True friends: Christian right stands up for Israel, Jews By Abraham Foxman

Chicago Jewish News ^ | 4-20-04 | Abraham Foxman

[SJackson]

The lesson to be learned from recent differences between many American Jews and conservative Christians-on Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" and on equal rights for gays- is not to walk away from relationships with evangelicals.

It is not to reject evangelical support for Israel. It is not to view the evangelical community in a simplistic way. It is not the lesson Arlene Stein offers in her op-ed piece.

It is, rather, to reinforce a dual approach: working for and welcoming conservative Christian support for Israel at a particularly difficult time for the Jewish state and, at the same time, never backing off or toning down our principled positions on social issues about which we vehemently disagree with evangelical approaches.

One of the fascinating manifestations of the turmoil over Gibson's film has been to observe many on the left in the Jewish community saying, "We told you how bad evangelicals are," while many on the Jewish right, in a foolhardy effort to placate the religious right, defend a film with the potential to set back Christian- Jewish relations and to generate anti- Semitism.

There is too much at stake-Israel's security and the well-being of Jewish life in America-to be blinded by narrow ideological approaches.

Israel needs the support of America today more than ever. The threats to the Jewish state from Islamic extremists, the bias of the international community and the poisoning of young people's minds have never been greater.

The role of the United States is critical not only in standing with Israel, but also in influencing others- particularly the Europeans-toward some fairness vis-a-vis Israel.

American support for Israel rests on many pillars. Most importantly, it is bipartisan.

There is no doubt, however, that evangelical activity on behalf of Israel is among the most significant elements in that support, not least because of that community's influence with President Bush. Whether it is in congressional initiatives, administration positions or public- opinion polls, evangelicals matter. It behooves us to act accordingly.

On the other hand, for many of us, conservative Christian perspectives on social issues that are critical to a healthy American society and Jewish life within that society are disturbing.

Whether it is church-state separation- at the heart of the comfort level that Jews enjoy in this country-or opposition to any religious group imposing its views on society-as seen in the struggles to maintain choice on abortion and equal rights for gays-we are deeply concerned about conservative Christian views and policy initiatives.

And we don't pull any punches in our opposition. We engage fully to prevent those religious-right policies from predominating in legislation, in the courts and in executive decision- making.

Moreover, when some evangelical leaders articulate prejudicial views toward any religious group, as several did in anti-Muslim stereotyping, we speak up.

During the current controversy about the Gibson movie, we have been unhappy that more evangelical leaders have not acknowledged Jewish pain, the history of anti-Semitism associated with the deicide charge and the potential for recurring hatred of Jews.

But we shouldn't rush to judgment on the impact of the film on evangelical Christians. We need to be clear where we stand and encourage sensitivity and education about Jews and Jewish history.

The bottom line remains what it has always been: Evangelical Christians have never demanded a quid pro quo from American Jews for their support of Israel.

If they were to say that they would only work on Israel's behalf if American Jews halt their activity in opposition to them on social issues, we, of course, would say, "Sorry, no thanks for your support."

That has not happened.

They stand with Israel for theological reasons and because, as Christian activist Gary Bauer has said, the United States and Israel are on the front line together in the current struggle for freedom and democracy.

That's good enough for us.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

For those who are interested, an interesting thread on the thoughts of the Democratic faithful.

Correct Democratic position on Israel/Palestine please.

Thank you Abe. For your supporters position on Israel, click the link above.

[Malesherbes]

"...conservative Christian perspectives on social issues..." Foxman does't say which of these Christian social "perspectives" he finds most offensive. Is it perhaps abortion? Is it perhaps the belief that the Ten Commandments may be posted on the public square?

[Mamzelle]

I think I can do without this kind of placation--condescending and downright confusing--from Foxman. Thank you very much.

Weisskopf, Jewish reporter--Washing Post--Evangelicals are "poor, uneducated, and easily led."

Gloria Feldt, who speaks eloquently of her Jewish roots, brings about Planned Parenthood's holiday card "Choice on Earth"--taking the Christmas and Christian holiday to new depths, using the New Testament verse to glorify a death culture.

[Edit35]

A guest on the Laura Ingraham radio show put it best when while discussing Jewish-Christian interaction he said,

"America's bible belt IS Israel's safety belt." (or something like that)

I forget the man's name, but it rings absolutely true. By the way, he might have said "Israel's security belt." I was listening out of the corner of my ear when he made the statement.

