The following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of
Bergen County, in which I question the United States’ lack of a clear strategy
to combat one of the leading global terrorist organizations in the world
today:
THE MAN WITHOUT A PLAN
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
It was not that long ago that many considered Al Qaeda to
be the most reviled terrorist organization on the face of the Earth. Osama Bin
Laden was the world’s most wanted man and the fear of a global terrorist act
emanating from Al Qaeda was very real.
It now looks that the Al Qaeda threat has been supplanted
by an entity that poses as great of a peril as Osama’s gang did, if not more
so. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS as it is commonly known, has
been wreaking havoc and gaining a degree of notoriety that has captured the
attention of the world.
Comprised of Sunni militants who proudly wear their Islamist
extremism on their sleeves, ISIS is directly responsible for massacring
thousands of innocent civilians across Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Their
methodical drive to overtake cities and towns across Iraq, such as Mosul and
Tikrit, have proven that they will stop at nothing to achieve their quest of seizing
territories and establishing an Islamic state.
In what may have been the final straw for the United
States, ISIS recently posted a video on YouTube, which showed the gruesome
beheading of James Foley, an American journalist who had been missing in Syria
since 2012. If anyone was still questioning the terrorist tendencies of ISIS
and unaware of the sheer evil that epitomizes this group of extremists, the brutal
decapitation of James Foley proved without a shadow of a doubt what ISIS is
capable of.
Knowing all this makes President Obama’s recent comments
about ISIS all the more perplexing. When asked by NBC’s Chuck Todd at a press
briefing about ISIS, the President stated, “I don’t want to put the cart before
the horse. We don’t have a strategy yet.”
The President’s admission that the United States does not
yet have a strategy to address what is perhaps the greatest global terrorist
threat today sent shockwaves through Washington. It seemed inconceivable that
our Commander-in-Chief did not have a plan on how to curb the violent
tendencies of ISIS.
The White House damage control operation commenced almost
immediately, as they desperately attempted to offer some clarity to the
President’s comments. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that
President Obama had not detailed “a specific plan for military action in Syria”
because “the Pentagon is still developing that plan and he is still reviewing
it.”
In another attempt to fan the flames of the “we don’t
have a strategy yet” controversy, Earnest conceded that while the President has
“no plans right now” for ISIS in Syria, he does have a “comprehensive plan” for
ISIS in Iraq.
Although it was a valiant attempt by the President’s
Press Secretary to offer some context to his stunning remarks, it failed to
reconcile President Obama’s comment with that of one of his most trusted aides
in the foreign policy arena.
Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes recently
intimated that the U.S. in fact does has a strategy to deal with ISIS, when he
discussed “[t]he strategy we are already undertaking” and “our strategy.” In
what was perceived as a clear message to ISIS, Rhodes said, “We’ve made very
clear time and again that if you come after Americans, we’re going to come
after you wherever you are.”
We somehow went from having a plan of action, as
described by the Deputy National Security Advisor, to having not a clue on how
to proceed, as indicated by the President.
Critics of President Obama quickly jumped into the fray.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that the President “needs to
develop a regional strategy” to defeat ISIS. Noting that he believed that
Congress would support a strategic plan to combat the threat posed by ISIS,
McConnell said that, “it is time for President Obama to exercise some
leadership in launching a response.”
Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham took to
the op-ed page of The New York Times to call for a “greater sense of urgency”
from the Obama Administration in dealing with ISIS. Acknowledging that the
President “wants to move deliberately and consult with allies and Congress as
he considers what to do about ISIS,” Senators McCain and Graham said that, “the
threat ISIS poses only grows over time.” “It cannot be contained,” wrote the
Senators. “It must be confronted.”
Even some of the President’s Democratic allies in
Congress noted how critical it is that the United States has a plan to quell
the ISIS terrorist threat. “I think we’ve learned on thing about this
president, and that is he’s very cautious,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein.
“Maybe in this instance, too cautious.” Noting the grave danger posed by ISIS,
Feinstein said, “[t]his is a vicious, vicious movement, and it has to be
confronted.”
I understand that the President may not want to tip his
hand at this juncture as to how he plans to put ISIS out of business. Perhaps
he really does not have a detailed strategy at this point as to how to best
contain ISIS. However, for the President to get up in front of the cameras and
tell the world that he has no plan is shocking.
The President could have said something like, “the global
danger posed by ISIS is very real and must be dealt with swiftly and strongly.
We are currently assessing all of our options and are preparing to eliminate
the ISIS terrorist threat once and for all so that we can make the world a
safer place for everyone.”
Truthfully, anything would have better than “we don’t
have a strategy yet.” That admission inevitably emboldens the terrorists and
empowers them to continue their pursuit of terror and turmoil throughout the
world.
In a recent op-ed in The New York Times, Secretary of
State John Kerry noted that ISIS “presents a unifying threat to a broad array
of countries” and poses a threat well beyond the (Middle East) region.”
“With a united response led by the United States and the
broadest possible coalition of nations, the cancer of ISIS will not be allowed
to spread to other countries,” said the Secretary of State. “The world can
confront this scourge, and ultimately defeat it.”
That may be true, but unless I am mistaken, the United
States needs a strategy in place before that can possibly happen. The bottom
line is that the President needs to have a plan.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul
Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm.
Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or
www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism
The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote, which appeared in The New York Times on August 26, 2014, in which I offer an assessment of the recent increase in anti-Semitism around the globe:
The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism
To the Editor:
Re “Why Jews Are Worried” (Op-Ed, Aug. 21):
Deborah E. Lipstadt did an admirable job noting the distinctions between the anti-Semitism of the Nazi era in the 1930s and the increased level of anti-Semitism we are witnessing today.
Although the impetus for the various anti-Semitic acts may be distinct from one another, the common denominator is that they are all fueled by an innate sense of animosity toward one particular religious group. That hatred is compounded by the fact that anti-Semitism is becoming not just acceptable (to some) but also quite routine.
This brazen assault on freedom of religion is particularly troubling and runs counter to the democratic ideals of a civilized society. The recent uptick in anti-Semitism is akin to a conflagration that is becoming increasingly difficult to extinguish.
As Jews, we do not always need to press the panic button, but we must sound the alarm so the international community takes heed of the acute nature of this growing and disturbing problem.
N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., Aug. 21, 2014
The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism
To the Editor:
Re “Why Jews Are Worried” (Op-Ed, Aug. 21):
Deborah E. Lipstadt did an admirable job noting the distinctions between the anti-Semitism of the Nazi era in the 1930s and the increased level of anti-Semitism we are witnessing today.
