As the presidents of College Democrats and College Republicans at Northwestern, it is easy for us to find things to disagree on. From health care to Iraq to the economy to immigration, we have strong differences on the direction our nation should take.
The 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, though, provides us with the unique opportunity to pay tribute to one important arena where Democrats and Republicans have joined hands. Support for the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship has been one area where both parties have been able to come together as Americans to recognize the unique strategic, economic and moral ties that bind the United States with Israel.
Sixty years ago, President Harry Truman became the first head of state to recognize the state of Israel, just eleven minutes after it was created. As Israel fought its war for independence - attacked by its neighbors after the Arab nations rejected a UN partition plan to create a Jewish state and a Palestinian state - the United States came to assistance of the nascent Jewish state. From that time forward, both Democratic and Republican presidents have built on that relationship.
With Israel as the sole democracy in the Middle East and a polity dedicated to our same values of human dignity and open society, the relationship has been built not only between our governments but between our peoples. Both nations were founded by refugees escaping persecution and attempting to build societies dedicated to religious and political freedom.
After September 11, as a sign of solidarity, a major thoroughfare in downtown Jerusalem was named "New York Street" in memoriam of the victims of the terrorist attacks. Whether it is in providing counterterrorism training to U.S. security forces or providing humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina, Israel has consistently stood with the people of the United States. Though a small nation, less than 10 miles wide at its most narrow point, Israel has always reached out to us with a big heart.
Similarly, America has stood with Israel in our common desire to create peace in the Middle East. American presidents have worked with Israel to create long-lasting meaningful peace agreements between Israel and some of her neighbors. Israel has worked with the United States to counter the threats posed to both of our nations by terrorist networks who have killed both Americans and Israelis. Before Sept. 11, Hezbollah was responsible for killing more Americans than any other terrorist organization. Hamas has killed dozens of Americans as well.
Looking to the future, we eagerly await the day when Palestine exists as an independent state with self-determination for its people and exists in peace side-by-side with Israel. This special relationship puts us in a position to be able to work with Israel and, when needed, offer constructive criticism as we move together towards a more peaceful Middle East. Although we may not always approve of specific policies, we stand together as firm allies through thick and thin. Our nations, both seeking peace and aspiring to democratic ideals, have found ourselves working tirelessly towards those ends against those who seek a path of violence and destruction.
As the current election roars on, we will find many issues where we disagree as Republicans and Democrats. These deep political divides make this unique moment in history all the more important - a moment where we come together to transcend the divides of red and blue states to recognize an important issue that ties us as Americans. We are proud to come together to say that no matter where we stand politically, we stand with the democratic and peace-seeking people of Israel.
- Lily Becker
Weinberg junior
President, College Democrats
- JAmes D'Angelo
Communication junior
President, College Republicans
The views expressed are their own.
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