Why are so many Jews Democrats?

[Abbey Normal]

This question has been on my mind now and then.

I think it is farly clear that the best hope for Israel is the United States, and the people in the US who speak in favor of defending Israel are usually Republicans. So why does it seem that *most* Jews are continually voting Democrat? Do those Jews not care about the continued existence of Israel? Or is the right to murder your child more important than the existence of Israel? Any ideas?

 

[Annie]

This question has been on my mind now and then.

I think it is farly clear that the best hope for Israel is the United States, and the people in the US who speak in favor of defending Israel are usually Republicans. So why does it seem that *most* Jews are continually voting Democrat? Do those Jews not care about the continued existence of Israel? Or is the right to murder your child more important than the existence of Israel? Any ideas?

I think it's a combination of being for the perceived 'underdogs' and 'social liberties' based on their own past.

 

[Abbey Normal]

I think it's a combination of being for the perceived 'underdogs' and 'social liberties' based on their own past.

That is a reasonable explanation, but what about the liberties of the people of Israel? Surely they are more at risk than anyone's in America? I guess I just don't undertsand the disconnect between American Jews and Israel. I would think it would be of high importance.

 

[Annie]

That is a reasonable explanation, but what about the liberties of the people of Israel? Surely they are more at risk than anyone's in America? I guess I just don't undertsand the disconnect between Amercian Jews and Israel. I would think it would be of high importance.

Oh it is and they do support Israel, except of course for their own versions of being left wing nutjobs, that are for the Palestinians, but they are as numerous percentagewise as 'those Christians' that blow up abortion clinics. Same with those that would terrorize the Palis.

Another deal going on with the Jews, is their heavy concentration in cities. Large cities tend to be 'blue.' Sociologic factoid I remember from way back when; considering their wealth, a very small percentage of Jews tended to own their own home or real estate in general in the US, at least up through the 1980's. Part of the explanation was they kept their wealth portable, in case they had to leave quickly. Now that's a very weird, but understandable tradition. It tended to be related to the larger than expected percentage dealing in jewels and arts.

 

[Abbey Normal]

Just found this blog. It's from 2002, but is right on point.

Commentary by Dr. Gerhard Falk

The Survival of Israel

On election day, November 5, 2002 those who believe in the survival of Israel and its 5.5 million people will have an opportunity to do something about it. On that day those who believe that with the help of Hashem and the United States Israel can and will survive can put that view into practice by voting for the Republican candidate in their congressional district. This is of the utmost importance because our President, George W. Bush, and his party are committed to the survival of the Jewish state and to the defeat of the terrorists who are happy to kill us all if they can.

Here are the facts:

Republicans, by a margin of 61% to 32%, support Israel and its effort to defeat terrorism.

Only 47% of Democrats support Israel in its fight for survival.

Among the non-white population, who are almost all Democrats, only 43% believe the U.S. should support Israel.

It is of course evident that a Congress whose majority does not support Israel would make it much more difficult for the President to do so, particularly because Congress votes for or against any financial assistance for Israel or any other country.

Let us now take a look at the attitude of the Democratic Party leadership towards Israel.

First, we cannot forget that the former President, Bill Clinton, “twisted the arm” of former Prime Minister Barak to concede all of Judea and Samaria as well as the Old City of Yerusholayim to the terrorist Arafat. Thank G’d, the terrorist refused the offer.

Clinton also equated Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with Arafat, claiming both are “bull headed.” That is about the same as equating Hitler with Churchill. Both were “bull headed.”

When Sen. Mitch McConnell sought to designate the P.L.O. as a terrorist group, the Senate Majority Leader, Tom Dashle, blocked the Senate resolution as “counterproductive”.

Democrat Joe Biden, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, would not allow former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to the committee calling such an appearance “totally inappropriate”.

Even Al Gore, who used to be a great supporter of Israel before he lost the presidency in 2000, has not one word to say in favor of his erstwhile “friends”. Evidently, Gore fears the “liberal” media who pretend that Israel is the aggressor and the terrorists the “victims”. Contrast that with the support Israel receives every day in the Wall Street Journal and from such Republican journalists as Billy Kristol, George Will, John Leo, and Michael Kelly.

