On my last visit to the United States I watched a television debate with the candidates for the Republican party nominee for president. Although jetlag got the better of me before the end, I still managed to learn some things from what I saw.
The bad news was my surprise and disappointment that these are the candidates, the best available options that Great America is offering its voters.
The good news was that, compared to the crudities expressed by the U.S. Republican candidates and the low standard of debate among them, the standards and styles of some of the Israeli politicians, suddenly look good.
READ: TRUMP MIGHT BE A NUT, BUT HE’S NOT ANTI-SEMITIC
On my return to Israel, my brother Amichai asked me: “Which candidate is best for Israel?” I considered for a moment, then answered that although a good question (and one I have difficulty answering), it is not the most important one. The most important question is: Which candidate is best for America?! Because Israel needs a strong America, a confident America, with ethics and leadership – no matter who the U.S. president is.
The late Israeli prime minister Levi Eshkol, when he was told there was a drought in the south of the country, responded: “Drought? In the Negev?! For a moment I was worried – I thought you meant in the United States…”
Why does Israel need a strong America?
Firstly, the United States and Israel, despite occasional differences of opinion and of language, style and size, have always shared similar values, world view, beliefs and lifestyle. Nowhere in the world do we have any better friend or partner than the United States.
Secondly, the entire world needs a leader, to provide a moral compass and for policing. A leader that will guide the way and influence how we deal with global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, human rights abuses and the acquisition of nuclear weapons. The world needs a moral compass to remind us that despite all its shortcomings, democracy is still the best and most moral method of government. And we need firm, steadfast policing that is ethical and moral (as much as possible), yet carries a big stick and knows how to use it when necessary. And no less important – all the malevolent actors of the world will believe that the police officer is willing and able to use the big stick if they try to do evil.
Thirdly, many of the economic and financial variables of Israel are connected to the United States, the American economy, its stock markets and currency exchange. These variables include, among other things: exchange rates, foreign investments, foreign trade, philanthropic investments, credit ratings and investments in scientific research.
Fourthly, the Middle East is an unstable and violent region. With all due respect to our own power and our army, in our neighbourhood we need a trusted and strong friend who will not fear and will not hesitate to stand beside its bratty younger ally, to back him up and give him protection and support.
Finally – and I recognize that not everyone will agree with me on this – Israel sometimes needs a strong United States, sensible and involved, to save Israel from itself.
READ: BERNIE SANDERS AGREES THAT ANTI-SEMITISM AND BDS ARE LINKED
Although I have dual American and Israeli citizenships, I have so far chosen not to vote in American elections. In November 2016, once again, I will most likely not vote. But I will send Israel’s best friend a verse from the Prayer for the State of Israel that we read each week, with best wishes and the hope that they will elect a president who is suitable, deserving and capable:
“May You guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth, and correct them with Your good counsel.”
Good luck America!
