JNS Senior Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Tobin discussed Democratic opposition to Israel in an interview with podcast host Alan Skorski, emphasizing that truth remains the strongest tool for Israel's supporters as criticism from Democratic leaders and some Jewish officials intensifies.
Skorski traced what he characterized as a decades-long Democratic campaign against Israel, beginning with efforts under President Bill Clinton to keep Israeli leaders in the Oslo Accords despite what he described as repeated Palestinian Authority violations and calls for violence connected to the intifadas. Under President Barack Obama, Skorski noted, the administration created "daylight" Between the United States and Israel, with Obama drawing comparisons between Palestinian suffering and the Holocaust, the emergence of J Street, and 2012 Democratic National Convention delegates booing recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The discussion turned to the responsibility of challenging Jewish officials and groups opposing Israel, with Skorski connecting the issue to sinat chinam - baseless hatred among Jews - which Jewish tradition associates with the destruction of the Second Temple. Tobin's Tisha B'Av column, titled "Denial Inside the Modern Siege Lines," Argued that those demonizing Israel, rather than those defending it, must absorb the holiday's lessons. Tobin said those confronting such critics hold the moral high ground.
Skorski referenced remarks by Caroline Glick at a recent JNS conference in Jerusalem, where she stated that "we still have the truth on our side." When asked what that truth accomplishes, Tobin said it provides moral authority to fight back and mobilize Israel's supporters globally. He contended that debate with those promoting blood libels is futile, as their objective is Israel's destruction rather than genuine discussion.
Tobin also warned of dangers from a new generation of "activist journalism" Aimed at reshaping both the United States and Israel according to ideological objectives. He maintained that publicly challenging Jewish voices aligned against Israel is both legitimate and necessary for defending the state's security and legitimacy.