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OPINION: Time to Choose—Joe Biden or Donald Trump?
Editor’s note: The views expressed in these opinion pieces are those of the authors alone and not of Hadassah, which is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates or engage in partisan activities. Recognizing the importance of the upcoming election, Hadassah Magazine is presenting these pieces because we believe our readers deserve to hear views about the candidates from female Jewish leaders.
WHY I’M SUPPORTING DONALD TRUMP
By Lauri B. Regan
Donald Trump is the most pro-Israel president America has ever had, taking unprecedented measures that help Israel and Jews everywhere survive in an increasingly dangerous world. He is also one of the most patriotic presidents in recent memory.
Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moving the United States Embassy there, and recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the strategically important Golan Heights. He ignored the anti-Israel United Nations resolution 2334, which passed with the unprecedented, tacit approval of the Obama administration, and proposed a peace plan that would permit Israel to extend its laws to some Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. He discontinued funding for the Hamas-supported United Nations Relief and Works Agency and closed the Palestinian Liberation Organization office in Washington.
Trump withdrew from the Obama-led Iran nuclear deal that would have enabled the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism to eventually obtain nuclear weapons. He slowed Iran’s hegemonic ambitions, including reimposing crippling sanctions. Trump understands that Israel is the United States’ most strategic, valuable asset in the region, playing a vital role in America’s national security—and that of world Jewry.
Trump signed the Taylor Force Act, which prohibits certain American aid to the Palestinian Authority unless that governing body stops rewarding Palestinian terrorists for killing innocent Americans and Israelis. He also signed an executive order extending civil rights laws to protect Jewish students from rampant anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Given extensive efforts across the globe—including BDS, the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement—to destroy the Jewish homeland, Trump’s significant initiatives must remain in place. Yet, all of these groundbreaking policies can easily be reversed by a less-friendly administration. In a world of growing anti-Semitism—as witnessed among the founding leadership of the national Women’s March, within the Black Lives Matter movement, on college campuses and even within a wing of the Democratic Party—American Jews must prioritize protecting themselves, not the social issues that traditionally sway their votes. With a new movement by some to either defund Israel or restrict the use of United States aid, American Jews have an obligation to protect our families and frontline Israeli brethren by electing Trump, a true friend, to a second term.
Despite media distortions, Trump has never supported white supremacists. Indeed, in the aftermath of the 2017 Charlottesville rallies, he stated that “the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups…are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.” And in conjunction with his executive order addressing anti-Semitism on campus, he said, “The vile, hate-filled poison of anti-Semitism must be condemned and confronted everywhere and anywhere it appears.”
Trump loves his country and wishes to move it forward with pro-growth economic policies and opportunities for all Americans, including strengthened trade agreements, deregulation, tax reform and increased employment, along with a strong foreign policy, including on China and Iran. He has already rebuilt our economy once. We need his free-market policies to do so again, not socialist and welfare-state policies that have failed the world over.
We also need law and order and a president who supports our military and police. Jews desperately need local police forces to protect them in their synagogues and on the streets. Trump will not tolerate the tearing down of businesses—or of history. He is fighting for America’s greatness—not its transformation—while facing an unending, un-American “resistance” movement.
While some voters dislike Trump’s personality, his pro-America policies are essential for our future. Trump made America great again. As the left attempts to destroy it, transform it and socialize it, let’s keep America great—and Jews safe. Vote for Donald Trump.
Lauri B. Regan, a retired finance attorney, is the New York chapter president and board member of the Endowment for Middle East Truth and treasurer of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. She also served on the board of the National Women’s Committee of the Republican Jewish Coalition. The views expressed here are her own, not of the organizations with which she is affiliated.
WHY I’M SUPPORTING JOE BIDEN
By Susan Stern
At this moment of profound struggle, when Americans are stretched and strained by unemployment, isolation, loss of loved ones and hunger, I am one of many who has mustered the will and the passion to come out fiercely in support of Joe Biden for president. I am privileged to lead Jewish Women for Joe, bringing together a diverse nationwide network of women mobilizing to GOTV (Get Out the Vote) and connecting Biden supporters around the country.
We are all united by the common cause of restoring decency and competence to the White House and our country. Where there is callousness, we seek compassion. Where there is mismanagement, we seek efficiency. Where there is dishonesty, we seek clean government. Most of all, we seek to replace a politics of nihilism and self-service with one of progress and public service.
