Most of the Union’s members probably didn’t know of that action. And while some of those members undoubtedly would have approved, others would not have. But did any ostensibly pro-Israel member congregations that were aware of the Union’s action repudiate it (much less withdraw from the Union)? Did any congregants press their congregations to do so?
In fact, many non-Orthodox synagogues appear to have at best a minimal concern for Israel, a state of affairs reflected by the aforementioned Israel Project poll.
Media: Where does the supporter of Israel get his news? The old mainstream media, i.e., most major newspapers, network television, public radio, CNN? It is very hard to be a true supporter of Israel while relying on these sources, as they relentlessly vilify the Jewish state and inculcate a subliminal or overt “Israel is bad” message.
A true supporter of Israel is apt to rely on niche sources of news and commentary that are more likely to present Israel in a more fair or even favorable light.
Politics: Does the “supporter of Israel” appreciate or demonize Israel’s friends on the Right, particularly the Christian Right? Does the “supporter of Israel” generally support President Bush and the war against Islamofascist terrorism? Or did the “supporter of Israel” cast his vote for John Kerry and his lot with antiwar groups laden with vilification of Israel and even outright anti-Semitism? (According to polls during the 2004 presidential campaign, a large majority of Israelis themselves preferred President Bush to Sen. Kerry.)
Shopping: Does the “supporter of Israel” seek out Israeli products when shopping? Many supermarkets in metropolitan areas with a significant Jewish population carry a number of products made in Israel that supporters may purchase.
I recall an instance of a Jewish Federation distributing giveaways made in China. When queried about the possibility of purchasing trinkets from Israel rather than China, Federation headquarters personnel reacted as if the question were being posed by a creature from outer space.
Travel: Does the traveling “supporter of Israel” ever go to Israel, or is everywhere else (say, France) a higher priority?
Investment: Is a more-than-trivial part of the “supporter of Israel’s” portfolio invested in Israel? Investing in Israel could not be easier. Beyond the well-known Israel Bonds, which are available in denominations as low as $100, there are many Israeli companies traded on U.S. markets. In fact, NASDAQ hosts more companies from Israel than any other country save the U.S. and Canada. American mutual funds of Israeli securities are also available.
The above are among the factors that tend to indicate whether an individual or organization really, truly supports Israel or just pays it lip service. If a consideration of these spurs anyone to realize that he or she can do more to genuinely support Israel, all the better.
