A seismic shift is rippling through the Middle East, one that threatens to leave lasting scars on Israel, Gaza, and even Donald Trump’s legacy. The impending demise of USAID, a cornerstone of American foreign aid, casts a long shadow of uncertainty and potential conflict. Haaretz, a prominent Israeli newspaper, warns that this move could have devastating consequences, igniting tensions and undermining decades of carefully constructed diplomatic efforts. Join us as we explore the ramifications of this bold decision and dissect its potential to reshape the Middle East landscape.
The Dark Reality of Occupation
Life in Jinba Village is a harsh reality of living under occupation. The tiny and beautiful village lies in the heart of the valley, cut off from the electrical grid and water system, disconnected from the 21st century, and devoid of any semblance of justice or equality.
The residents of Jinba have been suffering for decades under the yoke of occupation, surrounded by a green sea of “legal” and “illegal” settlements. The landmark of the village is two upside-down concrete blocks on the side of the rocky road that descends to the beautiful wadi, which marks the beginning of the Israel Defense Forces’ Firing Zone 918.
Life in Jinba Village
The village looks like something out of the Bible: a collection of several tents, huts, sheep pens, and caves. It is a place whose residents have been suffering for decades under the yoke of the occupation.
The struggle for justice and equality is a continuous battle in the land of inequality. The residents of Jinba are fighting for their basic human rights, including access to electricity, healthcare, and education.
The Immorality of Trump’s Policies
In 2018, I delivered a High Holy Day sermon that received some notoriety, because in it, I spoke out against one of my former congregants. I had something to say to my congregation about a policy the immorality of which I felt needed a vigorous Jewish American response — especially, in my opinion, because it was being championed by a Jewish American.
Miller, a senior adviser to then-President Donald Trump, initiated and directed the Trump administration’s policy that forcibly separated young children from their undocumented parents, along with a score of other anti-immigrant proposals.
The Separation of Children from Undocumented Parents
I felt embarrassed and ashamed that a Jew in a leadership role could give voice and support to such inhumanity. And I felt further compromised because, for a couple years in Stephen Miller’s childhood, his family belonged to my synagogue.
I had hoped that I might help remind Miller of the humanitarian values that our synagogue teaches and I tried to teach him in Hebrew school, and perhaps reconsider his extremism.
In my sermon, I offered many examples of how Jewish tradition prioritizes care for the stranger and immigrant, trying to demonstrate how far his actions and rhetoric had departed from our tradition.
A Call to Action: Speaking Out Against Racist and Xenophobic Laws
Just this past weekend, Miller drew outrage for saying, at Trump’s now-notorious rally at Madison Square Garden, that “America is for Americans and Americans only.”
This is why I feel compelled to speak out against him once again, and to call on all Jewish Americans who feel similarly — knowing our heritage and commitment to justice — to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.
A Family’s Story
My family’s story would sound familiar to many Jewish Americans. My grandparents, like Miller’s great-grandparents, came to the United States to escape the economic, educational, and social bigotry of European antisemitism.
Our ancestors were among the millions of Jews — like Americans of all faiths and backgrounds — who came here to build better lives for themselves and their children in the land of the free.
Now, Miller and Trump want to treat this generation’s immigrants and their children. They are willing and eager to victimize the most vulnerable among us — even though the Book of Exodus demands, “There shall be one law for the citizen and for the stranger who dwells among you.”
And the Book of Leviticus clearly states: “The strangers who reside with you shall be to you as your citizens; you shall love each one as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
In recent days, Trump and Miller’s declarations have only become more threatening, volatile, and venomous. In them, I hear echoes of ominous promises that Jews have heard throughout history.
Promises that, too often, have come true. I’m casting my Jewish American vote for Kamala Harris because she knows firsthand that, despite our progress, we have a long way to go before we treat all citizens equally and fairly.
She is the daughter of immigrants. She experienced growing up as a multiracial child in America. She has the empathy for the most vulnerable among us that Trump and Miller lack.
The Outrage Against Stephen Miller’s Racist Remarks at Trump’s Rally
At a recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Stephen Miller sparked outrage with his racist remarks, stating that “America is for Americans and Americans only.” This statement has been met with widespread condemnation, and many are calling out his xenophobic and racist ideologies.
The Importance of Voting for Kamala Harris, a Champion of Justice and Equality for All
As the presidential election approaches, it is essential to vote for a leader who embodies the values of justice, equality, and compassion. Harris, with her experience as a multiracial child in America, has the empathy and understanding needed to lead the country towards a more equitable society.
The Implications of Trump and Miller’s Policies
How the Victimisation of the Most Vulnerable will Haunt Israel, Gaza, and Trump
The policies advocated by Trump and Miller will have far-reaching consequences, not only for the immigrants and their children but also for Israel and Gaza. The victimization of the vulnerable will haunt these regions, and the echoes of ominous promises that Jews have heard throughout history will come to fruition.
The Echoes of Ominous Promises that Jews Have Heard Throughout History
The declarations made by Trump and Miller are reminiscent of the ominous promises that Jews have heard throughout history. These promises have often come to pass, and it is crucial to learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities from occurring.
A Leader who Embodies Jewish Values
Kamala Harris: A Leader who Understands the Importance of Kindness and Compassion
Kamala Harris, with her experience as a district attorney and attorney general, has consistently championed a society built on law, tempered by kindness and compassion. Her commitment to the Jewish value of lovingkindness, or chesed, is evident in her words and actions.
How Harris’ Words and Actions Align with the Jewish Values of Chesed and Law
Harris’ record demonstrates her commitment to the Jewish values of chesed and law. Her support for affordable healthcare and education aligns with the principles of kindness and compassion that are core to Judaism.
Conclusion
As the article “How the Death of USAID Will Haunt Israel, Gaza and Trump” in Haaretz starkly reveals, the demise of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Gaza Strip has far-reaching consequences for Israel, Gaza, and the Trump administration. The article highlights the significance of USAID’s withdrawal, citing the agency’s crucial role in providing humanitarian aid, economic assistance, and infrastructure development to the beleaguered region. The article also underscores the Trump administration’s misguided decision to cut off funding to USAID, essentially leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.
The implications of USAID’s departure are dire. Without a reliable source of aid, Gaza’s fragile economy will continue to falter, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and creating an environment ripe for radicalization. Israel, too, will feel the effects of USAID’s withdrawal, as the absence of a coordinated aid effort will allow extremist forces to gain traction. The article also raises questions about the Trump administration’s motivations and the long-term consequences of its actions, suggesting that the decision to abandon USAID is part of a broader strategy to undermine Palestinian governance and empower right-wing elements in Israel.