Frank: Mark, we have all been asked many times in our lives whether our glass was half full or half empty, to ascertain if we were optimistic or pessimistic about a certain situation. Recently I have been asked that question as it relates to the outcome of the presidential election, and I responded that I felt as if my glass was half full and that even though my candidate did not win, I was not going to let that fact change my love for America and that I remain optimistic about certain important political issues such as the safety and survival of Israel and the American Jewish people. My question to you is this: with the recent elections now over, is your glass half full or half empty?
Mark: Frank, what you are describing is more about your general outlook on life than on the outcome of any election, including this one. To be a Jew is to know that we have lived in numerous places and under countless forms of governments and rules of law, some more favorable to our people, some less so. This country, with the freedoms and protections it has afforded us, is unsurpassed in the history of our people. Given the opportunity to succeed and to achieve, America has been the Golden Land, both for our ancestors, and most certainly for us as well.
Many are troubled, uncertain, and fearful given the outcome of the election; many are less so. As Jews, the way we traverse through uncertain times is by the determination to celebrate the joys and blessings that are ours to enjoy every day. The cup of life, as viewed through this lens, is abundant and overflowing.
The American people wanted change: not all, to be sure, but many. For some, the political pendulum swung too far to the left. For others, it now may sway more towards the right. But so far, in a test of 248 years, the pendulum of American democracy always redirects itself towards the center. I trust that it will continue to move in much the same way, even now.
So, Frank, to put it bluntly, do you believe Trump will be good for the Jewish people, and for the State of Israel?
Frank: If I were a one issue voter, and the safety and support of Israel was my one and only issue, I would have voted for Trump. In that regard, I feel that Israel will have the kind of backing and support it needs to survive the ever-occurring desire for its neighbors to destroy it. That feeling does help me feel more positive about Donald Trump’s victory. I am aware, as you state, that the pendulum of politics, despite often swinging to the far left or far right, most often does return to the middle where most Americans live. Part of my ever-present optimism is that fact and I look forward to the pendulum once again returning more to the middle. In the meanwhile, because I love this country, I plan to remain hopeful that the United States Constitution written in 1787 by our founding fathers will remain unblemished and viable despite what appears to be apparent future headwinds.
Our country is now divided in a way that we have not seen since the days of the Vietnam war, and I plan to do what I can to help in bringing people together. Despite our many differences, we need to listen to each other more intently and in doing so, let those with whom we disagree know that we are listening and willing to have a civil discourse. Others, and especially Jews should model this and in so doing lead the way. We, of all people, who have been “otherized” for millennia, need to stop disparaging the “other” and go back to the basics of loving our neighbors, especially with whom we disagree politically. Let us find common ground and work together to help the pendulum move to the center.
I agree with you that America has been history’s best friend of the Jewish people ever since President George Washington wrote to the Jews in Newport, Rhode Island in 1790: “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there be none to make him afraid.” Despite the rising incidents of Jew hatred, I remain optimistic that American will continue to be the place where our people, “shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree.”
Mark, does my half full glass analogy, which is based on a long history of America’s acceptance of the Jewish people and Israel’s well-being and survival resonate with you?
Mark: I also chose not to vote for Donald Trump. However, as based on his past presidential record, I believe he will be a strong and resolute supporter of the State of Israel. And a strong Israel is of ultimate and essential importance to both American Jews and the worldwide Jewish community.
Frank, as you know, the Israeli people overwhelmingly supported the choice of Donald Trump in this year’s presidential election. They based their support on the evidence of his first administration:
- They remember his decision to move the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Many previous presidential candidates made the promise to do so; he was the only one who finally had the boldness and determination to do so.
2) They recall his decision to end the questionable nuclear arms agreement with Iran crafted by the Obama administration.
3) They saw merit in his decision to close the diplomatic offices of the Palestinian Authority in Washington, D.C.
4) They felt supported by his determination to cut off funding to corrupt Palestinian entities.
5) They rejoiced in the successful completion of the Abraham Accords, forging new peace treaties with several Arab nations.
6) They celebrated his official recognition of the annexation of the Golan Heights
And now, though I know some will disagree, he has coalesced the support of the evangelical Christian community by the selection of Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel along with the proposed Ambassador of the United Nations, Elise Stefanik, and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, all of whom are ardent supporters of the State of Israel
So, Frank, to answer your question, while I remain skeptical of numerous Trump’s actions and outbursts, I believe he will be good for Israel. And what is good for Israel is also good for the Jews, especially here in America. For that, I remain hopeful and optimistic and for that, all our cups, not just yours and mine, should be half full.
Rabbi Mark Schiftan can be reached at mschiftan@aol.com
Dr. Frank Boehm can be reached at frank.boehm@vumc.org
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