The incredibly important process of gathering Democratic votes for opposition to the reckless Iran agreement is being slowed in part due to the absence of numerous major metropolitan member cities under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA). It seems many of these members have not had their “come to Jesus moment”. Instead of embracing the cataclysmic outcome that the agreement will ultimately lead to, they have requested extra innings in order to continue to study the minutia of the agreement The studying appears focused largely on the question of whether in fact there appears to be a reasonable chance that provisions in the agreement will allow for the detection and correction of Iran’s nuclear misconduct. This hesitation is motivated in good part by the fear of collateral damage. Meaning they are polling major donors, trying to calculate the financial cost of making a move; preferring to park in neutral until the storm blows over.
The strategic implication of this ill-timed hesitation is that undecided Democrats who are crucial to creating a veto-proof majority, are taking notes. Due to the umbrella-like composition of the diverse base of Federation donors, any official statement or lack thereof creates a relatively safe perch to hide without blame.
As of July 27th only Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, South Palm Beach and Miami have come out with unambiguous statements of opposition. Today Greater Metro West New Jersey Federation also took a position in opposition.
The massive downside and the elusive upside of the Iran agreement create a glaring imbalance which to most Americans is obvious. The United States has a great deal to lose if this agreement is not stopped. But in Israel where the agreement is opposed by 74% of the Israeli people, the strategic cost of a strengthening Iran which will be the net effect of this agreement, will create real time consequences which will be realized once Iran gets access to the $150 billion dollar signing bonus and the economic benefit of relaxed sanctions.
By failing to stand now we open the page for the inscription of the next tragic chapter in Jewish history.