It is noteworthy that the five accused Arab terrorists arrested in Lackawanna last week are all registered Democrats.

The Republican party includes a good number of Christian Zionists. These Christians are the best friends Israel has, and George W. Bush is one of them. The best proof of this is the attack on American Christians launched by the controlled Saudi press, who denounced the recent resolution passed by the Southern Baptist Convention. This resolution said in part that the convention “……..heralds the historic connection between Jews and the Land of Israel.” Likewise, Tom De Lay, Republican House Majority Whip promoted a resolution by the House to the effect that “ America must stand firmly by our ally Israel.”

In the past seven years, American Christians have donated over $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Jews around the world, including Russian Jews. Christian solidarity with Israel is not new. It dates back to the days of Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.

Now there are American Jews who ignore all the support Israel receives from Christian groups on the grounds that these Christians wish to convert Jews to Christianity and that these Christians are not “liberal” in economic matters. These ridiculous arguments are spurious not only because the “liberals” of this world are the enemies of the Jewish people and Israel, but also because the conversion of the Jews has been abandoned by almost all Christian denominations. Even those who still have this in mind cannot well succeed among the huge number of secularists among us. Surely, it is ridiculous to worry about the “conversion agenda” in face of the need to find allies for Israel and us as we are the targets of Arab and European extermination efforts.

Consider also this. For the first time in the history of Arab extremism at the United Nations, our ambassador to the U.N., John Negroponte, announced that the United States would not even consider Security Council Resolutions which do not condemn by name Palestinian terrorist groups; call on Israel and the Arabs to settle all differences by negotiations, not violence; and recognize that any Israeli withdrawal be linked to the end of terror by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the al-Aqsa Martyr Brigade. This is the first time that any American administration has made an effort to end the one sided Security Council Anti-Israel resolutions.

So what more do you want? Is it not time for Jews to rid ourselves of our prejudices and vote for our interests? The Democrats cannot side with Israel because the black lobby will not allow it. Labor unions are also a vital part of the Democratic establishment and they are almost all in favor of the Palestinian side. No Democrat can ignore both of these strong constituencies.

Therefore, we must vote for Israel’s survival by electing Republicans to the House this November. We shall discuss this again in the future.

Shalom u’vracha.

http://www.jbuff.com/c091902.htm

 

[Annie]

I agree with that, Abbey. What's interesting though, I vote Republican-for the ideals, not because it's necessarily in my economic interests at this point in time. Few vote on one issue.

I think the Jewish votes went more to GW this time, than any in the recent past. It's hard to break 'tradition.'

 

[Abbey Normal]

I agree with that, Abbey. What's interesting though, I vote Republican-for the ideals, not because it's necessarily in my economic interests at this point in time. Few vote on one issue.

I think the Jewish votes went more to GW this time, than any in the recent past. It's hard to break 'tradition.'

Why do I have this sudden urge to see Fiddler on the Roof

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Some jews are fixated on their fear of white christians, so much so they can't see the big picture. This is odd considering hitler was a New Ager who considered the bible to be a jew rag or something like that.

 

[Annie]

Why do I have this sudden urge to see Fiddler on the Roof

Me, I'm thinking Matzo balls and bialies!

 

[musicman]

Some jews are fixated on their fear of white christians, so much so they can't see the big picture. This is odd considering hitler was a New Ager who considered the bible to be a jew rag or something like that.

Exactly. The "Christianity spawned Hitler" fantasy would be laughable if it weren't swallowed whole by so many people. In fact, Hitler's only serious exposure to Christianity was the harsh discipline of Catholic school - and it did not sit well with him. "The nuns had their chance with me, and made ample use of it", he once said, privately - by way of explaining his bitter aversion to Christianity.

Of course, his public statements were another matter entirely. He was only too happy to exploit Christians or anyone else he thought could facilitate his rise to power.