Jewish women are passionate about our children and grandchildren being able to realize their full potential. We’re energized to extend the promise of America to every family and child. We need a leader who cares about what we care about, who aligns with our Jewish values. Joe Biden is that leader. He has a vision for how every American can access affordable health care, be safe from gun violence, navigate the challenges of climate change and protect a woman’s right to choose. He has the confidence to surround himself with experts to find solutions to our most pressing problems, from racial justice to foreign policy.
As Jews, we feel acutely the menace of anti-Semitism and white supremacy—and its murderous potential—which has grown more ominous during the last few years. Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City—the list is far too long. Biden understands that, in fact, there were not “very fine people on both sides” in Charlottesville; he launched his campaign emphasizing his resolve to fight extremism and boost security funding to Jewish communal institutions.
I saw firsthand his profound commitment to our community in 2013, when he announced that at his initiative, for the first time, the administration he served would spend millions to help needy Holocaust survivors. The funds ensure a survivor in the Bronx or Boston or elsewhere can get the wheelchair or ride to the doctor he or she needs. That is the type of compassionate, problem-solving leader we need today.
On Israel, there is no greater champion than Biden, whose relationship goes back to Golda Meir, who told him Israelis are able to overcome nonstop existential threats because “they have no other place to go.” Biden has said numerous times over the years: “If there were not an Israel, the United States would have to invent an Israel to protect our interests in the region.”
As vice president, Biden played a critical role in securing American funding for the Iron Dome anti-missile system that successfully protects Israelis from Gaza rocket fire. He also helped develop the 10-year Memorandum of Understanding with Israel, an agreement signed in 2016 that provides $38 billion in direct military aid to Israel. He remains a firm supporter of the two-state solution and stands strongly against BDS, the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.
These are hard times in our country as coronavirus bears down on us, the scars of racial injustice have been ripped open, protests abound, a deep recession has set in and the Supreme Court vacillates on women’s choice and church-state separation. Biden is the person we need to lead us at this moment in history. He has lived a life of service to this country, all the while being a devoted family man.
For a country in need of healing, Biden is a man who has experienced unfathomable loss but has emerged with deep empathy, and that is his strength. This is why we need Joe Biden to be our next president of the United States.
Susan Stern is a past chair of UJA-Federation of New York, a former vice chair of the Jewish Federations of North America and former chair of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She is the founder of the group Jewish Women for Joe. The views expressed here are hers alone.
The views expressed in these pieces are those of the authors alone and not of Hadassah, which is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates or engage in partisan activities. Recognizing the importance of the upcoming election, Hadassah Magazine is presenting these pieces because we believe our readers deserve to hear views about the candidates from female Jewish leaders.
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Jan L Klatskin says
In a year of such divisiveness, I am disappointed that Hadassah has published a political opinions article. As an active member of this organization for over 30 years, I have given my time and money to advance our advocacy for women’s issues and the wonderful non-partisan, inclusive healthcare we provide. By publishing this article, you have made my job much more difficult; I am already fielding questions and arguments from our Chapter and Region members. What were you thinking?
Betsy Salkind says
There are not two sides when one is aligned with Nazis.
If you are committed to being non-partisan, you could choose to publish no endorsements. This is not neutrality, which is a questionable policy in any case (see WW2 and the Holocaust).
Juliette A Rosenthal says
Dear Hadassah sisters,
While I do support our magazine in deciding to publish this article, I must say that I feel it is dangerous for us as Jewish women to support Trump. I am always for actions that support Israel but I agree with Betsy that there are not two sides when one is aligned with White Supremacists. I am a professor of History and Political Science whose father landed on Omaha Beach and liberated the Nordhausen work camp in Germany. As Dan Silva quoted in his last book, the dynamics that we are witnessing today always mean harm for us as Jews. A vote for Biden is a vote for the integrity of the United States,for the survival of the post WWII order and ultimately for the survival of Israel.
Lorraine Nacson says
Amen, Juliette.
Devorah says
agree with Juliette. Shame on Hadassah.
Deborah Bearman Jewett says
Both of the above writers are correct. “What were you thinking?”!!
Miriam Marcus says
Thank you for representing both candidates. Too often people prefer to read only that with which they agree & therefore believe the “bumper sticker“ distortions from those who do not have our best interests at heart.
Jennifer Berman says
Amen!
Phyllis Cypes says
I do not want Hadassah to be political in any way. As a Democrat I’m voting for Trump because my family in Israel and in America is safer with him as president. Biden/Obama sent Iran 2 billion to support Hamas so missiles can be fired at my grandsons in Israel. Biden said he is defunding the Police. Biden condones the Anti-semitism spewed by “The Squad:” Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Osasio-Cortez. Biden is going to take away all of our health-insurance so it can be managed by the government. That should go well.
