ADL chief Foxman says Israel takes US Jews for granted
During an appearance in New York, Foxman warned that Israel’s base of support in the US was eroding due to the perceived intransigence of its government.
By JPOST.COM STAFFAbraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, shows the book "The Bible, the Jews, and the Death of Jesus" (photo credit: REUTERS)
Abe Foxman, the head of the Anti-Defamation League, criticized Israel last week for taking the support of the American Jewish community for granted and for failing to offer a creative approach to the Middle East peace process.During an appearance in New York, Foxman warned that Israel’s base of support in the US was eroding due to the perceived intransigence of its government.His remarks were reported by the anti-Zionist blog Mondoweiss.“I think we have signed up for Israel,” Foxman said. “Some unreservedly, others with some more reservations. I don’t think Israel understands, appreciates, values, respects this partner - this side of the partner[ship]…”“There needs to be a lot more sensitivity and education in Israel as to the value of this community beside sending checks or in a moment of crisis, running to Congress,” he said.Foxman said that Israel lacked “sechel” in its dealings with the Obama administration, particularly in light of its diplomatic isolation.“Take the US relationship,” he said. “It’s not that great, it’s not perfect, but what keeps me up at night is the dependence of Israel on the United States. Now if you understand that reality, then you understand how serious and significant it is in your future, facing whatever threats, existential or not.”“And if that’s the case, where is the sechel? Where is the smartness? Where is it to understand that you need to change that relationship, you need to find ways - and it’s not happening. It’s not happening!”The ADL chief called on the Israeli government to “[c]ome up with some creative dynamic approach for peace” as a means to shore up support among those in the US who are unsure of Israel’s intentions.“It doesn’t mean [peace] will happen,” he said. “But that’s part of the existential disintegration of the support base.”
