While Israel Burns

It is time to dispel the grand myth propagated by the Republican Party that their president cares what is happening in the State of Israel and will defend her no matter the political consequences. While the Salomon family z’’l was gathered for a Shabbat meal and celebration of a new grandchild, the leader of the free world was Tweeting comments on his “Made in America” theme and bragging about America’s latest warship at a commissioning ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia — even though he had nothing whatsoever to do with the funding or building of the warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford. While the absurdity of this effort when everything the Trump brand has touched is made elsewhere in the world, once again, Trump remained oblivious to the suffering taking place in the Middle East. Not once has he Tweeted his horror or revulsion at the actions of the terrorist in Halamish. Similarly, he has made no mention in the White House daily briefings or even on its webpage of the events taking place in Israel—and not a single world about the attacks in Jerusalem, the violence or the deaths which may be directly attributed to incitement by the Palestinians and their erstwhile cheerleader, Mahmoud Abbas.

Whereas many Israelis once spent a great deal of effort insulting and berating Barack Obama for his seemingly different approach to Middle East peace, at least he took pains to comment upon each attack and to offer his condolences on behalf of the American people. Donald Trump is very busy these days on matters he believes are more important – namely, trying to arrange a pardon for his and his family’s crimes before the subpoenas and indictments fly out of the Patrick Henry Building in Washington where Robert Mueller, III, and his outstanding prosecutorial staff are firmly ensconced sifting through Russian intercepts and Trump tax forms.

Trump is pre-occupied with his own survival and the preservation of his empire. While the rest of the world is seeking leadership any place it can find, Trump whittles away at the American dream for millions of her citizens and her much-vaunted world hegemony. What Daesh could only dream of doing in Iraq and Syria, Trump has managed to pick up their gauntlet by diluting American strength from the fight against terror worldwide by his deeds and words. Two days ago, he pulled the plug on assistence to Syrian groups, including the Kurds, at Russia’s behest, even though they were racking up victory after victory against both Daesh and Bashar al-Assad and now, the Turks. By this action, Trump has moved the Middle East from simmering pot on the back burner to cauldron about to spill its contents all over the world. In six months, he has managed to destroy American hegemony in the region and in the world in ways Russia could only dream about. In ways small and large, he has effectively made Russia the final victor of the Cold War.

American allies should, and must, take heed and fortify themselves against further Russian incursions into their politics and governance. Israel, in particular, should be seeking to establish new alliances, and not with China which is, despite their economy, is still a Communist-led government. She must recognize and admit to herself that America is not the country to look to for support for her policies any longer. She will hopefully do a better job of picking her allies, protecting her commerce and more importantly, her security than her old ally, America, has done.