Although the impetus for the various anti-Semitic acts may be distinct from one another, the common denominator is that they are all fueled by an innate sense of animosity toward one particular religious group. That hatred is compounded by the fact that anti-Semitism is becoming not just acceptable (to some) but also quite routine.
This brazen assault on freedom of religion is particularly troubling and runs counter to the democratic ideals of a civilized society. The recent uptick in anti-Semitism is akin to a conflagration that is becoming increasingly difficult to extinguish.
As Jews, we do not always need to press the panic button, but we must sound the alarm so the international community takes heed of the acute nature of this growing and disturbing problem.
N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., Aug. 21, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
A Not-So-Happy Anniversary
The following is my latest column, which appeared in The Jewish Press and The Jewish Link
of Bergen County, in which I mark the ninth anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal
from the Gaza Strip by looking back at what transpired in August 2005 and
assessing the sociological and political ramifications of the expulsion:
A NOT-SO-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
This week, the State of Israel had an anniversary of sorts; however, it was by no means a celebratory event. There was no excitement, as there is with Yom Ha’Atzmaut, when we commemorate the occasion of Israel’s birth as a nation in 1948. There was no exultation, as there is on Yom Yerushalayim, when we remember the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. In fact, many people failed to note that there was a date on the calendar that was worth remembering.
This week marked the ninth anniversary of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. In August 2005, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon oversaw one of the most dark and disturbing chapters in Israel’s history when he ordered the expulsion of approximately 9,000 Jews from Gaza. Entire communities were uprooted, over 2,500 homes were destroyed, and countless families were displaced.
The disturbing images of Jews forcibly removing their fellow Jews from their homes left an indelible mark on the psyche of the Jewish Nation. Watching men and women, young and old, weep as they were escorted from their homes was especially painful, and seeing children forced to leave the only home they had ever known was absolutely heart-wrenching.
We watched with horror as Jewish residents who refused to leave willingly clashed with the Jewish soldiers tasked with evicting them from their homes. As the residents barricaded themselves inside synagogues and climbed atop the roofs of their homes in acts of defiance, we shuddered and wondered how the situation has spiraled out of control so quickly.
Ultimately, every single Jewish resident was evacuated from Gaza, and shortly thereafter the Israel Defense Forces completely withdrew from the area, thereby ceding control of Gaza to the Palestinians.
Following the expulsion from Gaza, the situation for the former residents worsened considerably. The financial compensation promised by the Israeli government never fully materialized. People were relocated to temporary domiciles. The unemployment rate amongst the residents skyrocketed. The sociological ramifications of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza were quite dire.
The political consequences, as we know, were calamitous. Although Prime Minister Sharon believed the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza would improve Israel’s security and burnish its reputation in the international community, his dream never materialized.
Hamas took control of Gaza and quickly turned into a hotbed of terrorism and turmoil. What had been vibrant bastions of Jewish life morphed into the main command center for Hamas’ jihad against Israel.
Over the past several weeks, more than 3,300 rockets were fired from Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Those are in addition to the over 11,000 rockets that have been fired at Israel from Gaza since the withdrawal in 2005.
In addition to Operation Protective Edge, Israel was forced to embark on Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012 in response to relentless rocket fire from Gaza. In 2008, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in an effort to impair Hamas’ ability to launch rockets at Israeli cities.
I recognize that hindsight is 20/20, and at this juncture it is easy to ascertain that the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip nine years ago did not enhance Israel’s security. The fact that over 5 million Israelis live under a constant threat of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza is a stark and scary reminder of how vulnerable Israel has become after it chose to vacate Gaza.
Rather than questioning Sharon’s decision to leave Gaza devoid of any trace of the Israeli presence that existed prior to the withdrawal in 2005, we must look to the future and ask what now? What happens next?
The reality is that over the past several weeks we witnessed the increased firepower that Hamas has amassed, including long-range rockets that can strike Israeli cities, which until now had been considered out of harm’s way. We saw the callous disregard that Hamas has for human life and the intense hatred it harbors towards Israel.
Israel’s military strikes may have damaged Hamas, but they did not destroy Hamas. As such, the rockets will likely continue flying towards Israel, and Hamas’ never-ending attempts to carry out acts of terror against Israel will endure.
The challenge Israel faces is how to deal with an entity intent on destroying it. Hamas rules Gaza with an iron fist and will not easily relinquish its control over the area. What Israel must do is architect a containment mechanism intended to neutralize Hamas. A cease fire may be a temporary fix, but based on Hamas’ track record, it is by no means a permanent solution. Devising ways to halt funding to Hamas and engaging in an effort to further marginalize Hamas from the rest of the world may be start.
As we mark the ninth anniversary of the expulsion from Gaza, we not only remember and empathize with the families that were driven from their homes; we also remember the many people who have lost their lives as a direct result of Hamas being handed the keys to Gaza on a silver platter. For Israel, this is a not-so-happy anniversary.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
A NOT-SO-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
This week, the State of Israel had an anniversary of sorts; however, it was by no means a celebratory event. There was no excitement, as there is with Yom Ha’Atzmaut, when we commemorate the occasion of Israel’s birth as a nation in 1948. There was no exultation, as there is on Yom Yerushalayim, when we remember the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. In fact, many people failed to note that there was a date on the calendar that was worth remembering.
This week marked the ninth anniversary of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. In August 2005, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon oversaw one of the most dark and disturbing chapters in Israel’s history when he ordered the expulsion of approximately 9,000 Jews from Gaza. Entire communities were uprooted, over 2,500 homes were destroyed, and countless families were displaced.
The disturbing images of Jews forcibly removing their fellow Jews from their homes left an indelible mark on the psyche of the Jewish Nation. Watching men and women, young and old, weep as they were escorted from their homes was especially painful, and seeing children forced to leave the only home they had ever known was absolutely heart-wrenching.
We watched with horror as Jewish residents who refused to leave willingly clashed with the Jewish soldiers tasked with evicting them from their homes. As the residents barricaded themselves inside synagogues and climbed atop the roofs of their homes in acts of defiance, we shuddered and wondered how the situation has spiraled out of control so quickly.
Ultimately, every single Jewish resident was evacuated from Gaza, and shortly thereafter the Israel Defense Forces completely withdrew from the area, thereby ceding control of Gaza to the Palestinians.
Following the expulsion from Gaza, the situation for the former residents worsened considerably. The financial compensation promised by the Israeli government never fully materialized. People were relocated to temporary domiciles. The unemployment rate amongst the residents skyrocketed. The sociological ramifications of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza were quite dire.
