to issues like the economy or foreign policy, American Jews, like anyone else, want what’s best for America. “No President has done more for Israel than I have,” Trump wrote. Trump gets confused about historically liberal Jews, an integral part of the Democrat Party, and those Jews supporting Israel. Trump gave Netanyahu all the support needed to advance Israeli’s national security and seamless Pentagon activities.
Trump confuses long historic Jewish traditions in America to Israelis backing a strong Jewish state. “Somewhat surprisingly, however, our wonderful Evangelicals are far more appreciative of this than people of Jewish faith, especially those living in the U.S. Those living in Israel though are a different story—Highest approval ratings in the World, could easily be P.M! Jews have to get their act together and appreciate what they have with Israel—before it is too late!” Trump said, conflating American Jews political involvement in America with their interest in backing Israel. Jews have been part of America’s industrial revolution and the civil rights movement. Those largely Democrat Party Jews are concerned about the Constitution, equal rights under the law and freedom from discrimination. American Jews have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.
Evangelical Christians like to make pilgrimages to Israel and the West Bank to see all the holy sites where Jesus used to live and preach. Since the 1967 Six Day War, Israel has had custody of Jerusalem and the West Bank, creating a safe tourist environment for Evangelicals visiting the Holy Land. When it comes to Jews supporting Israel, there are diverse opinions, especially when it comes to Palestinians. Trump and politicians like Mastriano conflate American Jews with Zionists primarily backing Israel. American Jewish opinion runs the gamut but still sides with progressive Democrats whose open-door immigration policies are more consistent with an earlier time when the U.S. put out the welcome mat for primarily European Jews. American Jews, like any other group, aren’t necessarily embroiled in domestic or global politics, but are concerned about their own daily struggle living in the United States.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
