American Jews’ concern

Press, 25 September 1982, Page 14

American Jews’ concern

The light in which Israel is seen in the United States is of prime concern to American Jews. In the past they have criticised Israel but the criticism has been muted; their loyalty to Israel has usually become dominant soon after signs of dissension. Since the massacres in Beirut a number of important Jewish organisations want the Begin Government to hold an investigation to establish the responsibility. This is probably not to be seen as open criticism of Israel but an attempt to let Israel be seen in a 'better light internationally. Some people, of Jewish origin, including citizens of Israel, shared the doubts held by many others about Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. The Beirut massacres have roused anger and suspicion about the way in which the soldiers in Beirut and the Government' of Mr Menachem Begin have handled the massacres. The last reserve against speaking out has broken down. The calls from American Jewry will be among the least welcome to Mr Begin. His Government relies heavily on American support, both economic and military. The aid comes from the Government and privately from American Jews. American Jews have a significant influence on American politics. They exert this influence by lobbying in the right places; their electoral strength is also important. The Greater New York area has about 2 million Jews; Boston has 170,000; and the Californian city-of Lbs Angeles has more than half a million Jews among its citizens. An American President who ignores the Jewish vote does so at his peril.

It can be argued that it is utterly necessary for an American Presidential candidate to be able to carry New York and California. Some commentators have attributed American reluctance to bring pressure to bear on Israel to the importance of the Jewish vote. This consideration, was expected to be of great importance this year when the whole of the American House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will face elections in November. Any divisions in the views of American Jews and any decline in their influence would have a significant effect within the United States and might have a long-term effect on the attitude of the United States to Israel. Mr Begin knows that divisions could come into the open. Most American Jews are European Jews; Israel now has a majority of Oriental Jews, mainly from Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Mr Begin’s own political support comes heavily from these Oriental Jews. He has ruled out a full State commission to inquire into the Beirut massacres, and the Knesset has voted for his view. Nevertheless, another investigation may be held. Mr Begin appears to be suggesting that any investigation is an admission of responsibility for the massacres. This point has been denied by some of the American Jewish organisations calling, for the inquiry. To some extent what is happening is that American Jews are making it clear to the Begin Government that it needs to do something to keep American public opinion on its side.