U.S. Friendship and Jewish Assertiveness

by Steven Shamrak.

Quite often an idea that the United States is the strong supporter of the State of Israel and Jewish people is expressed. Many Jews feel quite nervous when the United States is criticised by Jews and US friendship toward Israel is questioned.

I would like to state clearly and without any reservation: I am a strong admirer of U.S. democracy. I spent half of my life living in the Soviet Union. Therefore the notion of equality of every individual, freedom of speech and self-expression are very dear to me. I even appreciate the American government’s selfishness, as they put the interests of their own country and people first.

If Israel is to become a true democracy, I can only hope that purity of all these principles will be adopted by the Jewish State.

But let us be truthful and face the reality of historical facts:

1. Knowing the German policy toward Jews before the WW2, Jews were not permitted to immigrate to America. The U.S. state department reprimanded and scared Hollywood Jewish producers by accusing them of “War mongering”. It was Charlie Chaplin, a non-Jew, who broke the taboo by making the comedy “The Great Dictator” exposing fascism. Not a single bomb was dropped on concentration camps, railroad lines or bridges leading to them. After the war, American officials were actively involved in providing safe passage to Nazi criminals!

2. The United States supported the UN embargo of arms sales to the region after Israel declared independence in 1948. In the 50's, the US abandoned Israel. And Israel was forced to find ‘new masters' - France and UK - and fought the Sinai War on their behalf.

3. Consistent sabotage of Israel’s military successes through the years effectively perpetuated the Arab-Israeli conflict and prevented Israel from attaining decisive victory over her enemies. The current pressure on Israel by President Bush and Condoleezza Rice is just another symptom of the same ‘old sickness’!

I have stated many times that being pro-Jewish does not make me anti-anything. I am not against Arabs or Christians, nor against USA or Europe. I strongly believe that the Jewish people, in Israel and the Diaspora, must be united in pursuit of their own National Goal: “The right of Jews to live in peace on all Jewish land!”

This goal is completely justifiable morally, historically, religiously and even legally. We must not pay any attention and disregard what the anti-Israel demagogues and spin-masters are saying or fabricating. Their interests are in conflict with Jewish goals and should not be our concern! For too long Jews have been accommodating and pleasing others with the detrimental effect to their own needs and interests. It is time to become assertive and give high priority and consideration to Jewish national aspirations. History teaches us that nobody else did, does or will!