[Daveinyork]

I don’t now see white Christians as an enemy. They have been in the past in Europe, and could become so again. We Jews need to keep powder dry.

[Rockingham]

A respected but ethereal Jewish sage is pressed to explain his view that Jews should not welcome support from conservative Christians today even though they seem to be friendly toward Jews and genuine supporters of Israel. Finally, after every other claim is refuted, the sage draws upon his definitive argument: "What about the Cossacks?" The sage seems satisfied but his listeners are perplexed.

The point of course is that the distant past and possible future events can be used to confuse the issue at hand. What do we do with the facts and choices before us now? And in today's world, with friends at a premium, conservative Christians who are sincere supporters of Israel and friends of Jews should be embraced and welcomed as treasured allies in dangerous times.

In other words, forget about the Cossacks -- unless and until they somehow reappear from the mists of history. Otherwise Jews risk being befuddled and friendless in a crisis as Palestinians in Gaza hold Jewish hostages and their American supporters terrorize Jews on college campuses and city streets.