Spring Break
A Jewish issue
Most Jewish voters at Brandeis place their confidence in Obama
by Denisse Dubrovsky and Shana D. Lebowitz
Features | 11/4/08
Posted online at 1:47 AM EST on 11/4/08
Speaking of Jews' consistent support for Democratic candidates, Prof. Jonathon Sarna (NEJS) noted the chronic divide between Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish voters. Orthodox Jews are more likely to vote Republican, while Jews more liberal in their religious beliefs tend also to be politically liberal, he said.
Sarna explained that although Democrats as well as Republicans have strong diplomatic potential in the Middle East, Orthodox Jews might identify more with the conservative party due to shared values and a more robust foreign policy.
"The Republicans are more likely to support a hawkish stance in regard to Israel," he says, "while the Democrats are more likely to take a dove-ish stance."
Ratner, exemplifying the kind of liberal stance on Israel Sarna noted in Democratic voters, explained what she sees as the ideal relationship between the United States and Israel.
"Obama definitely embodies the things I think Israel needs," she says, noting that while Israel requires strong support from the United States, the situation in the Middle East also necessitates a resolution that will help the Palestinians as well as the Jews.
"Kicking [the Palestinians] out is not a solution," she says.
David Emer '09, former president of the Brandeis Democrats, has no qualms about Obama's policies toward Israel.
"Obama's record is unequivocally pro-Israel. Perhaps he is not aligned with the conservatives in Israeli politics, but that does not detract from his staunchly pro-Israel positions," Emer wrote in an e-mail to the Justice.
Sarna noted a number of issues that might sway even those Jewish voters who typically vote Republican toward the Democratic Party.
Due to the current economic crisis, Sarna believes that Americans' attention has turned toward domestic issues. Jews who might previously have voted solely based on the candidates' stances on Israel may now weigh candidates' domestic policies more heavily.
Sarna explained that although Democrats as well as Republicans have strong diplomatic potential in the Middle East, Orthodox Jews might identify more with the conservative party due to shared values and a more robust foreign policy.
"The Republicans are more likely to support a hawkish stance in regard to Israel," he says, "while the Democrats are more likely to take a dove-ish stance."
Ratner, exemplifying the kind of liberal stance on Israel Sarna noted in Democratic voters, explained what she sees as the ideal relationship between the United States and Israel.
"Obama definitely embodies the things I think Israel needs," she says, noting that while Israel requires strong support from the United States, the situation in the Middle East also necessitates a resolution that will help the Palestinians as well as the Jews.
"Kicking [the Palestinians] out is not a solution," she says.
David Emer '09, former president of the Brandeis Democrats, has no qualms about Obama's policies toward Israel.
"Obama's record is unequivocally pro-Israel. Perhaps he is not aligned with the conservatives in Israeli politics, but that does not detract from his staunchly pro-Israel positions," Emer wrote in an e-mail to the Justice.
Sarna noted a number of issues that might sway even those Jewish voters who typically vote Republican toward the Democratic Party.
Due to the current economic crisis, Sarna believes that Americans' attention has turned toward domestic issues. Jews who might previously have voted solely based on the candidates' stances on Israel may now weigh candidates' domestic policies more heavily.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Paul Trusten, R.Ph., '73
posted 11/05/08 @ 11:33 AM EST
The above article looks as if it was written under the influence of some soporific drug, and the subjects of the article seem to have been speaking under the same influence. (Continued…)
Ian
posted 11/05/08 @ 11:43 AM EST
American Jews have lost any sense of allegiance to their people and have put Israel into a very dangerous position, electing someone openly described as the "stealth candidate" by hiding his beliefs, philosophy or positions. (Continued…)
George Patsourakos
posted 11/05/08 @ 2:14 PM EST
George Patsourakos
About 75 percent of American Jews typically vote for a Democrat for President of the United States -- rather than a Republican -- because American Jews tend to be liberal. (Continued…)
Class of 08
posted 11/10/08 @ 9:57 PM EST
Paul - a small point, but "what kind of society tolerates the disposal of children at hospital emergency rooms?"
One that prefers dropping children off at emergency rooms or fire stations as opposed to garbage cans or dumpsters. (Continued…)
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