When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ascends the podium to give his fourth speech to a joint session of both houses of the U.S. Congress, he will not do so as an individual or as leader of the Likud Party, but as the democratically elected leader of the State of Israel.
We have to keep this in mind when he delivers this historic speech, especially as a leader during a war against genocidal enemies seeking to permanently destroy the indigenous and ancestral national homeland of the Jewish people.
Israel is at war and its leader will be addressing the representatives of the American people and asking for their help; not just in destroying Hamas and beating back the threat from Hezbollah, but also in ensuring that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons capability.
This is a crucial moment in the history of the Jewish nation and people.
Therefore, it behooves all Jews in the U.S. to put our differences aside and stand behind Netanyahu during this visit.
One can dislike the man or disagree with his policies, but he represents the office of Israel’s prime minister and that should be afforded both our respect and support.
Furthermore, according to numerous polls, the policies Netanyahu will enunciate and the goals he will enumerate are supported by large majorities among the Israeli people.
Israelis support the eradication of Hamas and policies that will ensure the October 7 pogrom can never happen again.
No Israeli wants to see Hezbollah return to Israel’s northern border and threaten an Oct. 7-style invasion that will cost many times more lives than were taken on the southern border with Gaza last year.
Israelis in overwhelming numbers want to see the U.S. and Israel act in concert against Iran’s genocidal ambitions.
In April, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi said that Iran is “weeks rather than months” away from having enough enriched uranium to develop a nuclear bomb.
Thus, American Jewry does not have time to argue among ourselves. We need to present a united front and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Netanyahu.
Let us put disagreements about “the day after,” judicial reform, haredi enlistment and ideological differences on a host of issues on hold.
These are all important issues, but they pale into significance when placed against the current existential challenges facing our beloved Jewish state.
On a practical level, and especially ahead of the upcoming elections, we have to contact our local leadership and representatives to ensure that they will be in the House during the Netanyahu speech and give it resounding approval.
A united front from American Jewry, on both sides of the aisle, will be a strong show of support for Israel and push back against those who want to use this speech to score cheap political points.
For too many, the loud minority of opponents of Israel have swayed heads in the corridors of power. Their loud, aggressive and even violent activities have cowered some of our representatives into statements and votes that hurt Israel and the Jewish community.
We do not need to act like our enemies, but it is time for the Jewish community in the U.S. to flex its political and demographic muscle, and it should start with the prime minister’s speech.
We must say loudly and proudly what we expect from those who purport to represent us.
We must remind them that the majority of Americans support Israel in this conflict and want to help Israel achieve its war aims.
This is our time for action, but it can only happen if we are united.
When Netanyahu speaks, it is in the interests of Israel and as the representative of Israel. He needs and Israel requires our resolute support for this historic and vital address at such a momentous time.
This is our true test of unity and solidarity.
For Israel’s sake, we will not be silent.