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]

He knows all that. He's got a political agenda, fighting antisemitism is his night job.

[Alouette]

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.

It's got something to do with their religion, Abe. I think they call it "turning the other cheek."

[missyme]

To me Abe Foxman has a Love Hate relationship with GOD and a Love Hate Relationship with Judiasm and Christianity...

[tessalu]

Israel and the United States stand against terrorism. We will do our best to wipe it out, and we must stand firmly together.

[I got the rope]

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.

What principled positions might that be you arrogant ass?

[I got the rope]

I have never understood the pseudo-Jewish intellectuals in this country. They make me ill. They have no core values nor do they lift a finger to our defense or Israel's...pathetic.

[highlander_UW]

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.

The Exodus event is an excellent example. It had occurred to me, but I haven't used it as an example to this point.

[lainde]

bttt

[wgeorge2001]

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.

A left wing Jewish secular humanist liberal is this Foxman, if I read between the lines correctly, and though he shows a love for Israel, he is wrong about the left wing liberal support for Israel. We Christian conservatives who support Israel have learned that the left is deceived at best and hostile to Israel and America at worst and are part of the problem and none of the answer.
Secular humanist liberals always try to dominate the political structures of nations and eventually destroy the nations they say they love; Foxman is a fool if he believes that the ungodly left are a supporter of Israel.

[Sender]

A left wing Jewish secular humanist liberal is this Foxman, if I read between the lines correctly, and though he shows a love for Israel, he is wrong about the left wing liberal support for Israel.

Yes he is wrong about any left-wing liberal support for Israel. The true Democratic left despises Israel and considers it the barbarian of the age, and considers Palestinian sovereignty and right of return to be absolute truths. Democrats who opine with any sympathy toward Israel are savaged and rejected. Of course the Democrats want the American Jewish vote, so their comments on the record do not reflect their actual feelings that Israel is an 'apartheid state' and a 'land stealer' and a murderer an oppressor of the 'rightful landowners'.

[Mr.Atos]

"...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.

I see that my assessment of Mr. Foxman continues to be vindicated. And so my previous exclamation to him stands. What is missing entirely from Mr.Foxman's odd analysis, is an acknowledgment of any basis of secular support in America for Israel. Granted, like Israel, America is a nation with strong religious roots. And while the historic manifestations have transformed Hebrew theology, the fundamental concepts remain the same with respect to the nature of Man and existence. Is it any wonder that both nations spawned and cultivate strong democratic principles? The more the world rejects 'living' philosophies (those that promote individual liberty, responsibility and common values), the further they slide toward Statism and chaos. Observe the growing insanity of the modern Left... a group of people most notable for their belief in nothing. In absence of a common secular philosophy of life (like Objectivism, for instance), religion provides civilization with a medium in which to grow firm and strong... but as we see, not all religions are created equal, just as slavery and liberty are not similarly legitimate concepts. Some contain the ingredients of death.

Perhaps what we have in the way of common imperatives is not the words and personalities of an old testament, but the ideas and principles outlined, therein. That is what has and will continue to transcend our petty differences. Perhaps that is why Christians and Jews do not let movies nor personalities ignite the violent side of their passions... Mr. Foxman.

[MEGoody]

Foxman is such an idiot. He's still whining about the 'anti-semitism' in Gibson's film.

So where's all the hatred that was supposed to have occurred as the throngs went to see the film?

Ah, didn't happen. Didn't think so.

[philosofy123]

No Christian in his right mind should ever care or support anything Foxman says. He is a loser, and he should have been fired.