Although, Barack Obama, has had terrific support from the Jewish community in Chicago, and is receiving a healthy amount of Jewish votes in his contest for President of the United States, a new recognition of his strengths in bringing people together, should be a bigger priority among the Jewish electorate.
Social justice is a four thousand year old tradition in Jewish history(some would say five thousand years..give or take a thousand years)
Of course, that does not mean that every person practices such an ideal, but this strength among the Jewish population has lead to the end of child labor, a movement of Unions, better treatment of animals, and a joining together with other minorities in bringing about the civil rights revolution in America (That's the short list)
Certainly, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, have also enjoyed wide Jewish support, and deservedly so.
Senator Barack Obama, is a special case.
He is trying to bring about a "post racial" attitude among all Americans.
It is not easy doing this as a politician, but it is very important.
He is trying to "stay above the fray," and be positive about bringing the country together as President.
It hasn't always worked, and he has had to mix it up with Senator Clinton and Senator McCain.
But, that is not the point. What he is trying to do is do what John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and even Dwight David Eisenhower, did when they were President---get the American people to work together for the greater good.
Staying positive about life, and trying to make the country that the Jewish people have settled into a better place is a Jewish tradition---and one that Barack Obama is trying to implement.
As far as Obama's support for Israel, one Israeli newspaper said that, "Barack Obama is pro-Israel. Period."
Also, guilt by association, has been the unfortunate hallmark which has been used to destroy many Jewish communities throughout Jewish history.
An angry preacher, and a Black separatist, have supported Senator Obama. But, nothing could be further from the truth, as to the mind set and political practice of the junior Senator from Illinois.
To blame him for the small mindedness of others is about as "un-Jewish" as you can get.
Barack Obama is his own man, a great candidate, and someone who can bring a nation together.
That is the best reason to support him.
Thanks for reading:
Bob Kholos
Comments