America at 250: The triangular relationship between US, Israel, and Jews is at risk - opinion

For over 250 years, the United States has viewed itself as a beacon of moral and democratic ideals, a "shining city upon a hill" illuminating the world. This self-perception has translated into not only economic and military preeminence but also a global standing as a bastion of freedom and progress. As the nation marks its milestone birthday, an examination of its relationship with the Jewish people is particularly pertinent.

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In Israel, free men and women demonstrate every day the power of courage and faith.

This American light has undeniably cast a significant glow on the State of Israel and Jewish communities globally. Without U.S. support, the trajectory of Jewish history would likely have been far bleaker. The connection solidified in the 19th and 20th centuries when the U.S. welcomed approximately 2.5 million Jewish immigrants fleeing destitution in Europe. By 1910, New York City alone hosted more Jews than any other city worldwide, a testament to the refuge offered and a stark contrast to the fate of millions lost in the Holocaust.

President Harry Truman's swift recognition of Israel in 1948, followed by his moving words about its "glorious future" as an embodiment of civilization's ideals, set a precedent echoed by every subsequent American president. This enduring relationship has rested on bipartisan support, underpinned by two key pillars: a partnership of values, as articulated by Ronald Reagan, and a partnership of interests, as described by Bill Clinton. Standing between these pillars is North American Jewry, the largest Jewish community outside Israel, wielding considerable influence in both American public life and U.S.-Israel relations.

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When people ask me what the greatest achievement of our foreign policy has been... I think of the partnership between America and Israel.

This crucial triangular relationship among Washington, Jerusalem, and American Jewry has yielded substantial benefits for all three parties over decades. The United States has gained from its connections, with Israel serving as a vital partner grounded in shared values and strategic interests. The enduring strength of this bond underscores its importance in shaping both American foreign policy and the security and prosperity of Israel.

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I believe that Israel has a glorious future before it – not just as another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.