Inches to Metric: The Art of Debate

I grew up in an era where the Jewish community was completely tied to the Democratic party. Mom was a Socialist Democrat, Dad was too. Many in the Jewish community considered becoming a Republican an act of betrayal/conversion.

Becoming a Labor Zionist/Socialist Democrat.

Dad’s parents fled Pinsk, Belarus at the beginning of the 20th century, (30 years pre-Holocaust), because of antisemitism. They arrived at Ellis Island, NY grateful to be welcomed in the US. They settled in Chicago and formed the Pinsker Society,  proudly referring to themselves as Labor Zionists. My Zayde (grandfather) was deeply influenced by the movement, which started in Eastern Europe. It’s mission, build Israel and encourage Aliyah (moving to Israel).

My parents were born in the late 1920s. They were teens when they heard/read about the slaughter of Jews (Holocaust) in Europe. They did whatever they could.

Mom was granted a six month residential scholarship to join a Jewish leadership conference in New York. She hitchhiked there from Chicago. The conference culminated in a convention where she was selected to speak and was seated on the dais with Golda Meir (who came on a speaking tour). Afterwards Golda walked over kissed Mom on the cheek and called her a Bat-Zion (daughter of Zion). Mom was still in NY on November 29, 1947 the day before her 18th birthday when Israel was given the right of self determination by the UN. She went to Times Square and circle danced (horah) all night celebrating.

World Jewry sprung into action creating Israeli support groups. One was called Habonim (builder). Dad helped create a Habonim Chicago chapter. He and some buddies helped smuggle arms to Israel, others volunteered in the Israeli army. He  had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, became curious about deepening his Jewish knowledge and studied at a Yeshivah (Jewish house of study).

When Mom returned from the conference, she joined Habonim where she met Dad. Both of my folks were born in the US. Not everyone in their group was as lucky. Some narrowly escaped Europe, some spent time in labor camps. All were highly intellectual, pursued advanced degrees and became professionals. They supported Israel while deepening their ties to the Democratic party, which gave our tiny group of persecuted People a voice.

Many attended University of Chicago, including my Dad. While studying at the U of C, he became smitten by Milton Friedman, an intellectual powerhouse of the School of Economics who wrote the book There’s No Such Thing As a Free Lunch. He became enamored with a miniscule but growing elite group of Jewish conservative thinkers. One in particular was Norman Podhoretz who created the esteemed magazine Commentary. His son John carries on the legacy in magazine and podcast format  Commentary Magazine Podcast. Dad was among the first subscribers. He became “radicalized”. He became a Republican.

How does one household survive with vastly differing views?

I grew accustomed to lively debates at our dinner table. They could last hours, or so it seemed. Discussions included both parties perspectives, merits and shortcoming. They loved teasing each other. It was fun! My folks held onto their unique political identities their entire lives.

Dad treated debate as sport.

Dad’s focus in life was America, the blessings that accompanied our incredible freedoms and Israel. My father was incredibly good looking, charming, well dressed, well read and a provocateur. He loved tennis and the relished the energy he gained by lobbing the ball back and forth, it carried over into his debates. My father loved being a lone wolf, raising eyebrows and engaging his friends during lively debates.

I recall fondly my father supporting Ronald Reagan. He debated his merits. It created quite a stir among his group. He died shortly after Reagan was elected president. It gave my father tremendous joy to know he helped elect him.

These are desperate times. We need to realize what we are fighting for. I might lose a few readers. Please hear me out.

I consider myself an open minded person who sees beyond titles and political parties. I have voted split ticket many times. I’m writing in an era where an opinion is either welcomed or censored.

I wrote a column called The Oxygen Mask prior to the last presidential election, asking people to consider being a one issue voter. At the time the encampments were in full swing, the slogans were “Globalize the Intifada”, destroy Israel, and America. Meaning all non believers were vulnerable to harassment or death. I had friends afraid of showing their Mezzuzah (scroll) on the door, or openly wearing a Kippah (skull cap).

I asked, who would/could best protect Western Civilization/Jewish/Christian communities?

I did not write who I voted for. When asked, I said Trump. I can be a lone wolf too! I did my own poll. What shocked me was how many people were secretly voting for Trump, it was clear he was going to win!

Navigating communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

I have heard and seen it all. In Israel we hear Trump accolades, in the US Bibi is often spoken of in reverential terms, (depending on your politics). We have family members who love Israel unconditionally and those who spent their entire lives trashing Israel, friends in Israel and US that hate Bibi unconditionally and those that love him unconditionally, family members that love Trump unconditionally and those that hate Trump unconditionally.

I don’t care for either man, nor would I want them at my dinner table. But I scratch my head at the anger and vehemence towards these men. So much good has been accomplished through their friendship. They seem to be the only ones on the world stage brave enough to take on these Jihadi Barbarians. For that I’m eternally grateful. A few things they accomplished:

• Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
•  Abraham Accords.
•  Encampments shut down and the Universities are being held accountable.
•  Hostages and deceased are back in Israel.
•  Nuclear threat from Iran has been set back, (hoping extinguished).
• US and Israel are fighting side by side, (best ally US ever had).

I yearn for the days where we can have differing points of view, debate without attacking. What I say is, I have a different perspective. If you are willing to hear me out I’m happy to say my peace/piece. Try, it might just work.

Are Trump and Bibi flawed heroes?

In my book they are. I can’t think of one hero even from Biblical days that was perfect. All humans are flawed, some rise above and do heroic and extraordinary things. Others criticize.

What I know for sure…the Democratic party after two generations of Jewish loyalty and being mostly Pro Israel is buckling under the pressure from the anti Jewish/Israeli movement. I pray this trend can reverse. We need moderate supportive leaders on both sides. Maybe consider split ticket voting? Vote for the leader not the party?

Dad would have been 100 this May. He gifted me a love of reading, critical thinking skills and a great laugh. Dad’s influence on me, my husband and family reverberate to this day. May his memory be a blessing.