The political consequences, as we know, were calamitous. Although Prime Minister Sharon believed the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza would improve Israel’s security and burnish its reputation in the international community, his dream never materialized.
Hamas took control of Gaza and quickly turned into a hotbed of terrorism and turmoil. What had been vibrant bastions of Jewish life morphed into the main command center for Hamas’ jihad against Israel.
Over the past several weeks, more than 3,300 rockets were fired from Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Those are in addition to the over 11,000 rockets that have been fired at Israel from Gaza since the withdrawal in 2005.
In addition to Operation Protective Edge, Israel was forced to embark on Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012 in response to relentless rocket fire from Gaza. In 2008, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in an effort to impair Hamas’ ability to launch rockets at Israeli cities.
I recognize that hindsight is 20/20, and at this juncture it is easy to ascertain that the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip nine years ago did not enhance Israel’s security. The fact that over 5 million Israelis live under a constant threat of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza is a stark and scary reminder of how vulnerable Israel has become after it chose to vacate Gaza.
Rather than questioning Sharon’s decision to leave Gaza devoid of any trace of the Israeli presence that existed prior to the withdrawal in 2005, we must look to the future and ask what now? What happens next?
The reality is that over the past several weeks we witnessed the increased firepower that Hamas has amassed, including long-range rockets that can strike Israeli cities, which until now had been considered out of harm’s way. We saw the callous disregard that Hamas has for human life and the intense hatred it harbors towards Israel.
Israel’s military strikes may have damaged Hamas, but they did not destroy Hamas. As such, the rockets will likely continue flying towards Israel, and Hamas’ never-ending attempts to carry out acts of terror against Israel will endure.
The challenge Israel faces is how to deal with an entity intent on destroying it. Hamas rules Gaza with an iron fist and will not easily relinquish its control over the area. What Israel must do is architect a containment mechanism intended to neutralize Hamas. A cease fire may be a temporary fix, but based on Hamas’ track record, it is by no means a permanent solution. Devising ways to halt funding to Hamas and engaging in an effort to further marginalize Hamas from the rest of the world may be start.
As we mark the ninth anniversary of the expulsion from Gaza, we not only remember and empathize with the families that were driven from their homes; we also remember the many people who have lost their lives as a direct result of Hamas being handed the keys to Gaza on a silver platter. For Israel, this is a not-so-happy anniversary.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Cantor Sings His Final Tune
The
following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I discuss
how House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s impending departure from Congress
impacts the State of Israel and the American Jewish community:
CANTOR SINGS HIS FINAL TUNE
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
The campaign for the June 10, 2014 GOP primary election in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District was by all accounts a sleeper. David Brat, a college economics professor and a virtually unknown political novice, was challenging the Number 2 Republican in the House – Majority Leader Eric Cantor.
Cantor, a powerful 7-term lawmaker who some speculated had designs on one day becoming Speaker of the House, was a shoo-in for re-election. The pre-Primary Day polls had him leading his opponent by a considerable margin. The political pundits essentially ignored the race, which they found to be devoid of any excitement. For Eric Cantor, it was not a question if he was going to win the race; it was merely a function of counting down the days until Primary Day, when he could finally formalize his inevitable victory.
And then the voters spoke. When the polls closed and the dust settled, Eric Cantor had suffered a stinging defeat at the hands of his Tea Party-backed opponent, thereby becoming the first Majority Leader in history to be ousted in a primary. The final tally had Brat besting Cantor by 55% to 44%.
In political circles and in Washington, DC, Eric Cantor’s incomprehensible loss was the equivalent of a political earthquake that sent tremors through the political establishment. The New York Times described it as “one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history.”
Cantor, who was a star in the Republican Party, raised a whopping $5.4 million for his campaign, as opposed to Brat, who raised a paltry $200,000. With his campaign war chest overflowing, Cantor outspent his opponent by more than 40 to 1. However, at the end of the day, Cantor came up short.
While I do not necessarily agree with Eric Cantor’s political ideology, I nonetheless am troubled by his loss, because when Eric Cantor resigns from the House on August 18, the American Jewish community and the State of Israel will lose one of the staunchest allies that we have in Congress.
Not only has Eric Cantor been the sole Jewish Republican in Congress for the past five years, he is also the highest ranking Jewish lawmaker in congressional history. Yet, merely being Jewish is not the reason why I respect Eric Cantor. I admire him because he proudly wore his Jewish identity on his sleeve at all times. Eric Cantor made a conscious decision not to hide from his “Jewishness,” but to wholeheartedly embrace it at every turn.
I also greatly appreciate the fact that he constantly exhibited not just an understanding of Israel and its unique security needs, but a willingness to go to the mat for the Jewish State whenever it was necessary to do so.
Just several weeks ago, even after his defeat, and as he prepared to relinquish his post as Majority Leader, Cantor issued a strong defense of Israel as it defended itself against a barrage of rocket attacks from Hamas during Operation Protective Edge.
“Israel is one of our nation’s strongest democratic allies and its security is directly tied to our own,” said Cantor. “Hamas’ outrageous and unprovoked war against Israel must end. Until Hamas accepts the Quartet principles, abandoning violence and recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, there will not be peace.”
“There is no justification for Hamas’ violent assault on Israel, which withdrew completely from Gaza in 2005,” continued Cantor. “Since then, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have lobbed thousands of rockets into Israel and Hamas staged a coup against the Palestinian Authority, assuming complete control over Gaza and turning it into a den of terrorism.”
Regardless of whether you were a Democrat, Republican, Independent or Conservative, when it came to the safety and security of the State of Israel, Eric Cantor was always interested in hearing what you had to say. He had no compunction about stepping up to the microphone in order to deliver an impassioned defense of Israel and to declare that Israel’s security needs are America’s security needs, and he often backed up his words with action.
Eric Cantor’s electoral loss is not just a personal one; it is a communal one. With his departure from Congress, the Jewish community will not just lose one of our own; we will lose one of the best friends that we have in Congress. As Cantor sings his final tune and the curtain comes down on his Congressional tenure, unfortunately for the Jewish community and the State of Israel, there will be no encore performance.
“Mr. Speaker, I close by once again thanking my colleagues for their service, I thank them for their friendship and warmth,” said an emotional Eric Cantor on July 31 as he closed what was his final speech on the floor of the House as Majority Leader. “And with that, I yield back.”
