Israel, AIPAC, Iran and Us.

I returned from the AIPAC policy conference with a renewed understanding of how are elected officials view Israel. Whether Democrat or Republican, the support for Israel is overwhelmingly positive. Support for Israel seems to be the common denominator on Capital Hill, even if our elected officials can't agree on anything else.

I am sure that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, feels the love. His exhuberant welcome at the AIPAC event on March 5 was probably a wonderful relief from the pounding and split opinion of him in Israel. But in DC he is a hero!

President Obama gave one of his most positive speeches on Israel and outlined for the assembled delegates how his administration has supported and defended Israel in international forums. He enumerated the items and assured a sometimes skeptical community that his support for Israel is steadfast and unwavering.

Netanyahu and Obama differ on the startegy to prevent Iran from having the capablilty of developing a nuclear weapon, although both agree that all efforts must be made diplomatically first. Where they differ is what the redline is and when does the diplomacy end.

Support for Israel within the Jewish community is strong, but nuanced. With the emergence of JStreet and other more liberal opinion groups, support for Israel can take many different approaches, and those who sometimes say they are pro-Israel, have a very different way of expressing that support.

We will delve into that issue -Who and what constitutes support for Israel- at a community breakfast forum on Sunday morning March 18 at 9:30 AM at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester. Our guest will be Professor Steven Cohen, arguably the most prominent sociologist of the American Jewish Community. Check this site for the details.

At this time, it is important to provide the context that can help us better understand the issues that the American Jewish community faces in its ever changing relationship with Israel. Hope to see you at the forum on the 18th.