Until President Trump reorganized the Veteran’s administration our soldiers were unable to get an appointment for months and died. And at long last we all prayed for Peace in the Middle East and
Trump negotiated Diplomatic Relations with the United Arab Emirates and other countries are in consideration.
Jacqueline Shina says
I agree with Miriam. I was happy to see the two comparisons. I have found that America is getting scary. I know people who are afraid to say they will vote for President Trump, since some people will stop speaking with them or socially ostracize them. In my opinion it reminds me of Nazi Germany. To me Americans should be able to dialogue and share their opinions. This is supposedly a free country. Also the media in general has forgotten to report Who, What, Why, When and Where. Most of the media reporting has become opinion which is not fair. That’s why I support the article which gave us both sides to consider, so that we may make informed choices!
Barbara Rosenblum says
A troubling and serious misstep for Hadassah magazine to publish these politically charged essays especially the essay by Lauri Regan which is supportive of a narcissistic, foul-mouthed president who denies science, supports white supremacists, is blatantly corrupt and threatens our basic democratic institutions, e.g. voting rights and free press. As I sit outside under a tent this Rosh Hashannah, wearing my mask in a minyan fewer than 50 people, I’ll think of the thousands of unnecessary deaths caused by an administration slow to act but quick to obstruct and deny the virus’ virulence. Hadassah, please keep to your mission.
S Finkelstein says
There is a marketplace of ideas. The phrase “competition of the market” appears in Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.’s dissent in Abrams v. United States (1919). The phrase “marketplace of ideas” first appears in a concurring opinion by Justice William O. Douglas in the Supreme Court decision United States v. Rumely (1953). This is the embodiment of our First Amendment, the same Amendment that guarantees freedom of religion, by the way. If you don’t like the idea, don’t buy it. Leave it on the shelf. If you choose to take it off the shelf, read the label. If you don’t like the ingredients, put it back on the shelf. Don’t put it in your shopping cart. But for God’s sake allow people to do so. It is a founding principle of our freedoms. When your readers say they don’t want you to publish different sides what they’re really saying is they don’t trust your readers to make up their own minds. As if this magazine is the only place might find these competing views. Absurd. And this comment is not meant to be a reflection of my own political views. It is a request that all of you who object to the publication of competing views grow up. And maybe spend a few moments to read the U.S. Consitution. You might learn something important.
Jacqueline Shina says
I am appalled that a major event, a peace treaty between Israel and Bahrain and the UAE took place today and only Fox and CNN covered it as a main article. ABC, CBS and NBC buried it online. One channel actually had it after sports. This a major international event. Shame on most of the media for not highlighting it. To me this is blatant anti semitism. It goes along with my previous comment yesterday that the media can no longer be counted on for unbiased reporting.
Robert L Freed says
Ms. Regan asks the wrong question. It is not is Trump a good for Israel, it is is Trump good for America. I can think of countless reasons to conclude that he is not good for America.
While Israel is certainly a very important issue, it is not the only very important issue. Voting for Trump based solely on the Israel issue is hypocritical much as the evangelical who votes for him based on his stand on abortion in light of his un-Christian behavior and statements.
And whether Trump is the most pro-Israel and most patriotic president is certainly open for debate. I favor the sign that states “I will vote for any functioning adult.”
Ava Broden says
Lauri Regan’s endorsement of Donald Trump is filled with outright falsehoods, such as, “Trump has never supported white supremacists”. Really? The man who has garnered the support of white nationalists, the KKK, and neo-Nazi enablers within the White House like Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller? Who claimed, after the neo-Nazi and white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, “There are good people on both sides”? She also writes, “…his pro-America policies are essential for our future. Trump made America great again.” What about his handling of the climate crisis, a pandemic that has killed over 200,000 people, racial and religious injustice, his impeachment, and the blatant corruption of his administration? She dismisses of all that by saying, “While some voters dislike Trump’s personality…”, as if it’s simply of a matter of likeability. The rest of the world pities us, or hasn’t she noticed? His policies aren’t pro-America, they are pro-Trump. Joe Biden has long been an ally of Israel, and he’s infinitely more qualified AND sane. Unfortunately, Hadassah has engaged in the worst kind of false equivalency by publishing Regan’s views.
