As a Jew I know I am expected to have a strong opinion about Israel. To some American Jews, the issue of Israel can be the deciding factor on what political candidate they vote for, making the issue even more important than political party. For me, however, the issue is much more complicated. On one hand, I know all about the suffering and anti-Semitism Jews have been subjected to; but on the other hand I cannot approve of Israel's behavior towards Palestinians. One thing I do know is that Israel is not even close to being the most important political issue for me; and I resent the expectation that just because I'm Jewish Israel is supposed to sit a top my list of political concerns.
This summer, I saw the "Israel First" fight up close during my internship in the campaign office of my Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky. I live in the Ninth Congressional District of Illinois, which has the most Jewish voters of any district in Chicago or its suburbs. Schakowsky is Jewish, as was her predecessor. The district is also heavily Democratic, and Schakowsky has had little competition during her 12 years in office. This cycle her opponent is Republican Joel Pollak. Pollak is an Orthodox Jew and a self-identified Tea Party Member, and his effort to unseat Schakowsky is based around his claim that Jan Schakowsky is not pro-Israel enough. This critique, to me, is ridiculous since she has a 100 percent voting record from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), as well as the support of J Street, a newer and more liberal Israeli lobby group. Some Jews feel that J Street is actually pro-Palestinian because they want Israel to take some blame and responsibility for the situation in order to reach a two state solution.
Another issue for critics of Schakowsky is that she had Helen Thomas as the guest of honor at one of her luncheons. Since Thomas made what was perceived as highly anti-Semitic comments, saying Israeli Jews should return to Poland, this supposedly shows that Schakowsky is anti-Israel herself.
Joel Pollak, as a member of the Tea Party, is expected to hold conservative fringe views. He believes that America is leaving behind a strong democracy in Iraq. He is a supporter of concealed carry laws. He also favors lowering the minimum wage, claiming such a move would help the working class by forcing them to find jobs. In spite of these views he is getting the support of some Jews in the district solely because of how pro-Israel he is perceived to be. Most Ninth district Jews, like most American Jews, hold liberal positions on the issues above, but because of Israel Pollak is Schakowsky's toughest opponent in years.
Though Schakowsky is very pro-Israel, she just doesn't make it her top issue. She supports Israel but she is more concerned with domestic issues such as healthcare, equality for women and gay rights.
Jews have been one of the most persecuted groups in history and that is why it is important that Israel exist as a safe haven. And Israel—with its support from America—isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In light of this Jewish people in my district, and the entire United States, should give more attention to other political issues. As Jews, we are well aware of marginalization and oppression, thus we should elect government officials who will fight against such injustices in our societies, whether they are directly affecting Jews or not. As long as a member of congress consistently votes in favor of Israel there is no reason to question his or her allegiances. Instead we should pay attention to the broader picture of what our politicians believe in and whether they are creating positive change in our country.
—Rachel Anspach '13 was an intern for Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9).
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