Israel Must Choose Too

 

The presidential elections are today’s news. We are quickly nearing the day when Americans do what we are lucky to do every four years- weigh in on our hopes for the future. We do that by voting and choosing those who will represent us. From the national races down to the local candidates we have the choice (and obligation) to vote. It is a real mitzvah to participate in the democratic process and I hope that all Americans will take part. There is, however, another election that will occur soon- elections in Israel. While I hope that my readers are focused on going to the polls here, I want to remind you to “stay tuned” for developments in Israel.

In just a couple of weeks the election here will be over and done and political life will return to normal (whatever “normal” is.) The president elect will be making plans and announcing policies for the future. Whoever that president is he will have to address the question of Israel’s security and the turmoil in the Muslim world. Iran will not go away- a magic bullet will not suddenly appear out of nowhere to end the ongoing stalemate. That is why you need to watch the elections in Israel. It is the easiest thing in the world for American Jews and American politicians to sit here and discuss what Israel should do. It is the easiest thing in the world to assume that either the American Jewish community or the American government can decide what is best for Israel.

With the new elections Israelis will decide what is best for Israel. Do they believe in a hard line approach or are they willing to wait and pray? Only they can decide. The polls seem to indicate that at least one third of Israeli voters are behind Netanyahu. By Israeli standards that is an overwhelming mandate for him. It means that Israelis do not want to trust their future to other people no matter how well intentioned.

American Jews have a long and proud history of supporting Israel although sometimes we are divided about how to support her. Do we offer unwavering and loyal support or support that retains the right to criticize? That is a question that we always debate. What we have to do is to respect the decisions that Israel makes about her future. Maybe we don’t agree, maybe we do – in either case the message that is incumbent upon us to communicate to our fellow Americans and our leaders is a simple one. Israel exists this day because of the self-determination of her citizens. If history proves anything it proves that no one outside of Israel has earned the right to second guess the will of the Israeli people.

You will spend election night watching the coverage of our elections. Don’t forget to give the same attention to the results of Israel’s election. The future of Medinat Yisrael is riding on the vote; Israel’s very existence is the agenda.