Donna Elman Fine says
I have no problem with Hadassah publishing these two essays. What it makes clear to me is that encouraging people to vote for Trump because of his positions on the Middle East begs the question of why/ how one chooses a presidential candidate. As another person replying stated the question is what is good for the United States of America. Since Israel became a state when Harry Truman was president all presidents both Democratic and Republican have supported Israel. This should not be the issue. For me the issues are basic liberties and protections which I feel are threatened by a continuation of present policies. I might add that for me the fact that the highest position in this country is held by someone so crude and out of emotional control is an embarrassment.
Judy Kramer says
I agree with both Robert and Ava above. If Ms. Regan wants to be a one-issue voter, that is certainly her right. But trying to justify her position by defending Trump’s policies and statements on issues other than Israel, is pure Republican spin and disingenuous at best. He did not “rebuild our economy.” He inherited a quite robust economy which the Obama-Biden administration had brought back from the brink of near Depression, primarily due to Republican deregulation in the banking industry. The United States will always stand by Israel, though some administrations may be tougher than others on her. Trump’s personality is not just unlikeable; he has shown himself to be a liar, a misogynist, a shady businessman, a racist and conspiracy theorist who cares only about his own power and wealth. His disdain of science has cost hundreds of thousands of lives. If Ms. Regan wants to put Israel at the top of her priority list, so be it. But maybe she should consider putting the people of her own country a little higher.
Waldemar Kalinowski says
How blind must one be to think that Donald Trump is good for Israel, when under his command America is dangerously divided and its international stature has plummeted to the lowest point in its history.
What’s good for Israel is a strong, united and respected America, not Donald Trump’s faltering, roller coaster of a nation careening towards chaos.
While the world grapples with the CV-19 pandemic, can the United Sates afford a lying, self-obsessed, sexual predator to guide us forward?
Why would any Jewish American use the criterion of “being good for Israel” as criterion for choosing the President of the United States? Don’t we, the United States citizens, pledge allegiance to the United States of America, and not another foreign country(s)?
As an American by choice—not simply the geography of my birth or some economic necessity—I say NO to Donald Trump and to his hateful and dangerous agenda which is destroying American democracy and flirts with fascism.
Sarah L says
oh Boo Hadassah.
Nancy Schweiss says
Ms. Regan’s endorsement of Donald Trump overlooks several important and relevant facts. She calls Donald Trump patriotic, but his actions have shown otherwise. He has shown himself unable to even comprehend sacrifices others have made for our country by demeaning the late John McCain for his incarceration as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, by calling those who died fighting for our country ‘losers’, and by failing to show respect for Gold Star Families. He has demoralized and weakened our national security and diplomacy organizations through attacks and threats against those who have served with distinction, notably Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, when he deemed that their actions weren’t sufficiently servile to his personal political ambitions.
The security of American Jews has been increasingly threatened, and that change is in very large part due to the tone set by Donald Trump. His failure to effectively denounce the antisemitic and racist ideologies espoused at the August 2017 Unite the Right rally, and his remark that there had been “fine people on both sides”, has emboldened members of hate groups. White nationalist leader and lead organizer of the Unite the Right rally Richard Spencer told The Atlantic last year that “There is no question that Charlottesville wouldn’t have occurred without Trump” and that he was “proud” of Trump’s “both sides” remark. Robert Bowers, the man accused of murdering eleven Jews as they attended services at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018, espoused the same ideologies represented at the Unite the Rally and participated in the same social media platforms as some of the rally attendees.
While certain actions taken by the Trump may be helpful to Israel, notably his dispatchment of son-in-law Jared Kushner to contribute to the building of alliances with the UAE and Bahrain, Donald Trump’s overall foreign policy has been erratic and has served neither our own nor Israel’s best interests. While Israel’s strengthened ties with the UAE and Bahrain may provide some counterbalance to Iranian aggression, Donald Trump’s ill-timed departure from the Iran nuclear deal undermines our ability to play a role in keeping Iran in check. And his accepting of Putin’s word over the assessments of our own intelligence officers about Russia’s meddling in U.S. elections is bad news for our country as well as Israel.
President Trump has shown us that he can’t be trusted with classified information that Israel has shared with the U.S. In March 2017, in a major breach of confidentiality, Trump revealed to Russian senior officials the existence of an Israeli counterterrorism investigation into the Islamic State. This disclosure not only exposed the classified findings, but also may have compromised critical Israeli intelligence assets.
Domestically and abroad, our world is less safe with Donald Trump in the White House.