Israel’s greatest public relations failure…
Dermer: is twofold – first, defending ourselves against a standard of perfection rather than relative to how other democracies would deal with similar challenges; second, not doing enough to contrast Israel’s free society with the fear societies of our enemies.
Engel: is apparent when the rest of the world fails to understand that Israel goes out of its way to prevent civilian causalities. Hamas builds its missile sites and bomb factories in residential areas, and conducts other military activities near hospitals, schools, and mosques.
Wasserman Schultz: comes in the form of Hamas’s public relations success. Hamas has managed to make much of the world forget it is a terrorist organization, whose goals are the destruction of our people and the state of Israel.
The biggest challenge confronting the American Jewish community…
Dermer: is to increase Jewish literacy and strengthen Jewish identity at home.
Engel: is remaining united in support of Israel and stemming the spread of anti-Semitism throughout the world.
Wasserman Schultz: is finding the right balance between holding on to our cherished roots and traditions and fully participating in the thriving pluralistic society we have in the United States. It is important we teach our children that the beauty of living in a free and democratic society means we have the rights and also the responsibilities to uphold our own unique traditions and values.
To combat anti-Semitism…
Dermer: strengthen the one and only Jewish state, expose hypocrisy, and stand proud and unbowed.
Engel: people need to be educated about the evils of anti-Semitism. Unfortunately, the scourge of anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head once again, especially in Europe. It is outrageous for people to criticize Israel by attacking Jews throughout the world.
Wasserman Schultz: we cannot remain silent. In the face of a terrifying rise of vitriol and violence in Europe and increased slander [against] our communities in the United States, I have repeatedly spoken out about our need as a community and a nation to stand up to prejudice and hatred anywhere we see it, and much of what we can do is educate the public about our Jewish faith and our community.
Israel’s allies…
Dermer: stand on the right side of morality and history.
Engel: must continue to support Israel with both words and deeds.
Wasserman Schultz: must and will continue to remain stalwart and strong. We must speak up when we see the unfair and biased attacks against Israel and continue to advocate for stronger security and enhanced diplomatic and cultural relations.
Regarding the case of Jonathan Pollard…
Dermer: he should have been granted clemency long ago.
Engel: he has served longer in prison than any other person convicted of spying for an allied country. Mr. Pollard clearly violated the law, but the time has come to commute his sentence to time served and release him from prison.
Wasserman Schultz: he will be out very soon.
Today’s Jewish youth…
Dermer: should appreciate that they enjoy a privilege denied to one hundred generations of Jews – to live as a free people in our land. With this great privilege comes the great responsibility to secure Israel for generations to come.
Engel: should understand that Israel is an important part of our collective Jewish heritage, and our ties to Israel are a vital part of connecting with the Jewish community throughout the world.
Wasserman Schultz: have so many opportunities to engage with our Jewish heritage. The synagogue will continue to remain the bedrock of the Jewish community, but there are so many other ways to put our faith and values into practice. I have watched my own children practice tikkun olam by volunteering and getting involved with local charities. Jewish youth have the benefit and the opportunity to travel to Israel to connect with our ancient land, and they can work locally and overseas advocating for causes our community holds dear.
