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Common Interests Unite U.S., Israel

[Miami Herald] Frida Ghitis - Almost all major American politicians profess strong and unbreakable support for the State of Israel. America's commitment to a strong relationship with Israel remains one of the unique traits that define the U.S. In 1819, then ex-President John Adams wrote, ''I really wish the Jews again in Judea an independent nation.'' President Theodore Roosevelt supported Israel three decades before its founding when he wrote, ''It seems to me entirely proper to start a Zionist state around Jerusalem.'' According to foreign policy scholar Walter Russell Mead, American politicians support Israel because the American people - not just the Jews - support Israel. It's as simple as that. And it has been that way since long before the founding of modern Israel in 1948. According to Mead, Americans have always identified with the ideals of the State of Israel, sensing a profound symmetry between the two nations' mission in the world. As a result, although Jews make up less than 2% of the population, pollsters show popular support for Israel has remained overwhelming. Jews, says Mead, "account for at most 3% of Israel supporters in the U.S.'' Those who think ''Jewish money'' plays the key role forget that few countries have more money than oil-rich Arab nations that also lobby heavily in Washington. But they don't enjoy the passionate and widespread backing that Israel has throughout the U.S. and across the political spectrum.
2008-10-17 01:00:00
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