Israeli politics closely watched by American Jews
May 27, 1996
Web posted at: 12:45 a.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Mary Ann McRae
NEW YORK (CNN) -- American Jews can't vote in Israel's elections on Wednesday, but many are deeply interested in the campaign.
"For many American Jews, this is seen as a watershed election, just as it is for many Israelis," said David Harris of the American Jewish Committee.
Some American activists are raising money for so-called education committees in Israel, in an attempt to sway voters toward one candidate or the other.
Jonathan Jacoby of the Israel Policy Forum explained that American activists "have tried to find causes in Israel -- not parties and not candidates, because they can't support them financially -- but causes and educational programs that somehow give them a way of expressing themselves."
Americans are particularly interested in the future of the Middle East peace process through which Israel is trying to defuse tensions with Palestinians and neighboring Arab states.
"We have remained enormously committed and connected to Israel and its security. And we see the glimmer of a different Israel," said Rabbi Joy Levitt, of the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore. (359K AIFF or WAV sound)
When polled recently by the American Jewish Committee, a majority of American Jews said they support Israel's peace efforts with the Palestinians and Arab states.
Prime Minister Shimon Peres has said he is committed to the peace process set in motion by his predecessor Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in November.
But in the U.S., as in Israel, there are differing views over how the Jewish state should approach the peace process.
Many Jewish Americans who feel Peres has been too conciliatory with Israel's enemies, are supporting his opponent, Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who takes a harder line on security issues.
"American Jews have the right and duty to participate," said Ernest Bloch of the group Pro Israel. "They can't stand by and watch a blind leadership in Israel lead the people of Israel over a cliff." (263K AIFF or WAV sound)
Israel's recent border clashes with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon, and several terrorist attacks, have reminded even the supporters of the peace plan of the risks of moving forward with the process.
Risks, which Netanyahu's supporters hope will result in a Likud victory on Wednesday. Peres supporters meanwhile, say they'd like to see Israelis choose hope over fear.
Related stories:
- Squaring off over Israel's security - May 26, 1996
- Both sides claim to win Israeli election debate - May 26, 1996
- Arafat sides with Israeli 'peace camp' - May 26, 1996
- Israel's Arab citizens may be key to election - May 22, 1996
- Israeli election ads hold no surprises - May 10, 1996
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