July 21, 2019 Editor

AOC’s ‘Squad’ Represents Me As An American Jew – More Than Any Republican

July 16, 2019

by Shoshana Hershkowitz

photo above: Getty Images

WN: White American “Christian” Evangelicals, meet real (Judeo-)Christian values! Amen!

excerpts:

For me as an American Jew, seeing a diverse group of young women who are focused on progressive policies inspires me. As a Jewish woman, social and economic justice are inextricably connected with “Tikkun Olam” – healing the world. “The Squad” champions policies that seek to insure that everyone receives healthcare. They are working to end the epidemic of gun violence, and improve American life for people of all faiths, races, and creeds.

These are Jewish values. These women are my champions, as a Jew.

This is in stark contrast to the other side. The other side is putting babies in cages, failing to condemn neo-Nazis, giving tax cuts to the wealthy, and — yes — making concentration camps on our border.

And American Jews are appalled by it all. Only one in six American Jews identifies as Republican. More than 79% of American Jews cast their votes for Democratic candidates in 2018. We voted for Democrats at a higher rate than Evangelical Christians voted for Republicans.

Trump and Republicans are trying to brand themselves as the “pro-Israel” party. But we Jews know better. I am tired of being gaslit by my government. Seeing an American political party attempt to weaponize my family’s history enrages me in a deeply personal way. The arrogance of the Republican Party trying to tell me what anti-Semitism is, when there are literally two Jewish Republicans in the entire US Congress (two in the House, zero in the Senate) is astounding.

I’m an American citizen. I care deeply about Israel. But I’m capable of caring about Israel while voting based on what I’d like to see happen in the nation I’m raising my family in. Assuming I vote on one issue and one issue alone insults my intelligence.

We Jews know what bigotry and injustice looks and feels like. So when I see Republicans justify the atrocities against migrants at the border, when I see them practice xenophobia against Muslims, and racism against blacks, I identify with these oppressed groups far more than with the oppressor. Because we’ve been there. I don’t want anyone else to experience it on my watch.

I find far more solidarity with the Squad, a group of black and brown progressive women, than I ever will with the Republican Party.

Please click on: Jewish Values Versus us Trump

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Editor

Wayne Northey was Director of Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman – Restorative Christian Ministries (M2/W2) in British Columbia, Canada from 1998 to 2014, when he retired. He has been active in the criminal justice arena and a keen promoter of Restorative Justice since 1974. He has published widely on peacemaking and justice themes. You will find more about that on this website: a work in progress.

Always appreciate constructive feedback! Thanks.