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Editor's Letter

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jarc

29th Annual

Insights Into Israel

S

he's conservative, clear-minded and thought pro-
voking. So it's no surprise my interview with Mona
Charen, a syndicated columnist, political analyst and
book author, proved insightful and compelling.
In a fast-paced conversation in Irwin Groner Hall at
Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, we covered a
variety of vital topics related to Israel
— from the support of Christian
Zionists to the myth of peace-seek-
ing Palestinian leaders to the con-
cern about younger generations of
American Jews.
We met for this exclusive interview
on Oct. 26, before the Jewish Policy
Center held a panel discussion at
Shaarey Zedek on issues confronting
the Jewish world. The Washington-
based JPC is a not-for-profit, pro-
Israel think tank that counts some of
America's most respected conservative thinkers on its board
of fellows.

Christian Allegiance

Charen, whose twice-weekly column appears in 100 print and
online publications via Creators Syndicate, is a former speech-
writer for Nancy Reagan. She encourages the Jewish commu-
nity to embrace evangelical Christians for
their passionate support of Israel.
When I asked if we should fear pros-
elytizing by evangelicals playing to our
love of Israel, Charen expressed dismay
that so many American Jews ignore or
dismiss Christian support. I needed some-
thing more to that answer — and I got it.
Elaborating, Charen said: "Strong support
by the Christian community for Israel is incredibly important
for Israel's long-term security and survival!'
That makes sense because as mighty as world Jewry
is, we're miniscule on the population scale compared to
Christianity and Islam. I know evangelical Christian support
for Israel seems quizzical. But under the glare of scrutiny, it
provides added firepower in our battle to protect the Jewish
state from Islamist terrorists.
Charen framed this perspective well.
"So many Jews:' she said, "say these Christians only support
Israel because they think it portends the second coming of
Jesus. Well, my response is, `Maybe it's true that some of them
feel that way, but so what? Why should that bother us? Do you
really think that their eschatological views should be relevant
to such near-term positive support? Would you rather that
support be based on their affection for the Jewish people?'"
Well, yes, I thought initially.
Charen forced me to think more critically when she added:
"I'd much rather they have some passionate theological rea-
sons to support Israel and not have to rely on how great Jews
are. We're great, but honestly that's not enough."
She's right about that, of course.
As much as I wondered about what drives Christian
Zionism, I couldn't help but ponder Charen's warning. "We
Jews have few enough friends in this world:' she said. "We're
so besieged. It is such an awful time — a time of anxiety,
especially with Iran working on a nuclear weapon. We really
are in perilit's very important to know who your friends are

FALL
FUNDRAISER

and to gratefully acknowledge them."

Bad Influence

If that wasn't enough philosophical fodder to consider, Charen
unleashed her disdain for what she termed "the structural
bias of the U.S. Department of State" and its wild-eyed belief
that negotiation for its own sake actually can work. She
lamented how U.S. administrations, whichever party is in
power, tend to sway Israel to broker peace with its enemies by
giving up more and more.
Like Mona Charen, I remain perplexed by Israel's insistence
on finding a common ground with Arab leaders who won't
compromise on any substantial negotiating point. "I don't
know who the Olmert government thinks it's dealing with,
whether it be Hamas or Fatah," Charen said.
I used to believe that Fatah, the party of Palestinian
Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, could deliver real peace
until it lost any control over reforming West Bank society and
over the manufacture of suicide bombs.
By any gauge, Israel must sustain its spirit and will — and
have laser-like focus on the nature of its enemies. Israel wants
nothing more than peace with a real partner. The Palestinians
as currently led aren't that partner. "They would create
another terrorist state,' Charen says. "Why Israelis who sup-
port Ehud Olmert cannot see this, or delude themselves into
believing otherwise, I cannot say."
Neither can I.

THE UNTOLL, STORY Oi THE %V:TCHES OF 07

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Israel's Inspiration

We wrapped up our discussion by exploring the
sea change in Jewish America, which has left
many younger Jews seeking reasons to care deeply
about Israel. Charen and her husband, Bob Parker,
an attorney, live in Virginia with their three sons.
Her message to Jewish 20- and 30-somethings
builds on Israel's inspiring story and the romance that Jews
have had with it. It really is incredible to witness the Jewish
people regaining our ancestral homeland.
"The fact that, against all odds, Israel has created this
vibrant, democratic, successful society, despite all its prob-
lems, is the most stupendous achievement of our time as a
people,' Charen said.
Indeed.
We thus need to engage young Jews so they feel the need to
appreciate, celebrate and support Israelit has flaws and has
made mistakes, but it's still crucial to diaspora Jews.
Says Charen: "Jews have been around for more than 3,000
years. If Israel does not survive, I don't think Jews will survive.
I think that will be the end of the story!'
Yes, Israel depends on the diaspora. But I don't think Jewish
America, with its powerful infrastructure and heritage, would
fade away without Israel. But let there be no doubt: We're
richer unconditionally because of our ties to the State of Israel
and its historical, cultural, religious and spiritual gifts. ❑

Related story: page A25.

Will Palestinian hatred for Israel
eventually subside?

Are you bothered by Christians
who embrace Israel?

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