I Opinion
OTHER VIEWS
Defending Israel From Iran
0
ur economy presents a major
problem for Americans.
However, I believe an even
greater concern is Iran's secret nuclear
program, which has been ongoing since
August 2002.
Frederick W. Kagan voiced profound
concern in the Wall Street Journal on Oct.
31, 2008, in his article, "Security Should
Be the Deciding Issue:' No matter who was
elected, our new president still faces real
security threats.
Kagan writes, "It is important to note
here the distinction between an enemy
and a threat. Threats are problems to be
concerned about in the future; enemies
are organizations trying to kill Americans
right now. Al Qaida and Iranian agents are
both killing Americans on a regular basis
and have proclaimed their determination
to kill more. They are enemies, not threats,
and they will confront the next president
from day one."
Kagan also wrote, "The world today
offers no reason for Americans to feel
safe."
He concludes, stating, "Lastly, the next
president will almost certainly face Iran's
arrival at the threshold of nuclear-weap-
to join together against the
ons capability. This, combined
with Iran's efforts to develop
"Terrible Things." But no one
long-range (and ultimately
worried because the Terrible
intercontinental) ballistic mis-
Things weren't coming for
siles and its global terrorist net-
"them" until it finally trickled
works, is a threat to America's
down to "them" — and it was
allies and to Americans at
too late. We can't pretend Iran
homer
isn't a real threat for all of us.
I believe these concerns need
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Linda Cohen
to be shared and we need to
of Oakland County hosted
Comm unity
have continued conversations
Rabbi Daniel Gordis, a former
Vi ew
with our elected officials so
American who made aliyah,
they are aware we view this as a
the weekend of Nov. 7; he left
matter of monumental impor-
me believing that we can't wait
tance, along with the state of our economy. until Iran has nuclear weapons. Then it
Iran is still a huge threat as it refuses
will be too late.
to adhere to the international community
Just knowing Iran can push the button
on its nuclear program. It is believed that
means it has been successful because, he
Iran has 6,000 centrifuges that enrich
concludes, "How can you put your kid to
uranium and that the country may share
bed and tell them everything will be okay?
their nuclear technology with other terror- Even if they never push the button, how
ists. Iran already has been known to fund
can you live that way?"
terrorist groups and has already said it
Our responsibility as American citi-
wants to obliterate Israel. If this happened, zens must continue. Please be involved;
I believe it would have a great effect on us
write your elected officials to let them
as Americans.
know how important this issue is to
In Eve Bunting's allegory for the
Americans.
Holocaust, titled The Terrible Things, she
Also, by supporting the Friends of the
uses animal characters in the wilderness
Israeli Defense Forces we are directly help-
ing the soldiers, the backbone of Israel,
who are fighting for all of us. Hopefully,
this charitable organization will not be
one that people cut from their tight bud-
gets during these critical times.
It is a time when we all need to look
deep into our pockets and donate even
more to help our soldiers who are fighting
for all of us. Seven-hundred people did
that on Nov. 17 when they attended the
FIDF gala dinner in Southfield to show
their appreciation and support for the
Israeli soldiers.
Hearing the speeches they made from
their hearts, the soldiers present let us
know just how much they appreciate our
strong Detroit community. They touched
not only our hearts but our souls!
The risk of Iran developing and using
nuclear weapons will destroy more than
our economic strength. If everyone contin-
ues to donate to the FIDF and continues to
voice opinions to elected officials, they will
hear us loud and clear.
Hopefully, one day you will proudly tell
your grandchildren you at least did some-
thing to help stop the evil in the world.
who is more empirical and less ideologi-
cal. Obama has demonstrated these quali-
ties again and again.
To those who say — and did so vocifer-
ously during the campaign — that Obama
is too young and inexperienced to accom-
plish these goals, that he makes great
speeches but that words are not enough,
I would counter not to hold Obama's age
and oratory against him.
Only four presidents in their 40s have
been elected: Teddy
Roosevelt, John F.
Kennedy, Bill Clinton
and now Obama.
They all brought their
intellect and vigor to
the art of governance
and went on to be
extremely successful
presidents.
They also were gifted
speakers. Abraham
Lincoln proved that words can save a
nation during wartime; Franklin Roosevelt
existence.
How Barack Obama manages change
— in both domestic and foreign affairs
— will be a major element of how well he
succeeds as president. He is untested, for
sure, and is young as presidents go.
But Obama has the capacity to man-
age change in the interests of enhancing
human freedom and opportunity; in
restoring to America its genuine spirit; in
making both the United States and Israel
more secure in a dangerous world; and in
rebuilding the ties that once joined Jews
and African Americans in the struggle
against inequality.
So we wake up to a new America,
the America of Archibald MacLeish, an
America that "is always still to build."
Barack Obama has the capacity to build
something very good. Let us wish him
well and pray for his success
❑
Linda Cohen is a Franklin resident.
America's from page B1
from Obama at the conference: "I have
been proud to be part of a strong, biparti-
san consensus that has stood by Israel in
the face of all threats. That is a commit-
ment that both John McCain and I share
because support for Israel in this country
goes beyond party."
Obama later said, "Those who threaten
Israel threaten us," and "I will bring to the
White House an unshakeable commitment
to Israel's security"
America And Israel
Over the last eight years, the American
brand has been eroded and its prestige in
the world diminished as we have become
a go-alone nation, now with an economy
in crisis. If America is weakened, Israel
is weakened. When people asked me who
to vote for, I would respond, "Vote for the
person who you think is best for America.
He is the person who is best for Israel:'
What we need is a president who is
more cerebral and less intuitive; who
responds with his head and not his gut;
B2
November 27 • 2008
re-taught that lesson during a subsequent
time of crisis. Don't underestimate the
power of words in the hands of a talented
leader. Words can inspire, set forth a vision
and lead the nation to fulfill its potential.
Obama's Challenge
Obama's life story positions him perfectly
to restore America's place in the world
and reaffirm old alliances. The multira-
cial blood that courses in his veins; his
experiences as the child
of a single mother and as
a child who saw his father
just once in his life; and
his moving around the
country and to Indonesia
enable him to relate to a
world no longer dominated
by Pax Americana. These
experiences are certain to
help him rebuild America's
standing in the community
of nations — as noted, an important ele-
ment in safeguarding Israel's security and
How Obama
manages change
will determine
how well he
succeeds.
Rabbi Menachem Genack, of Englewood, N.J.,
is chief executive officer of the Orthodox Union
Kosher Division.