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
CANTOR SINGS HIS FINAL TUNE
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
The campaign for the June 10, 2014 GOP primary election in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District was by all accounts a sleeper. David Brat, a college economics professor and a virtually unknown political novice, was challenging the Number 2 Republican in the House – Majority Leader Eric Cantor.
Cantor, a powerful 7-term lawmaker who some speculated had designs on one day becoming Speaker of the House, was a shoo-in for re-election. The pre-Primary Day polls had him leading his opponent by a considerable margin. The political pundits essentially ignored the race, which they found to be devoid of any excitement. For Eric Cantor, it was not a question if he was going to win the race; it was merely a function of counting down the days until Primary Day, when he could finally formalize his inevitable victory.
And then the voters spoke. When the polls closed and the dust settled, Eric Cantor had suffered a stinging defeat at the hands of his Tea Party-backed opponent, thereby becoming the first Majority Leader in history to be ousted in a primary. The final tally had Brat besting Cantor by 55% to 44%.
In political circles and in Washington, DC, Eric Cantor’s incomprehensible loss was the equivalent of a political earthquake that sent tremors through the political establishment. The New York Times described it as “one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history.”
Cantor, who was a star in the Republican Party, raised a whopping $5.4 million for his campaign, as opposed to Brat, who raised a paltry $200,000. With his campaign war chest overflowing, Cantor outspent his opponent by more than 40 to 1. However, at the end of the day, Cantor came up short.
While I do not necessarily agree with Eric Cantor’s political ideology, I nonetheless am troubled by his loss, because when Eric Cantor resigns from the House on August 18, the American Jewish community and the State of Israel will lose one of the staunchest allies that we have in Congress.
Not only has Eric Cantor been the sole Jewish Republican in Congress for the past five years, he is also the highest ranking Jewish lawmaker in congressional history. Yet, merely being Jewish is not the reason why I respect Eric Cantor. I admire him because he proudly wore his Jewish identity on his sleeve at all times. Eric Cantor made a conscious decision not to hide from his “Jewishness,” but to wholeheartedly embrace it at every turn.
I also greatly appreciate the fact that he constantly exhibited not just an understanding of Israel and its unique security needs, but a willingness to go to the mat for the Jewish State whenever it was necessary to do so.
Just several weeks ago, even after his defeat, and as he prepared to relinquish his post as Majority Leader, Cantor issued a strong defense of Israel as it defended itself against a barrage of rocket attacks from Hamas during Operation Protective Edge.
“Israel is one of our nation’s strongest democratic allies and its security is directly tied to our own,” said Cantor. “Hamas’ outrageous and unprovoked war against Israel must end. Until Hamas accepts the Quartet principles, abandoning violence and recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, there will not be peace.”
“There is no justification for Hamas’ violent assault on Israel, which withdrew completely from Gaza in 2005,” continued Cantor. “Since then, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have lobbed thousands of rockets into Israel and Hamas staged a coup against the Palestinian Authority, assuming complete control over Gaza and turning it into a den of terrorism.”
Regardless of whether you were a Democrat, Republican, Independent or Conservative, when it came to the safety and security of the State of Israel, Eric Cantor was always interested in hearing what you had to say. He had no compunction about stepping up to the microphone in order to deliver an impassioned defense of Israel and to declare that Israel’s security needs are America’s security needs, and he often backed up his words with action.
Eric Cantor’s electoral loss is not just a personal one; it is a communal one. With his departure from Congress, the Jewish community will not just lose one of our own; we will lose one of the best friends that we have in Congress. As Cantor sings his final tune and the curtain comes down on his Congressional tenure, unfortunately for the Jewish community and the State of Israel, there will be no encore performance.
“Mr. Speaker, I close by once again thanking my colleagues for their service, I thank them for their friendship and warmth,” said an emotional Eric Cantor on July 31 as he closed what was his final speech on the floor of the House as Majority Leader. “And with that, I yield back.”
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Thursday, July 31, 2014
David vs. Goliath
The
following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I write
about the fact that Israel is not only fighting a war against Hamas and
terrorism; it is also fighting a war in the court of public opinion:
DAVID VS. GOLIATH
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Contrary to what you may think, Israel has been battling more than just one enemy during Operation Protective Edge.
There is no question that the onslaught of rockets fired by Hamas directly resulted in the decision by Israel to take measures to defend its citizens and led to Israel’s attempt to restore a sense of quiet and stability to the region. Yet, Hamas is not the sole adversary that Israel was forced to engage in battle during this difficult period.
Not only is Israel fighting a war against terrorism; it is also fighting a war in the court of public opinion.
As we have seen throughout history, there are people who relish the opportunity to criticize Israel and denigrate the Jewish State. These critics anxiously wait for an opening, and, when it materializes, they are prepared to pounce and malign Israel.
Criticism is being lobbed at Israel as often as Hamas is lobbing rockets at Israeli civilians. Israel is facing a public relations offensive that it is trying valiantly to deflect.
To make matters worse, the United Nations Human Rights Council greatly exacerbated the situation and helped turn the tide against Israel even further. In an absolutely deplorable move, the UN Human Rights Council voted to launch an investigation into whether or not Israel’s actions during the current conflict constitute human rights violations and if they breach international humanitarian law.
Hamas is using civilians as human shields, and it is Israel that is in the crosshairs of the UN? Hamas is indiscriminately firing thousands of rockets at populated areas, and it is Israel that is the subject of the UN’s inquiry? The fact that a so-called human rights organization can turn a blind eye to the blatant human rights violations being wantonly perpetrated by Hamas is preposterous.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was outraged at the UN’s actions. “The UNHRC is sending a message to Hamas and terror organizations everywhere that using civilians as human shields is an effective strategy,” he said.
Although it is admittedly not a surprise that the UN Human Rights Council, which has a long track record of palpable prejudice towards Israel, would launch what many perceive to be a bogus and biased investigation into Israel’s actions, the UN vote may have been the last straw.
Much has been written about the number of casualties in Gaza, as opposed to the amount of fatalities suffered by the Israelis. Those seeking to censure Israel readily attribute the disparate number of deaths to the fact that Israel, in their opinion, is using a disproportionate show of force that is needlessly and intentionally resulting in a high number of casualties. This has been an incredibly successful public relations effort by Israel’s enemies to paint Israel as the antagonist and to label the people in Gaza as the victims of Israeli aggression.
What these critics neglect to mention is that were it not for the Iron Dome missile defense system, the number of civilian casualties amongst Israelis would inevitably be considerably higher. Hamas is deliberately firing deadly rockets at Israeli cities and communities with the intent to kill civilians; however, the Iron Dome technology is miraculously averting the overwhelming majority of the attacks and saving countless lives.