[Arpege92]

"I think I can do without this kind of placation--condescending and downright confusing--from Foxman. Thank you very much."

Ditto!

[highlander_UW]

For those who are interested, an interesting thread on the thoughts of the Democratic faithful.

Ahhh...it's been a while since I've peeked in on the DUmmies. They seem to have some delusion about independent thinking, but they respond like the lemmings they are...devoid of wisdom and reasoned thought. Very sad.

[Mamzelle]

Foxman's nothing but an arrogant bigot and this article is another insult from his team of grandstanders. Look at the way it's phrased--"thanks, sorta, for your blood and treasure, but expect no respect or reciprocation."

Bah. enraging

[rmlew]

Earth to Foxman: The Torah does not support abortion or the Homosexual deathstyle.

[thoughtomator]

One of the fascinating manifestations of the turmoil over Gibson's film has been to observe many on the left in the Jewish community saying, "We told you how bad evangelicals are,"...

For the record, Abe Foxman himself was top of the list of those "many", indeed the lead rabble-rouser. His pretense that his was a balanced approach is rather galling considering his previous behavior. Still, I guess this is the best we'll get as far as a confession that he acted no better than Al Sharption. Passion was Abe Foxman's Crown Heights.

...while many on the Jewish right, in a foolhardy effort to placate the religious right, defend a film with the potential to set back Christian- Jewish relations and to generate anti- Semitism.

Far from being to "placate the religious right", those of us on the Jewish right saw our own liberty at stake - could we not tell the story of the Exodus for fear of the effect it might have on Egyptians? That's ludicrous - no Jew blames today's Egyptians for the events of those long-past days. Well, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that's exactly what Foxman was insisting on when he demonized Passion.

[WaterDragon]

Last year an Israeli writer to a liberal Israeli newspaper said that Israelis should accept all the help they can get from American Christians but do it slyly, remembering they are not really Israel's friends. I wrote my own letter to the newspaper in answer, and said such a position is dishonest, deceitful and unworthy of that great little nation. Of course that writer was a socialist, and I don't really expect anything from socialists EXCEPT deceit and dishonesty.

I support Israel because it is a democracy surrounded by a sea of brutal despotism, fighting off barbarians. And I'll continue to support them regardless of the numbskull socialists there.

[jwalsh07]

Does Abraham Foxman ever glance at the Torah?

[Arpege92]

Exactly! You nailed it!

[SJackson]

Far from being to "placate the religious right", those of us on the Jewish right saw our own liberty at stake - could we not tell the story of the Exodus for fear of the effect it might have on Egyptians? That's ludicrous - no Jew blames today's Egyptians for the events of those long-past days.

I can't comment. Last I heard the Egyptians were contemplating filing a lawsuit against me (In defense of Moses-Egyptians may sue Jews over the Exodus.) over the Exodus incident. They tried it in the court of Alexander, but failed, they're trying it again.

[SJackson]

I've no idea, could be every day, could be once a decade, he's not a religious leader of any sort.

[ApesForEvolution]

He still believes that God understands and condones the murder of innocent, unborn men and women....idiot.

[ArrogantBustard]

Whether it is church-state separation- at the heart of the comfort level that Jews enjoy in this country-or opposition to any religious group imposing its views on society-as seen in the struggles to maintain choice on abortion and equal rights for gays-we are deeply concerned about conservative Christian views and policy initiatives.

At long bloody last, Dishonest Abe cuts to the chase. It isn't about supposed "anti-semitism", after all. It's about ripping babies into little bloody shreds. Ol' Abe apparently thinks that's a good idea. I most disrespectfully disagree.

[jwalsh07]

I've no idea, could be every day, could be once a decade, he's not a religious leader of any sort.

Rhetorical question. :-}

[mlmr]

Hey Foxman!

encourage sensitivity and education about Jews and Jewish history.

That goes BOTH ways, cookie!!

[Salem]

*iiiich*

If this isn't an example of the obvious fact the Conservative/Orthodox Jewish community will be the cultural bulwark, in His Hands, against the spiritual fatigue and malaise of the Jewish nation through its trials, I don't know what is. Give me a ZOA rep any time.

Anybody have a regular mailing address on this guy? I'd like to approach him and explain a few things on how G-d, the IDF, and a platoon of Jewish FReepers in country and out will continue to be the vanguard of, and actively involved in, a very forward thinking and secure Nation of Israel, while he ... Abe ... what? ... what is he accomplishing?



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