"Friends of Israel"?

As the expression goes: "With Friends Like This; Who needs Enemies/"

Just a few off-the-cuff thoughts.

Every organization and individual obviously has to decide for itself what policies to advocate. And there’s obviously no need for an organization to be pro-Israel. (And so many are not.) But IF an organization claims to be pro-Israel; it’s hard to see how being “Pro-Israel” includes urging the United States to halt sending “offensive” weapons to Israel. There’s obviously no clear and fast rule about what it means to be pro-Israel. But generally one recognizes it when one sees it.

I absolutely get the concept of “Friends of Israel” speaking out when they disagree with the actions or policies of Israel. Certainly the old days of “Friends” never speaking out publicly are long-gone. And that’s probably for the good. Israeli actions and policies are obviously not always right. It’s legitimate to criticize policies Israel may be pursuing or actions it may be taking. And there doesn’t have to be automatic expressions of support for Israel.

I’m certainly not advocating every pro-Israel organization in the United States adopt the “Mantra” of my former organization, AIPAC of not criticizing the Government of Israel; not advocating Israel adopt or not adopt certain positions, and focusing on strengthening the US-Israel relationship (although people could do a lot worse than adopt such an approach!)

But many would feel there are limits to actions of Israel by Friends. And one would imagine a genuine Friend would surely be guided by what Israelis think, especially the Israel “Zionist” left.

A general rule at least in the past was that those who spoke out about “Saving Israel in spite of itself” were not real friends of Israel! And the old view that ultimately Israel was the one that had to live by the consequences of its actions serving as a good general rule for Friends of Israel.

If donors to and staffers at these organizations engaging in such advocacy are genuinely pro-Israel - and I’m certainly not questioning that many are - perhaps they should take a look at what these organizations are advocating to make sure that these organizations are in general accord with their views. If they approve; then great. If not perhaps divert their funding and change jobs, and let these organizations know. Sometimes an organization “evolves” without most of its supporter realizing.

If you know. You know! And it’s a shame; because there are so many out-and-out haters out there in the broader international community, working for the destruction of the Jewish State and the amount of rabid antisemitism out there on social media is almost without limit.

Israel could use a little backing. Am Yisrael Chai