The critics also fail to note that Hamas is firing rockets not only from heavily populated areas, but also from locations that are in close proximity to schools and hospitals, thereby putting every single resident in Gaza in harm’s way. To add insult to injury, Hamas is urging people not to evacuate, despite Israel’s warning for them to do so in advance of any attack.
Not once do the critics reference the fact that there are bomb shelters throughout Israel. When the sirens sound, thereby signifying an incoming rocket, the Israelis have a place to run to that can shelter them from the attack. Conversely, in Gaza, the residents often do not have a safe haven from Israel’s attempt to defend itself. Rather than investing funds in constructing bomb shelters, Hamas squandered its resources in order to build an elaborate network of terror tunnels that they could use to launch attacks against Israel.
Amidst a cacophony of criticism and a chorus of condemnation, Israel is doing all that it can to rebut the misstatements and misrepresentations. However, as Israel struggles to fend off the tsunami of denunciation, it is having a difficult time turning the tide of public opinion back in its favor.
The truth is, the public relations battle is ancillary to the real struggle that Israel has been forced to contend with. At the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is the disposition of the conflict with Hamas. If Israel is able to neutralize this terrorist organization intent on annihilating the Jewish State and provide its citizens with a respite from the relentless rocket attacks, they will have won the real war.
With Israel facing a dangerous and ruthless enemy on the battlefield and increasing pressure and condemnation from the international community, it is reminiscent of the epic confrontation between David and Goliath. On the surface, young David had no realistic chance of besting the mighty and powerful giant Goliath. Yet, as we all know, at the end of the day it was David that was standing tall.
Just like David persevered against all odds, let us hope and pray that Israel too will prevail against its enemies on the frontlines – not just Hamas terrorists, but also the individuals and entities around the world that try repeatedly to vilify the Jewish State.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
DAVID VS. GOLIATH
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Contrary to what you may think, Israel has been battling more than just one enemy during Operation Protective Edge.
There is no question that the onslaught of rockets fired by Hamas directly resulted in the decision by Israel to take measures to defend its citizens and led to Israel’s attempt to restore a sense of quiet and stability to the region. Yet, Hamas is not the sole adversary that Israel was forced to engage in battle during this difficult period.
Not only is Israel fighting a war against terrorism; it is also fighting a war in the court of public opinion.
As we have seen throughout history, there are people who relish the opportunity to criticize Israel and denigrate the Jewish State. These critics anxiously wait for an opening, and, when it materializes, they are prepared to pounce and malign Israel.
Criticism is being lobbed at Israel as often as Hamas is lobbing rockets at Israeli civilians. Israel is facing a public relations offensive that it is trying valiantly to deflect.
To make matters worse, the United Nations Human Rights Council greatly exacerbated the situation and helped turn the tide against Israel even further. In an absolutely deplorable move, the UN Human Rights Council voted to launch an investigation into whether or not Israel’s actions during the current conflict constitute human rights violations and if they breach international humanitarian law.
Hamas is using civilians as human shields, and it is Israel that is in the crosshairs of the UN? Hamas is indiscriminately firing thousands of rockets at populated areas, and it is Israel that is the subject of the UN’s inquiry? The fact that a so-called human rights organization can turn a blind eye to the blatant human rights violations being wantonly perpetrated by Hamas is preposterous.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was outraged at the UN’s actions. “The UNHRC is sending a message to Hamas and terror organizations everywhere that using civilians as human shields is an effective strategy,” he said.
Although it is admittedly not a surprise that the UN Human Rights Council, which has a long track record of palpable prejudice towards Israel, would launch what many perceive to be a bogus and biased investigation into Israel’s actions, the UN vote may have been the last straw.
Much has been written about the number of casualties in Gaza, as opposed to the amount of fatalities suffered by the Israelis. Those seeking to censure Israel readily attribute the disparate number of deaths to the fact that Israel, in their opinion, is using a disproportionate show of force that is needlessly and intentionally resulting in a high number of casualties. This has been an incredibly successful public relations effort by Israel’s enemies to paint Israel as the antagonist and to label the people in Gaza as the victims of Israeli aggression.
What these critics neglect to mention is that were it not for the Iron Dome missile defense system, the number of civilian casualties amongst Israelis would inevitably be considerably higher. Hamas is deliberately firing deadly rockets at Israeli cities and communities with the intent to kill civilians; however, the Iron Dome technology is miraculously averting the overwhelming majority of the attacks and saving countless lives.
The critics also fail to note that Hamas is firing rockets not only from heavily populated areas, but also from locations that are in close proximity to schools and hospitals, thereby putting every single resident in Gaza in harm’s way. To add insult to injury, Hamas is urging people not to evacuate, despite Israel’s warning for them to do so in advance of any attack.
Not once do the critics reference the fact that there are bomb shelters throughout Israel. When the sirens sound, thereby signifying an incoming rocket, the Israelis have a place to run to that can shelter them from the attack. Conversely, in Gaza, the residents often do not have a safe haven from Israel’s attempt to defend itself. Rather than investing funds in constructing bomb shelters, Hamas squandered its resources in order to build an elaborate network of terror tunnels that they could use to launch attacks against Israel.
Amidst a cacophony of criticism and a chorus of condemnation, Israel is doing all that it can to rebut the misstatements and misrepresentations. However, as Israel struggles to fend off the tsunami of denunciation, it is having a difficult time turning the tide of public opinion back in its favor.
The truth is, the public relations battle is ancillary to the real struggle that Israel has been forced to contend with. At the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is the disposition of the conflict with Hamas. If Israel is able to neutralize this terrorist organization intent on annihilating the Jewish State and provide its citizens with a respite from the relentless rocket attacks, they will have won the real war.
With Israel facing a dangerous and ruthless enemy on the battlefield and increasing pressure and condemnation from the international community, it is reminiscent of the epic confrontation between David and Goliath. On the surface, young David had no realistic chance of besting the mighty and powerful giant Goliath. Yet, as we all know, at the end of the day it was David that was standing tall.
Just like David persevered against all odds, let us hope and pray that Israel too will prevail against its enemies on the frontlines – not just Hamas terrorists, but also the individuals and entities around the world that try repeatedly to vilify the Jewish State.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Sunday, July 20, 2014
An Evening of Unity
The
following is an article that I wrote for The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in
which I reported on a special “Evening of Unity” that was held in memory of the
three Israeli teens who were tragically murdered by terrorists:
AN EVENING OF ACHDUT
By: N. Aaron Troodler
More than sixty people braved a thunderstorm on the evening of July 2 to participate in a special “Evening of Unity” at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus in memory of 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach, 16-year-old Gilad Shaar and 16-year-old Naftali Frenkel, who were kidnapped and brutally murdered by terrorists in a senseless act of violence.
