American Jews have historically supported the Democratic Party. Even as the years have passed and Orthodox Jews have come to support the Republican Party, the majority of millions of American Jews remain Democratic, even those who did not have good relations with Israel. I voted for the candidate.
Joe Biden has been very supportive of the terrorist-hit Jewish state since he was elected president, especially in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 massacre — in a classic American way. It reminded me a lot — of the endless support it has enjoyed from American Jews. Zionism.
But last week, something finally happened. American Jews publicly criticized Biden for the first time since the election. It was a way he had never criticized a Democratic president before.
Biden’s decision to end ammunition aid to Israel marked a turning point in the historic relationship between American Jews and the Democratic Party. This policy shift, articulated in a recent CNN interview in which Biden defended his position, is more than just a logistical readjustment, it represents a potential redefinition of the American political landscape, particularly the American Jewish community. This is a dramatic turning point.
American Jews have traditionally been ardent supporters of the Democratic Party, leveraging their influence through advocacy, voting, and large political donations. This group has played an important role in shaping domestic policy and US foreign policy attitudes, particularly in the Middle East. But Biden’s decision to withhold critical military aid has sparked unprecedented criticism from this important constituency and suggests a historic realignment may be underway.
The criticism from major Jewish organizations across the United States has been loud and widespread. Many of these organizations have historically been nonpartisan or supported Democratic policies, but they are now openly challenging Biden’s leadership and are concerned that this decision could weaken Israel’s defenses. It warns that it will not only embolden the world, but also embolden adversaries such as Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Jewish groups criticize Biden
A chorus of prominent American Jewish organizations have expressed their dismay and concern, each adding their own perspective to the unfolding drama. The Jewish Federations of North America said: “This move emboldens Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups in the region, encourages their delaying tactics, and puts hostages at risk by weakening Israel’s negotiating hand at a critical juncture.” “It will happen,” he said, expressing caution.
Similarly, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said, “withholding security assistance and assistance from Israel sends a dangerous message to Iran and all of its regional proxies and undermines allies’ confidence in U.S. commitments.” It is damaging,” he said.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) made the following clear criticism: “With Hamas still holding Americans hostage, Biden’s decision weakens Israel at the negotiating table, is a gift to Iran and its terrorist proxies, and sends a terrifying message.” to allies. ”
More conservatively, the Republican Jewish Federation called the decision “an unprecedented, shameful, and despicable betrayal of a key ally and critical security partner at the worst possible time.” denounced.
Even organizations typically more moderate or supportive of Democratic policies expressed concerns. “This move weakens America’s allies while emboldening Hezbollah and Iran, which specialize in virulent anti-Semitism and rabid anti-Zionism,” the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said.
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee and former Democratic congressman, emphasized the dangers to both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, saying, “The United States is committed to protecting these civilians. We must continue to cooperate with Israel.”
Each of these statements underscores the degree of betrayal felt by these organizations, suggests that their long-standing allegiance to the Democratic Party may be recalibrated, and that their long-standing allegiance to the Democratic Party may be recalibrated, as well as the extent of the betrayal these organizations feel in their political and international advocacy efforts. It marks an important and historic change.
This critical juncture could undermine the long-standing alliance between American Jews and the Democratic Party. That doesn’t necessarily mean a direct shift in allegiance to the Republican Party or support for someone like Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election, but there is clear distance in political and financial support. are doing. This cooling in relations signals a significant and perhaps irreversible change in political dynamics.
Moreover, this policy shift comes at a time when its symbols could not be more poignant. Recalling Biden’s visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center in Jerusalem in 2022, when he reiterated the sacred nature of U.S. support for Israel, it stands in stark contrast to the current policy stance.
This dichotomy between past guarantees and current actions not only deepened the sense of betrayal, but also raised serious questions about the credibility and consistency of US foreign policy.
The impact of this change is profound and multifaceted. At the domestic level, it could influence future political behavior in one of the most politically active communities in the United States. Internationally, it could recalibrate America’s alliances and strategic posture in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The Biden administration thus stands at a historic crossroads, facing important decisions that could either strengthen or significantly weaken America’s position on the domestic and international stage.
