As the presidents of College Democrats and College Republicans at Northwestern, it is easy for us to find things to disagree on. From health care to Iraq to the economy to immigration, we have strong differences on the direction our nation should take.
The 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, though, provides us with the unique opportunity to pay tribute to one important arena where Democrats and Republicans have joined hands. Support for the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship has been one area where both parties have been able to come together as Americans to recognize the unique strategic, economic and moral ties that bind the United States with Israel.
Sixty years ago, President Harry Truman became the first head of state to recognize the state of Israel, just eleven minutes after it was created. As Israel fought its war for independence - attacked by its neighbors after the Arab nations rejected a UN partition plan to create a Jewish state and a Palestinian state - the United States came to assistance of the nascent Jewish state. From that time forward, both Democratic and Republican presidents have built on that relationship.
With Israel as the sole democracy in the Middle East and a polity dedicated to our same values of human dignity and open society, the relationship has been built not only between our governments but between our peoples. Both nations were founded by refugees escaping persecution and attempting to build societies dedicated to religious and political freedom.
After September 11, as a sign of solidarity, a major thoroughfare in downtown Jerusalem was named "New York Street" in memoriam of the victims of the terrorist attacks. Whether it is in providing counterterrorism training to U.S. security forces or providing humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina, Israel has consistently stood with the people of the United States. Though a small nation, less than 10 miles wide at its most narrow point, Israel has always reached out to us with a big heart.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 14
a libertarian
posted 5/08/08 @ 2:06 PM CST
I find this a rather disturbing and unfortunate reflection on our own political atmosphere - the only thing our two major parties can agree on is the celebration of the 60th anniversary of an apartheid state and their pandering to AIPAC and other zionist lobbies. (Continued…)
a libertarian
posted 5/08/08 @ 2:22 PM CST
my previous comment was deleted. it's good to know that the daily is utilizing media censorship to protect northwestern's masses from opinions that don't conform to zionist principles. (Continued…)
Justice 4 All
posted 5/08/08 @ 2:26 PM CST
I find it really appalling that we are "celebrating" 60 years of oppression and apartheid. It just goes to show how unfortunate the situation is, and yet, we claim to be the "land of the free. (Continued…)
Kenan Mir
posted 5/08/08 @ 2:51 PM CST
"There is no compelling moral rationale for America's uncritical and uncompromising relationship with Israel. There is a strong moral case for Israel's existence and there are good reasons for the US to be committed to helping Israel if its survival is in jeopardy. (Continued…)
a concerned mind
posted 5/08/08 @ 2:51 PM CST
Again, the media has a one sided view of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. When Israelis utilize missiles and literally kick Palestinians out of their houses and make them Israeli settlements, its fine, but when Palestinians try to defend their own houses, its called terrorism. (Continued…)
another libertarian
posted 5/08/08 @ 4:45 PM CST
Whether Israel is or is not an apartheid state is another matter. I must agree with the assessment above based off of the working paper "The Israeli Lobby and U. (Continued…)
Academic Integirty
posted 5/08/08 @ 5:06 PM CST
"The working paper is little more than a compilation of old, false, and authoritatively discredited charges dressed up in academic garb. The only thing new about it is the imprimatur these recycled assertions have now been given by the prominence of its authors and their institutional affiliations. (Continued…)
old guy
posted 5/09/08 @ 2:27 AM CST
So, Israel is an 'apartheid' state? Luckily the rest of the countries in the area are open caring places. That way, if Israel is done away with, Christians, Jews, Agnostics, Homosexuals and other minority religious groups or people who live in alternate lifestyles would have wonderful lives filled with many rights and freedoms. (Continued…)
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