4th of July Reflections of an American/Israeli

Sometimes, change happens quietly. And then there are moments—like now—when it feels like the ground is shifting beneath our feet.

It was my uncle Zev who infected me with the “political bug.” And I think he knows it. Zev faithfully served the people of Los Angeles first on the LA City Council and then on the LA County Board of Supervisors for four decades. Before entering politics, he formed the Southern California Council on Soviet Jewry, protesting the gross injustices of the Soviet government towards its Jewish citizens who wished to leave the USSR. That front-row seat and the ability to learn from one of the best politicians I ever met, formed my “political” identity as a Democrat in the United States and now a Democrat who lives in Israel.

I am both Israeli and American. These two identities are meshed into one. I am a proud Democrat. I am an even prouder Israeli. But nothing has prepared me to the feelings of anguish I carry lately, as support for Israel among younger Democrats has plummeted. According to a recent CNN poll, Democrats aged 18–49 now sympathize 57 points more with Palestinians than with Israelis. That’s not just a statistic. That’s a cry for attention I can’t ignore.

I understand this change didn’t come out of nowhere. The images coming out of Gaza are heartbreaking. Especially for those who lack the context that should accompany those images. The pain is real—on all sides. And for a generation that sees the world through the lens of justice and power, these stories shape how they understand Israel.

I’ve even heard from progressive Jews who tell me they feel torn, caught between a love for Israel and discomfort with its current trajectory. They’re not angry. They’re sad. Disappointed. Some feel like they no longer recognize a place they once felt so deeply connected to. Even if I feel that this view is misguided.

I also understand the impact of social media. TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms are filled with compelling visuals and raw emotion. But with lack of proper context, and in that vacuum, Israel has been painted with a single, harsh brush.

And let’s be honest: some of the political alliances Israel has leaned into in recent years—particularly with far-right figures in the US and Europe—have alienated many who once saw Israel as a beacon of liberal democracy.

But here’s the thing: this is not the end of the story. There’s still time to change course.

Israel is more than the conflict. It’s a place where LGBTQ+ rights are protected, where Arab and Jewish doctors save lives together, where artists, activists, and innovators work side by side to make the entire world a better place. These are the stories that speak to the values that so many young progressives hold dear. These are the stories that need to be told.

I believe in meeting people where they are—not with propaganda, but with honesty and heart. We need to acknowledge the discomfort, open real dialogue, and listen—especially to the young voices crying out for justice and nuance.

This is not about scoring political points. It’s about preserving something precious: the connection between Israel and the broader democratic community. We owe it to future generations to get this right.

So yes, the numbers are daunting. But I don’t feel despair—I sense opportunity. If we act now, with sincerity and openness, we can still turn this around. Let’s make sure Israel continues to be not only a place of refuge, but a source of pride for all who believe in its potential.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about Israel’s reputation. It’s about who we are, what we stand for, and the kind of future we want to build—together.