The program, which was hosted collaboratively by Ben Porat Yosef, The Moriah School, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, Yavneh Academy, and Yeshivat Noam, was for Middle School students and their parents. People gathered together to process and mourn the tragic deaths of the three Israeli teenagers through Torah, Tefillah, and Shirah.
Against a backdrop of a large Israeli flag and three yahrtzeit candles that were burning in memory of the three boys, Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Principal of Yeshivat Noam, welcomed the crowd and delivered introductory remarks.
In discussing the importance of unity, Rabbi Hagler declared that K’lal Yisrael stands on one pillar, and that is achdut. The Torah states k’ish echad, b’lev echad – that the Jewish people were only worthy to receive the Torah when they were “like one man with one heart.”
“The foundation of the world was shaken with the killings of the three young boys,” said Rabbi Hagler. “Achdut is how we fix that.”
Mrs. Aliza Weinberg, a Middle School Judaic Studies teacher at Yeshivat Noam, talked about the importance and power of saying Tehillim in trying times. “When we are left with nothing, G-d is our savior,” said Mrs. Weinberg. “In our darkest moments, we have to remember that G-d, who created the world out of nothing, can help.”
Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Principal of Yavneh Academy, led the crowd in the recitation of four chapters of Tehillim, each of which was recited with a great degree of emotion and a deep sense of meaning.
With beautiful musical accompaniment from the keyboard coming courtesy of Mrs. Adina Mermelstein, who teaches music at Yeshivat Noam, the students and parents in attendance sang a moving rendition of the classic Hebrew song “Acheinu.”
As loud thunderclaps were audible overhead, a powerful and stirring video produced by Rabbi Yitz Motechin, Assistant Principal, Judaic Studies, Yeshivat Noam Middle School, was shown. As the faces of the young victims and images of their grieving families appeared on the large screen, there might not have been a dry eye in the room. The pictures of crowds of people mourning together for the loss of the three boys were particularly striking.
Dr. Elliot Prager, Principal of The Moriah School, offered words of inspiration and comfort.
“The thing that has kept the Jewish people triumphing for over four-thousand years of history is the ability to pick up the pieces and move on in times of crises,” said Dr. Prager. “We don’t know why this tragedy happened, but the one way to respond is with achdut.”
“The only overwhelming Jewish response to death is overwhelming Jewish life,” continued Dr. Prager. “That’s what we need to do. That’s how we honor the memory of those three beautiful boys that were taken from us. We don’t know why it happened, but what we need to do is strengthen the Jewish spirit.”
The crowd also heard from Rabbi David Kaminetsky, Associate Principal of Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, who shared words of Torah with those assembled. “Our hearts have been with Israel for the past nineteen days and Israel has been so thankful for the care and concern that we’ve shown,” he said. “These three boys strengthened us with achdut and with K’lal Yisrael acting as a unit.”
After more inspirational singing, the crowd heard from Dr. Aliza Frohlich, Director of Guidance, Yavneh Academy Middle School. Dr. Frohlich discussed the significance of the number “3” in Judaism and quoted Kohelet: “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Noting the famous saying in Pirkei Avot – “The world stands on three things: Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chasadim” – Dr. Frohlich focused on the importance of performing acts of kindness to others.
“By uniting, we’ve seen the beauty of Jewish Chesed,” said Dr. Frohlich. “After Torah and Avodah, our third strand is Chesed. By continuing to perform acts of Chesed, our rope will remain strong.”
Pledge cards were distributed to the crowd, which encouraged people to undertake to perform acts of Chesed in the aftermath of the tragedy involving Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali.
Rav Tomer Ronen, Rosh HaYeshiva at Ben Porat Yosef, also talked about the importance of achdut. He told the crowd that he recently spoke to his son, who is currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces. His son was one of many Israeli soldiers who helped search for the boys after they were abducted and he participated in the search to find the perpetrators of this terrible crime. Rav Ronen’s son told him that he was stationed in the city of Efrat, where morning, noon, and night, the local residents came to offer assistance to the soldiers in a tremendous show of achdut.
Following his remarks, Rav Ronen recited the Kel Maleh Rachamim for the three boys and led the crowd in the recitation of the Tefillot for the State of Israel and the members of the Israel Defense Forces.
After an emotion-filled rendition of “Im Eshkachech,” the crowd joined together to sing Hatikvah as the program came to an end.
Following the conclusion of the program, the people in attendance had the opportunity to write condolence notes to the families of the three boys.
“This program was the perfect way for all of us to honor the memories of Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali in an appropriate and dignified way,” said Rabbi Hagler. “By coming together as a community and as a nation, and continuing to highlight the importance of achdut, we can ensure that we persevere, despite our enemies’ perpetual attempts to break our spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these three special boys, whose memories will continue to live on in our hearts and souls.”
AN EVENING OF ACHDUT
By: N. Aaron Troodler
More than sixty people braved a thunderstorm on the evening of July 2 to participate in a special “Evening of Unity” at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus in memory of 19-year-old Eyal Yifrach, 16-year-old Gilad Shaar and 16-year-old Naftali Frenkel, who were kidnapped and brutally murdered by terrorists in a senseless act of violence.
The program, which was hosted collaboratively by Ben Porat Yosef, The Moriah School, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, Yavneh Academy, and Yeshivat Noam, was for Middle School students and their parents. People gathered together to process and mourn the tragic deaths of the three Israeli teenagers through Torah, Tefillah, and Shirah.
Against a backdrop of a large Israeli flag and three yahrtzeit candles that were burning in memory of the three boys, Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Principal of Yeshivat Noam, welcomed the crowd and delivered introductory remarks.
In discussing the importance of unity, Rabbi Hagler declared that K’lal Yisrael stands on one pillar, and that is achdut. The Torah states k’ish echad, b’lev echad – that the Jewish people were only worthy to receive the Torah when they were “like one man with one heart.”
“The foundation of the world was shaken with the killings of the three young boys,” said Rabbi Hagler. “Achdut is how we fix that.”
Mrs. Aliza Weinberg, a Middle School Judaic Studies teacher at Yeshivat Noam, talked about the importance and power of saying Tehillim in trying times. “When we are left with nothing, G-d is our savior,” said Mrs. Weinberg. “In our darkest moments, we have to remember that G-d, who created the world out of nothing, can help.”
Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Principal of Yavneh Academy, led the crowd in the recitation of four chapters of Tehillim, each of which was recited with a great degree of emotion and a deep sense of meaning.
With beautiful musical accompaniment from the keyboard coming courtesy of Mrs. Adina Mermelstein, who teaches music at Yeshivat Noam, the students and parents in attendance sang a moving rendition of the classic Hebrew song “Acheinu.”
As loud thunderclaps were audible overhead, a powerful and stirring video produced by Rabbi Yitz Motechin, Assistant Principal, Judaic Studies, Yeshivat Noam Middle School, was shown. As the faces of the young victims and images of their grieving families appeared on the large screen, there might not have been a dry eye in the room. The pictures of crowds of people mourning together for the loss of the three boys were particularly striking.
Dr. Elliot Prager, Principal of The Moriah School, offered words of inspiration and comfort.
“The thing that has kept the Jewish people triumphing for over four-thousand years of history is the ability to pick up the pieces and move on in times of crises,” said Dr. Prager. “We don’t know why this tragedy happened, but the one way to respond is with achdut.”
“The only overwhelming Jewish response to death is overwhelming Jewish life,” continued Dr. Prager. “That’s what we need to do. That’s how we honor the memory of those three beautiful boys that were taken from us. We don’t know why it happened, but what we need to do is strengthen the Jewish spirit.”
The crowd also heard from Rabbi David Kaminetsky, Associate Principal of Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, who shared words of Torah with those assembled. “Our hearts have been with Israel for the past nineteen days and Israel has been so thankful for the care and concern that we’ve shown,” he said. “These three boys strengthened us with achdut and with K’lal Yisrael acting as a unit.”
After more inspirational singing, the crowd heard from Dr. Aliza Frohlich, Director of Guidance, Yavneh Academy Middle School. Dr. Frohlich discussed the significance of the number “3” in Judaism and quoted Kohelet: “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Noting the famous saying in Pirkei Avot – “The world stands on three things: Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chasadim” – Dr. Frohlich focused on the importance of performing acts of kindness to others.
“By uniting, we’ve seen the beauty of Jewish Chesed,” said Dr. Frohlich. “After Torah and Avodah, our third strand is Chesed. By continuing to perform acts of Chesed, our rope will remain strong.”
Pledge cards were distributed to the crowd, which encouraged people to undertake to perform acts of Chesed in the aftermath of the tragedy involving Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali.
Rav Tomer Ronen, Rosh HaYeshiva at Ben Porat Yosef, also talked about the importance of achdut. He told the crowd that he recently spoke to his son, who is currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces. His son was one of many Israeli soldiers who helped search for the boys after they were abducted and he participated in the search to find the perpetrators of this terrible crime. Rav Ronen’s son told him that he was stationed in the city of Efrat, where morning, noon, and night, the local residents came to offer assistance to the soldiers in a tremendous show of achdut.
Following his remarks, Rav Ronen recited the Kel Maleh Rachamim for the three boys and led the crowd in the recitation of the Tefillot for the State of Israel and the members of the Israel Defense Forces.
After an emotion-filled rendition of “Im Eshkachech,” the crowd joined together to sing Hatikvah as the program came to an end.
Following the conclusion of the program, the people in attendance had the opportunity to write condolence notes to the families of the three boys.
“This program was the perfect way for all of us to honor the memories of Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali in an appropriate and dignified way,” said Rabbi Hagler. “By coming together as a community and as a nation, and continuing to highlight the importance of achdut, we can ensure that we persevere, despite our enemies’ perpetual attempts to break our spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these three special boys, whose memories will continue to live on in our hearts and souls.”
Friday, July 18, 2014
A Bipartisan Show of Solidarity
The following is my latest column in The
Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I detail some of the bipartisan support for
Israel that is emanating from Congress as Israel defends itself against the
Hamas terrorist organization:
A BIPARTISAN SHOW OF SOLIDARITY
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
I had the opportunity last week to participate in a conference call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, who discussed the latest developments in Israel and talked about potential scenarios for the coming weeks.
In addition to elaborating on the details of Operation Protective Edge, Ambassador Dermer touched on a point that I think is critical as Israel continues to defend itself from hundreds of rockets fired at its cities, communities, and civilians by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Ambassador Dermer noted the positive reception that he is getting as he makes the rounds on Capitol Hill in order to discuss the conflict in Israel with Members of Congress. In fact, prior to our conference call, Ambassador Dermer had just briefed members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations, Armed Services, and Intelligence Committees on the current situation in Israel.
It was heartening to hear Ambassador Dermer’s first-hand account of the bipartisan support for Israel that he sees in Congress. In times of crisis, it is reassuring to know that we have friends in Congress that we can count on.
In fact, two resolutions were recently introduced on Capitol Hill – one in the House and one in the Senate – which express solidarity with Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself.
H. Res. 657, which passed the House on July 11, expresses the “sense of the House of Representatives regarding the United States’ support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.”
Introduced by Representative Steve Israel of New York, the resolution notes that “Hamas is a United States-designated terrorist organization, whose charter calls for the destruction of the State of Israel;” “Hamas has killed hundreds of Israelis and dozens of Americans in rocket attacks and suicide bombings;” and “innocent Israeli civilians are indiscriminately targeted by Hamas rocket attacks.”
With 166 co-sponsors, the resolution “reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the State of Israel;” “condemns the unprovoked rocket fire at Israel;” and “calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel.”
“When rockets are fired on Israel, Israel will defend its people,” said Congressman Israel on the House floor as he introduced the resolution. “When Hamas chooses violence, Israel will protect its people. When Hamas commits itself to the eradication and extermination of Israel, Israel will do what it must to ensure its survival.”
In the Senate, Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced a similar resolution expressing support for Israel.
S. Res. 498, which had 41 co-sponsors as of when I am writing this, “reaffirms the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the State of Israel;” “condemns the unprovoked rocket fire at Israel;” “calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel;” and “calls on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the unity governing arrangement with Hamas and condemn the attacks on Israel.”
“Israel has a right to self-defense in the face of indiscriminate violence and vicious attacks against civilian populations,” said Senator Menendez. “It is an appalling but often-used tactic by Hamas to launch rockets indiscriminately at Israeli population centers. Nobody should be surprised that a terrorist organization is once again resorting to terror to harm innocent Israelis, and exposing Palestinian civilians to danger while doing so. Hamas is a terrorist organization that rejects a two-state solution and celebrates the kidnapping and murder of innocent civilians; it cannot be a partner in a Palestinian unity government.”
