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.