If It Quacks Like a Duck

Two recent articles highlight the tension created when a politician uses their support for the State of Israel as a defense against accusations of anti-Semitism.

In the Forward, Rebecca Spence discussed the issue in relation to J.D. Hayworth, a Republican Representative from Arizona. Hayworth published a book in which he praises notable anti-Semite Henry Ford’s views on “Americanization.”:

“The controversy surrounding Hayworth, who describes himself as a Christian conservative, comes at a time when many in the Jewish community are debating the uneasy alliance that has developed in recent years between evangelicals, who paint themselves as unflagging supporters of Israel, and American Jews, a traditionally liberal voting bloc. While Republicans defended Hayworth’s comments by citing his long-standing support for Israel, some Democratic analysts said that Hayworth’s insensitivity to Ford’s anti-Semitic polemics illustrates the dangers of cozying up to Christian conservatives… Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, defended Hayworth, pointing out his commitment to the Jewish state. “J.D. Hayworth has been a longstanding and unhesitating supporter of Israel,” Brooks said. “His views on Henry Ford not withstanding, this is in no way a reflection on his own personal actions and his support for the Jewish community during his time in Congress.””

Two weeks later, Senatorial candidate Katherine Harris (R, Florida) stuck her Jimmy Choos in her mouth when she espoused some controversial views about governance and sin. From CNN.com:

"If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin," Harris said. Her comments drew criticism, including some from fellow Republicans, who called them offensive and not representative of the party. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, who is Jewish, told the Orlando Sentinel that she was "disgusted" by the comments. Harris' campaign released a statement Saturday saying she had been "speaking to a Christian audience, addressing a common misperception that people of faith should not be actively involved in government." The comments reflected "her deep grounding in Judeo-Christian values," the statement said, adding that Harris had previously supported pro-Israel legislation and legislation recognizing the Holocaust.

Support for Israel does not equal support for the Jews, it equals support for Israel. Regardless of how we feel about the state of Israel (love it, hate it, ignore it, go to therapy over it), we must be aware that those who espouse support for Israel, from across the political spectrum, have their own agenda. We must be wary of the bedfellows we keep.