 |
| Mike Huckabee at the Lubavitcher Rebbe's gravesite (Matzav) |
Not me. The former has abandoned millennia of Jewish laws
and customs to create a religion more in harmony with constantly
evolving American values. While Orthodoxy has remained steadfast in adhering to
those laws and customs. When it comes to matters of public concern, these
ideologies drive how each group responds. Which is exactly the case with how
they view Governor Mike Huckabee’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Reform Judaism’s progressive approach to Israel aligns with
the longstanding U.S. and global policy of creating a Palestinian state in
Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) along its long border with Israel. They consider anything
short of that to be an injustice to the Palestinian people, who deserve the right of
self-determination. Consequently, they condemn any suggestion of annexation of
any portion of Judea and Samaria, arguing that it would extend Israel’s current
harsh military governance over Palestinians.
To the progressive left, which defines Reform ideology,
anyone who favors such a policy is a fascist and should certainly not represent
U.S. foreign interests. Especially given that a two-state solution has been long-standing US policy under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Huckabee basically sides with extremist right wing Israeli politicians
like Ben-Gvir who supports annexation The idea that someone like this should be
the U.S. ambassador to Israel goes against everything Reform Judaism stands for.
Reform leaders, along with progressive organizations like J-Street, strongly
oppose his nomination and are lobbying Congress to vote against him. They also
claim that Huckabee’s eschatological beliefs drive his pro-Israel views. Which
they argue are counter to Jewish beliefs. It doesn’t matter that there is
strong evidence (which is beyond the scope of this post) that suggests this is not his motive. They cling
to this claim because, they cannot stand his conservative, pro-Israel views
and are quite angry over his nomination.
I’m sorry, but my tolerance for fake ideologies is
nonexistent. I have zero respect for Reform Judaism. I feel deeply saddened
that so many American Jews have been duped into believing that it has any authenticity at all.
It’s not their fault. Most of American Jewry lacks the
fundamental Jewish education that has been part of our history since our
founding as a nation at Sinai. Without that knowledge many Jews have been
indoctrinated to believe that the progressive values that define Reform Judaism is the purest form of it.
If only I could reach out and convince them of the simple
truth: When something is ‘reformed’ it is no longer what it was intended to
be as defined by God in Scripture. But I digress. The point remains that Reform Judaism is anathema to tenets
of Judaism that guided our existence for millennia.
Orthodox Jewry, on the other hand, is quite happy with
Huckabee’s nomination. We understand that he is a Christian and see no problem
with Christian support for Israel. Even if it comes from someone with his
eschatological beliefs. As noted in
Jewish Insider:
The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center expressed this in a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stating that Huckabee’s opposition to a two-state solution and his support for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank align with the views of “many American Jews.”
This perspective also reflects a shift in how many of us view
the creation of a Palestinian state, especially in light of the events of
October 7th:
“[The Oct. 7 attack and its aftermath] has caused many pro-Israel Americans who share the goal of achieving security and peace for all in the Middle East to view the model of the peace process pursued in the past as stale and illusory,” the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center letter reads. “These Americans support a new approach to how the United States will engage with this important aspect of American foreign policy.”
The letter also emphasized that most Israelis oppose
Palestinian statehood, adding:
“Gov. Huckabee understands the existential concerns of Israelis, and that understanding will be very valuable in discharging the duties of U.S. Ambassador.”
Additionally, the letter defended Huckabee’s evangelical
faith and Christian Zionist beliefs, stating:
“We are deeply appreciative of the Christian Zionist community for their stalwart support of Israel and active opposition to the deeply disturbing rising tide of antisemitism in the United States” and their “shared belief in the eternal Jewish connection to the land of Israel.”
This once again demonstrates how liberal Judaism is so anathematic to Jewish values. The more progressive one is, the more one aligns with ideologies that harm Israel and the Jewish people. All under the mistaken notion of empathy for people who would be pleased to see us dead.
Reform Judaism refuses to recognize that the vast majority
of Palestinians are devout Muslims who, as a matter of religious doctrine, can
never accept a Jewish state anywhere in any part of what they consider
Palestine. Any form of Palestinian statehood in Judea and Samaria will be seen
as a step toward dismantling all of Israel. Their terrorist factions like Hamas will continue to
use armed struggle to achieve that religious goal.
As I have said many times, if the celebratory reaction of Palestinians in Gaza to the October 7th Hamas massacre of 1,200 Jews and the kidnapping of hundreds of hostages has taught us anything, it has taught us that.
That being said, I am not necessarily advocating for the annexation of any part of Judea and Samaria. But that is no longer such a far out, out-of-mainstream position.
For the time being, annexation is not official U.S. policy. Huckabee has made it clear that he will not be in Israel to push that policy. He will instead faithfully represent the president’s foreign policy. Which is exactly what a cabinet level official is supposed to do.
As far as I’m concerned, nothing has changed since I first learned of Huckabee’s nomination. I could not be happier that he was chosen. I hope that Governor Huckabee passes confirmation with flying colors, despite the Democratic opposition to him and their obstinate but faulty insistence that the two-state solution is the only realistic path to peace.
I’m sure he will.
