In recent weeks, The Jewish Week and other publications have reported on the shifting attitudes among some Democratic activists and officials regarding Israel. Although the overwhelming majority of Democrats and officials from the New York metropolitan area are strong supporters of Israel, more and more activists, officials and students are showing a hostility towards Israel and its future.
Last year, for the first time, New York voters elected officials to Washington and Albany who have shown an anti-Israeli bias.
As a Jew and an elected official I am worried. I believe that the Jewish leadership should reflect on longstanding strategies that may no longer be as effective as they once were. I suggest that a forum be held to come up with different and new approaches that might help to stop the bleeding.
What action steps should the Jewish community take that currently are not happening that could persuade those who are not supportive of Israel to change their minds? How do we win back public opinion?
I think a forum should include public officials, public relations executives and concerned community leaders.
The writer is the town supervisor of Greenburgh, N.Y., in Westchester County.
