A remarkable survey was released just before President Biden’s trip to Israel. It found that 67% of Americans have a favorable view of Israel, the highest since the 1991 Gulf War.
Israel retains support across age demographics and political affiliation, though Republicans had a slighter higher positive view than Democrats.
What accounts for this enormous popularity? Cynics and anti-Semites will say the power of the Israel lobby.
They will contend that politicians and the media are bought by what former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel once called the “Jewish lobby.”
The real answer lies in the philosophy and ideals of the Jewish State. Israel is an outpost for democracy in a dangerous world.
It is a place whose citizens fight for the freedom we cherish as Americans.
It’s not easy. Political turmoil happens regularly. But Israel embodies two core aspects of democracy.
How Israel Embodies the Hard Parts of Democracy: Part I
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