In addition to Senator Menendez’s outspoken advocacy on this issue, New Jersey’s junior Senator, Cory Booker, also supports the Senate resolution expressing Israel’s right to defend itself and will officially sign on as a co-sponsor, according to his office.
Aside from the supportive stances taken by Congress in the form of public resolutions, there is another significant way in which Washington lawmakers have demonstrated their unwavering support for Israel.
We have all watched in awe as rocket after rocket fired by Hamas militants gets shot down by Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system has proven to be a game-changer in the latest conflict. As Ambassador Dermer noted during the conference call last week, the success rate of the Iron Dome in intercepting incoming rockets during the November 2012 conflict was approximately 84%; in the latest conflict, the success rate is even higher, with some estimates as high as 90%.
In quickly recognizing whether an incoming rocket is headed for a populated area or an empty field, the Iron Dome, which has been in operation since 2011, is able to discern when it should deploy its interceptors and when it is unnecessary to do so. The technology of the Iron Dome is a military marvel that is responsible for saving countless lives.
The Iron Dome is exceptional, but it also expensive. Each Iron Dome battery costs approximately $50 million and each missile is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $100,000. Thankfully, the United States has stepped in and come to Israel’s aid.
The U.S. provided $235 million in 2014 for research, development, and production of the Iron Dome. That comes after the United States invested $211 million in 2013 and $205 million in 2010 in the Iron Dome. In addition, during Operation Protective Edge, the U.S. has pledged another $429 million for the Iron Dome.
When it comes to the Iron Dome, we are extremely fortunate that President Obama and Congress have been ready, willing, and able to provide funding for this life-saving system.
With Israel under fire from Hamas, it is gratifying to know that we have friends in Congress – Democrats and Republicans alike – who not only talk about supporting Israel, but actually back up their words with action. As it endeavors to eliminate the Hamas terrorist threat, Israel is thankfully not alone.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
A BIPARTISAN SHOW OF SOLIDARITY
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
I had the opportunity last week to participate in a conference call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, who discussed the latest developments in Israel and talked about potential scenarios for the coming weeks.
In addition to elaborating on the details of Operation Protective Edge, Ambassador Dermer touched on a point that I think is critical as Israel continues to defend itself from hundreds of rockets fired at its cities, communities, and civilians by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Ambassador Dermer noted the positive reception that he is getting as he makes the rounds on Capitol Hill in order to discuss the conflict in Israel with Members of Congress. In fact, prior to our conference call, Ambassador Dermer had just briefed members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations, Armed Services, and Intelligence Committees on the current situation in Israel.
It was heartening to hear Ambassador Dermer’s first-hand account of the bipartisan support for Israel that he sees in Congress. In times of crisis, it is reassuring to know that we have friends in Congress that we can count on.
In fact, two resolutions were recently introduced on Capitol Hill – one in the House and one in the Senate – which express solidarity with Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself.
H. Res. 657, which passed the House on July 11, expresses the “sense of the House of Representatives regarding the United States’ support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.”
Introduced by Representative Steve Israel of New York, the resolution notes that “Hamas is a United States-designated terrorist organization, whose charter calls for the destruction of the State of Israel;” “Hamas has killed hundreds of Israelis and dozens of Americans in rocket attacks and suicide bombings;” and “innocent Israeli civilians are indiscriminately targeted by Hamas rocket attacks.”
With 166 co-sponsors, the resolution “reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the State of Israel;” “condemns the unprovoked rocket fire at Israel;” and “calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel.”
“When rockets are fired on Israel, Israel will defend its people,” said Congressman Israel on the House floor as he introduced the resolution. “When Hamas chooses violence, Israel will protect its people. When Hamas commits itself to the eradication and extermination of Israel, Israel will do what it must to ensure its survival.”
In the Senate, Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced a similar resolution expressing support for Israel.
S. Res. 498, which had 41 co-sponsors as of when I am writing this, “reaffirms the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the State of Israel;” “condemns the unprovoked rocket fire at Israel;” “calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel;” and “calls on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the unity governing arrangement with Hamas and condemn the attacks on Israel.”
“Israel has a right to self-defense in the face of indiscriminate violence and vicious attacks against civilian populations,” said Senator Menendez. “It is an appalling but often-used tactic by Hamas to launch rockets indiscriminately at Israeli population centers. Nobody should be surprised that a terrorist organization is once again resorting to terror to harm innocent Israelis, and exposing Palestinian civilians to danger while doing so. Hamas is a terrorist organization that rejects a two-state solution and celebrates the kidnapping and murder of innocent civilians; it cannot be a partner in a Palestinian unity government.”
In addition to Senator Menendez’s outspoken advocacy on this issue, New Jersey’s junior Senator, Cory Booker, also supports the Senate resolution expressing Israel’s right to defend itself and will officially sign on as a co-sponsor, according to his office.
Aside from the supportive stances taken by Congress in the form of public resolutions, there is another significant way in which Washington lawmakers have demonstrated their unwavering support for Israel.
We have all watched in awe as rocket after rocket fired by Hamas militants gets shot down by Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system has proven to be a game-changer in the latest conflict. As Ambassador Dermer noted during the conference call last week, the success rate of the Iron Dome in intercepting incoming rockets during the November 2012 conflict was approximately 84%; in the latest conflict, the success rate is even higher, with some estimates as high as 90%.
In quickly recognizing whether an incoming rocket is headed for a populated area or an empty field, the Iron Dome, which has been in operation since 2011, is able to discern when it should deploy its interceptors and when it is unnecessary to do so. The technology of the Iron Dome is a military marvel that is responsible for saving countless lives.
The Iron Dome is exceptional, but it also expensive. Each Iron Dome battery costs approximately $50 million and each missile is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $100,000. Thankfully, the United States has stepped in and come to Israel’s aid.
The U.S. provided $235 million in 2014 for research, development, and production of the Iron Dome. That comes after the United States invested $211 million in 2013 and $205 million in 2010 in the Iron Dome. In addition, during Operation Protective Edge, the U.S. has pledged another $429 million for the Iron Dome.
When it comes to the Iron Dome, we are extremely fortunate that President Obama and Congress have been ready, willing, and able to provide funding for this life-saving system.
With Israel under fire from Hamas, it is gratifying to know that we have friends in Congress – Democrats and Republicans alike – who not only talk about supporting Israel, but actually back up their words with action. As it endeavors to eliminate the Hamas terrorist threat, Israel is thankfully not alone.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
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