WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
Can you imagine the recipient from a kidney transplant not being grateful to the donor? Wouldn’t it be despicable to forget the sacrifice? Although the generous donor underwent surgery and placed themselves in jeopardy, the ingrate asks, “What have you done for me lately?”
Some American Jews and pro-Israel supporters’ hair has been on fire over President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to bring the war with Iran to a successful, purposeful and just conclusion. They read the sixty day, 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and feel betrayed.
Even before considering the evolving complex situation or see the MoU as on the path to the illusive peace in the Middle East, they rush to negative judgement about President Trump. They grow panicky, paranoic, and demand an amazing outcome in short order.
It remains to be seen if the MoU survives the ongoing skirmishes.
Looking for a clue for what’s next, we parse his periodic news blurbs and comments looking for a clue. They try to guess what are his strategic chess moves and what are just part of his governance’s free form, transactional “style.” Is his end game a ceasefire, regime change, Strait of Hormuz opening, or a more significant settlement? They are dumbfounded when someone as important as Vice President Vance insults Israel with barbs like,” You just can’t kill your way out of national security problems.”
If they were hostile to Trump before, they now cry out, “see, I told you so!”
A fair evaluation of the last century would reveal Donald Trump has done far more for the modern State of Israel than any other president. For all the buildings donated, trees planted, proclamations made, photo ops at the Kotel, and all other worthy efforts, Trump’s righteous, brave résumé stands atop.
Let’s applaud President Trump’s achievements that include: release of the 251 Gaza hostages, destruction of Iran’s existential threat nuclear program, CENTCOM’s inclusion of Israel, devastation of existential missile delivery weapons and related industries, elimination of their navy and air force, relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognition of Golan Heights sovereignty, and creating the Abraham Accords. Let’s not forget his fight against domestic antisemitism that arose after October 7th with reigning in far-Left, antisemitic indoctrinating universities and quelling the street riots.
What President Trump has done for Israel and American Jews is a “many kidney” contribution. Yes, America benefits materially from the relationship with Israel’s wing tip-to-wing tip combat capability, technology, intelligence and proximity to the Muslin-world hot spot. But Israel lives in a most dangerous neighborhood and needs a good friend.
Those critiquing his action should remember President Trump is America’s elected leader; he’s not Israel’s Prime Minister. He has many policy priorities, and not all are same as Israel’s. He is also the de facto “global influencer” who must consider the many economic and diplomatic pressures.
President Trump governs in contentious domestic times, and the outcome of the US midterms will be influenced by sentiments towards the Iran war. We see anxiety in the popularity polls and gas pump economics. If the Republicans lose the House and the Senate, Trump will be hobbled legislatively and will again face impeachment proceedings.
The rise of the anti-Zionist Squad, and election of NYC Mayor Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists primary elections, are very troublesome. America is witnessing an irrational, disproportionate and negative focus on Israel. Classic, resilient antisemitism comes from the far Right with the likes of Tucker Carlson (a friend of Vice President Vance). From the woke, socialist far Left comes an intersectional anti-Zionism that is hollowing out the Democratic Party. What was once bipartisan Congressional support for democratic Israel is no more.
President Trump has been a good friend to Israel while facing political strife, assaults both political and personal, and multiple assassination attempts. He appreciates the values Israel brings to the partnership. From most other Western nations, antisemitism is reflected in their diplomatic slights. Many NATO partners did not offer America use of their airfields.
For forty-seven years Iran has been killing Americans and threatening nuclear annihilation of America and Israel. He is negotiating with deceiving radical, jihadist, fundamental Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the proxies, and the other Muslim states. Iran is willing to accept tremendous kinetic and economic punishment to prevent regime change. He doesn’t expect Marquess of Queensberry Rules to be followed.
We can worry and analyze. But, instead we can consider how overcooked and premature are our criticisms of President Trump. It might even be harming his efforts. We should work harder to support initiatives that aggressively combat those who menace Israel and Jews worldwide. We should demand better from our Jewish organizations. Jewish organizations, already not great collaborators, have not demonstrated effectiveness fighting Jew-hatred and Israel bashing. Building another Holocaust Center won’t help. They keep rearranging the deck chairs of a sinking ship and not pulling together to plug the now sizable hole.
We should generously support AIPAC, an American citizen’s lobbying and PAC organization. AIPAC has been singled out unfairly and is accused of centuries-old vile antisemitic tropes. AIPAC is on the front lines working tirelessly and with bi-partisan policy to have a Congress that will stand by Israel.
Hasn’t President Trump at least earned the benefit of the doubt? Do we think any of the prior presidents, or candidates for president, would have achieved what he has? Shouldn’t we have a little more faith in him?
