Just for today...


By Marian Lebor
November 5, 2008
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A quick poll of some of my American expat friends indicates that around 90% are unhappy with the result of the American election and fearful of what President-elect Obama, rather than McCain, will mean for Israel.

“I am so depressed,: said one of the respondents to my poll.” Obama is a manipulator who is surrounded by unsavory characters. He will champion the Arabs and be a disaster for Israel.”

To balance that, here’s a comment from one of the few who reacted positively: “Joe Biden is a strong ally of Israel and I’m sure this means Obama will be too. I imagine, by today, the world already has a different, more positive view of America. For the first time in a while I feel proud to be American.”

We can’t know for certain, of course, whether or not Obama will be good for Israel. But for once I’m not only thinking about my small corner of the world. As a non-American, I acknowledge with admiration what the greatest democracy in the world has done. The sight of people queuing to vote all over the USA was incredible. Tomorrow I’ll go back to worrying full-time about Iran; about the kassams that continue to rain down, and about who the real Obama might be. Just for today, I can only acknowledge the truly momentous result of this election.

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MarilynS.

5 November, 2008 - 20:42

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As an American, I have been following Barack Obama's campaign closely for almost two years. I am convinced he is a good man who wants to make the world a better place for all of us. He is clearly an intelligent, tolerant person who is dedicated to working for social justice and listening to all sides before making decisions. He wants what is best for the United States and understands the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance. Please keep an open mind and give him a chance! Thank you, Marian, I can see you understand what this historic event means,

Vivien

6 November, 2008 - 12:55

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Obama is a strong supporter of Israel. He received a 100% rating with AIPAC (American pro-Israel lobby). When I campaigned for Obama in Florida I found that most of the elderly Jewish community supported him (and hated Palin), however the more Orthodox people we spoke to weren't so sure. I'm convinced that he will win them over and the fears will soon be allayed. As a Jewish American I couldn't be more proud and thrilled about our new President.

MarilynS.

6 November, 2008 - 17:45

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Further on President-elect Obama and Israel/Jews:

1) Check out this video made by Chuck Schumer--Senator from New York.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hmgVwoQQWs

2) His first choice for Chief of Staff (that's the position equivalent to that of Leo on the West Wing) is Rahm Emanuel:
רם עמנואל ‎
His father, a pediatrician still practicing near Chicago, immigrated to the United States from Israel and spoke Hebrew with his son, when Emanuel was a boy. He is the brother of Ari Emanuel, a prominent talent agent and founder of the Endeavor Agency.

Emanuel's wife Amy Rule, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania converted to Judaism shortly before her wedding.[9] They are members of Anshe Shalom, a modern Orthodox congregation in Chicago.[11] They have three children, son Zacharias and daughters Ilana and Leah. The children attend Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Emanuel's own alma mater, where his wife, Amy, frequently volunteers. Rabbi Asher Lopatin of Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation, is quoted as saying: "It's a very involved Jewish family"; "Amy was one of the teachers for a class for children during the High Holidays two years ago."[11] Emanuel has said of his Judaism: "I am proud of my heritage and treasure the values it has taught me."[11] Emanuel's family lives on the North Side of Chicago, in the North Center neighborhood.[26]

(Wikipedia)

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