Divided Loyalties

VISITORS COMMENTS: 11

(11) Sparky, 11/7/2008
You are an American or you are not.
One of the worst things this country has done to itself is to allow dual citizenship. You are an American or you are not. America defends Israel because it is in our interest to do so.

(10) Hersh?, 9/7/2008
Machmushky Achmdijeginberger
I think America and Israel should team up and take out achmidlfishyjob. He is Hitler number 4,657 and must be stopped. After that we should get rid of the present israely govenment which also act like the nazis many times torward chareidem. After we should have a pizza party . Thank you.

(9) Steve Lerner, 9/7/2008
Is the opposite also fair
I am a very strong Zionist for 45 years. I go to Israel often and am very supportive of The Jewish State. I, however, am totally against the US involvement in Irag. It has not made the United States or for that matter Eretz Yisrael. The history of US involvement was based on poor intelligence with no plan for occupation or withdrawal. The Irag War is responsible for the current crisis in Iran. Which is far more dangerous for Israel.

(8) David, 9/7/2008
Superfluous Question
Questioning the existence of divided loyalties is superfluous – everyone has divided loyalties. We are obligated to ourselves, our families, our clans, our peoples, our countries, and humanity as a whole. The real question raised by Rabbi Salomon is whether Jewish tribal loyalties precede national loyalty, and whether there is a conflict between those loyalties. “Are you a Jew first or an American first?” is a question that most American Jews seek to avoid, especially when asked by a non-Jew.

The rabbi’s discussion side-stepped an even more difficult question for some of us – what are the loyalties of Jews who are both American and Israeli citizens? Personally, I don’t see a conflict of interest, but I admit to being somewhat schizophrenic about this. When I am in Israel, I am Israeli, when I am in America, I am American. Here in Israel we face more difficult questions. Do I owe greater loyalty to the Jewish settler whose “illegal” settlement must be uprooted, or to the Druze soldier who will fight beside me in battle?

Rabbi Salomon supports a position that is expedient and pragmatic. That is good. But it would be a mistake to suggest that the problem is not real.

(7) Bracha Meyer, 8/7/2008
Jews can always support any just war
The terrorist achmadumbajughead who is running iran has said he will wipe Israel off the face of the earth. This monster already has missiles that will reach Europe and with a bit of tinkering will reach America, the "Great Satan" as he calls us.

Acting to save Israel is acting in our own self defense.

(6) David, 8/7/2008
Of course you can!
I don't see a conflict between support of Israel and loyalty to the US. As an American, I believe my country should support what is right-- that includes supporting democracy over tyranny, and fighting Islamic fanaticism and terrorism everywhere. And that means supporting Israel. It's not just in the interest of the Jews-- Israel is an outpost of Western values in a hostile place, and it deserves American-- not just Jewish American-- support.

(5) fred, 8/7/2008
Support Israel
I believe that every American Jew can support America in conflicts that benefit Israel, without any fear that this is against America's real interests (whether the American media will allow this to be perceived truthfully).

. The real question is whether Jews should support America when it tries to limit Israel's defensive options to further its own interests (especially when it's clear that American policy is often based on ignorance and liberal wishful thinking).

(4) Beverly, 8/7/2008
Israel and America
You are 100% on target! America is at war with Iraq and Iran because Iran and Iraq are against America. If it benefits Israel that is a side reward. BUT -- The American Government and majority of people have CHOSEN to be PRO Israel - because G-d has placed it in our hearts to defend you until such time as He sees fit. G-d's plan for Israel is that you will be blessed and you will stand. Bad times will come and America may fall because of it but G-d is in control of ALL things concerning Israel. When G-d says we war -- then we war. Only He can bring peace -- and He will.

(3) JULIUS I MARCUS, 8/7/2008

AMERICAN JEWS CAN SUPPORT WARS WHICH HAPPEN TO SUPPORT ISRAEL. AMERICAN JEWS SHOULD NOT SUPPORT A WAR BY AMERICA WHOSE ONLY OBJECTIVE IS ITS BENEFIT OF FORESTALLING AN ATTACK ON ISRAEL or TO WEAKEN A POTENTIAL ENEMY THAT IS CONSIDERING A WAR WITH ISRAEL. IT ISRAEL IS ATTACKED THEN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD OFFER EVRY ASSISTANCE INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF ENTERING THE BATLE ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL

(2) Ariel Ben Yohanan (Andras Bereny), 8/7/2008
Wrong question
The true question is: can Jews continue to divide their loyalty between the Torah and any other nation's legal framework?

(1) Dr. Samuel Laffer, 8/7/2008
The Jewish People Should Never Be Timid
There is, in my opinion, absolutely NO reason for the Jewish People in the USA or anwhere on this planet to be timid in defense of Israel. I agree with you Rabbi....Israel and every jew in this world is connected. We as a people are interested in repairing the world...bringing light and peace to every corner of the globe...therefore the idea of disloyalty is an insult...the 14 million jews have contributed more than any other people, because our teachings in the Torah demands it!!! It is in our DNA!!!