Kamala Harris for US president- opinion

There is a false dichotomy promoted by some Republicans and by some right-wing Jews that “the Orange Man” from Florida is pro-Israel and Vice President Kamala Devi Harris, the nominee for the presidency of the US on behalf of the Democratic Party, is not pro-Israel but is on “the other side.” Since this is nothing but political spin, I am writing to set the record straight and explain why I am supporting Kamala Harris for president.

Harris is a far better candidate than the Republican extremist who has taken over his party. She is better for America, for Israel, and for the world. Let me explain why.

There is absolutely no doubt that Harris is better for America than the alternative candidate, who was the worst president in the history of the United States. In contrast, Harris is intelligent, honest, serious, thoughtful, compassionate, and inspiring. Her vision for the future of America is one that improves and expands upon the US’s imperfect democracy to be more inclusive and fair. One that recognizes, clearly, the rights of women to decide what can happen with their own bodies. One that believes in serious efforts to reduce poverty and concomitantly crime in America. One that recognizes the rights of minorities and the duty of the majority in a democracy to protect endangered minorities (including Jews) against harassment and physical harm.

The differences in visions for America could not be clearer. As a Jewish citizen of the US and of Israel, it is completely unthinkable that any fellow Jew could support a misogynist, fascist for president, who has announced very clearly his dictatorial intentions, given our history over the centuries in America and around the world.

Secondly, Vice President Harris is good for Israel, just as President Biden (the most Zionist president ever) has been very supportive of Israel. I say this emphatically, to offset the attempts of the Republican Jewish Coalition and other Republican Jews, and some Israeli Jews, to falsely label her as anti-Israel as they have done to presidents Biden and Obama. VP Harris has made it very clear that she supports Israel’s right to defend itself. Her support of the people and the State of Israel is rock solid as is that of President Biden.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) shaking hands with Vice-President Kamala Harris (right) during the former's visit to the US, 26.7.2024 (credit: AMOS BEN-GERSHOM/GPO)

How Harris plays a role in the peace of Israel

What she does not support is the Bibist/Ben-Gvir/ Smotrich agenda of forever war, annexation of the West Bank (and Gaza!), refusal to reach a deal to end the war against Hamas and bring home the hostages, and the rejectionist relationships with the Palestinians that Bibi’s extremist government has fostered in the last year and a half. We must also credit her for her humanitarian sentiments – she also expresses sympathy for the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza at the same time that she is in complete solidarity with the families of the Israeli hostages.

VP Harris is pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian, pro-human beings, and pro-peace. And so am I, which is why I will vote for her and campaign for her.

In addition to all this, VP Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party are clearly better for the world. She and her Democratic Party seek to engage with the world. They want to help the Ukrainians survive Putin’s Russian onslaught.

They want to help Israel and its neighbors reach regional peace. And they are deeply concerned about climate change, as all rational human beings should be in this century. They seek to work with scientists and governments and NGOs around the world to deal with this most pressing issue facing us as human beings at this time.

Notes on Harris' character

One more thing – the important matter of character. It is impossible for me to imagine that anyone in good conscience could argue that the Orange Man is a guy with a fine upstanding character, with an excellent reputation as a good human being and as a compassionate leader.

In stark contrast, Harris is a person of sincerity and integrity. I have read her memoir The Truths We Hold, An American Journey and am greatly impressed by her personal journey and her character. She is ethical, sensitive, substantive, and serious as a human being and as a politician.

For all these reasons, I support the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Governor Tim Walz for vice president of the United States. They are a team with experience, expertise, and empathy to get the job done. I do this as an American and Israeli Jew and as a human being who cares deeply about the future of my countries of citizenship and about the world we share as human beings wherever we are.