 

[dilloduck]

I find it odd that an American would vote for the party that was nicest to the home of their religion. I would like to think that Americans who voted had what is good for America foremost in thier minds. I guess all the Mexicans will vote for whatever party is nicest to Mexico ?

 

[Zhukov]

The old jews are still voting for FDR.

The young jews are coming around. Give it time.

 

[musicman]

I find it odd that an American would vote for the party that was nicest to the home of their religion. I would like to think that Americans who voted had what is good for America foremost in thier minds. I guess all the Mexicans will vote for whatever party is nicest to Mexico ?

Can't disagree with you there, Dillo - but, what the hell - there it is.

 

[musicman]

The old jews are still voting for FDR.

The young jews are coming around. Give it time.

My sentiments exactly, Zhukov. Bit by bit, they awaken, and see where their true interests lie.

 

[Abbey Normal]

I find it odd that an American would vote for the party that was nicest to the home of their religion. I would like to think that Americans who voted had what is good for America foremost in thier minds. I guess all the Mexicans will vote for whatever party is nicest to Mexico ?

In general, I would agree with you, Dillo, but Israel is a special case. It is an extremely vulnerable land surrounded by sworn enemies which desparately needs the protection and support of the US. Also, Israel is more than a home of a religion. It is the home of a culture, a people, for thousands of years.

On a side note, I think many Mexican-Americans do vote for the party that favors keeping our Southern border open. Certainly people have accused President Bush or courting those very voters by letting the border look like Swiss cheese.

 

[Annie]

In general, I would agree with you, Dillo, but Israel is a special case. It is an extremely vulnerable land surrounded by sworn enemies which desparately needs the protection and support of the US. Also, Israel is more than a home of a religion. It is the home of a culture, a people, for thousands of years.

On a side note, I think many Mexican-Americans do vote for the party that favors keeping our Southern border open. Certainly people have accused President Bush or courting those very voters by letting the border look like Swiss cheese.

right on both counts, Abbey.

 

[dilloduck]

In general, I would agree with you, Dillo, but Israel is a special case. It is an extremely vulnerable land surrounded by sworn enemies which desparately needs the protection and support of the US. Also, Israel is more than a home of a religion. It is the home of a culture, a people, for thousands of years.

On a side note, I think many Mexican-Americans do vote for the party that favors keeping our Southern border open. Certainly people have accused President Bush or courting those very voters by letting the border look like Swiss cheese.

Israel can withstand any attack from any of it's neighbors who choose to attack it. Don't fall for the old "poor pitiful me" gimmick. Mexico is also home a culture that has lasted for centuries.

BOTH parties are doing everything they can to get the Mexican vote, much to the disadvantage of Americans.

 

[Abbey Normal]

Israel can withstand any attack from any of it's neighbors who choose to attack it. Don't fall for the old "poor pitiful me" gimmick. Mexico is also home a culture that has lasted for centuries.

BOTH parties are doing everything they can to get the Mexican vote, much to the disadvantage of Americans.

So you think that American Jews shouldn't care about Israel? Perhaps they don't, thereby explaining why they vote Demcorat so overwhelmingly (which was my original question).

As for Israel's ability to protect itself without outside $$$, and without their enemies' fear that we have Israel's back, I disgree. Whether we should support them is a matter of opinion, but the fact that they need us should be pretty obvious.

The whoring of our country for votes, be they Mexican or otherwise, will always go on.

 

[dilloduck]

So you think that American Jews shouldn't care about Israel? Perhaps they don't, thereby explaining why they vote Demcorat so overwhelmingly (which was my original question).

As for Israel's ability to protect itself without outside $$$, and without their enemies' fear that we have Israel's back, I disgree. Whether we should support them is a matter of opinion, but the fact that they need us should be pretty obvious.

The whoring of our country for votes, be they Mexican or otherwise, will always go on.

I think any Americans' priority should be what is in the best interest of America, not your religion or what your country of heritage is.

 

[Abbey Normal]

I think any Americans' priority should be what is in the best interest of America, not your religion or what your country of heritage is.

I agree. But I have no problem with caring about both, so long as America is the priority if there is a conflict of interest.