Support for Israel is dropping at an alarming rate within the Democratic Party. The lone democracy in the Middle East is becoming more politicized between party lines than ever before. If Democratic support does not improve soon, Israel’s security may be at risk.
A recent survey by Pew Research came out proving that support for Israel is very partisan. It was concluded that Democrats sympathize with Israel at nearly the same rate as they sympathize with Palestinians. Republicans overwhelmingly sympathize with Israel.
The need for Democrats to back Israel is critical and one leader in particular continues to show his endless support. Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey hopes to change the Democratic narrative. “Unfortunately, Israel and issues related to fighting terror in Israel have become partisan issues,” Gottheimer said. “That’s why it is so important to take the partisanship out of this issue. It never had been a partisan matter before. Now, it’s become divisive. We have a lot of work to do in the Democratic party on this.”
Gottheimer has dedicated his time in Congress to acting as a “bipartisan leader.” He is the co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which consists of 24 Democrats and Republicans who work together to solve the nation’s toughest problems.
In congress, Gottheimer introduced the U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to help Israel repel missile attacks, and the bipartisan Combating BDS Act of 2017. He co-authored the Anti-Terrorist bill, supported the US embassy move to Jerusalem, imposed sanctions on Hamas, is active in AIPAC and NORPAC and has continuously stressed that Israel is the United States’ greatest ally.
When the US embassy moved to Jerusalem, Gottheimer did not fall to the pressure of partisanship but applauded the decision.
Gottheimer recognizes Israel’s importance for human rights, democracy, security in the region and having a reliable alliance with the United States. He is a leader who seems to do everything in his power to convince his party and Americans in general that Israel is a vital ally and will always remain an important friend to America.
It is important for the United States to keep such a strong relationship with Israel. With only 27 percent of Democrats sympathizing with Israel, we need leaders like Gottheimer in office to convince his party [of] the importance of our biggest ally in that region.
Jacob Nemeth
Clinton Township
