There's some concern in the Jewish community about the nominations of (now former) Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence, respectively.
Gaetz has generally been pro-Israel but has a couple of odd votes in his record. He also brought a guy named Charles Johnson to the State of the Union. I used to know Charles before he drifted to the fringe. Let's say it was an odd decision.
Tulsi is not anti-Israel or antisemitic (at all) but her somewhat isolationist views have placed her in the company of those who are, at times, anti-Israel. I would put that down to being a former left-wing Democrat rather than anything else.
In evaluating these choices, purely on the issues of interest to the Jewish community, I'd say that you have to look first of all at Trump's other nominees, who are all pro-Jewish/Israel (just check out Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon).
Second, I don't think Gaetz or Gabbard have particularly strong views on Israel -- that is, it's not an obsession for them, in the way that the issue is for people who are truly anti- or pro-Israel. They are more concerned about other things.
Third, Tulsi is skeptical of foreign wars and aid. I think this is fine, especially as Israel is in a position to wind down its wars and there is a healthy debate about how it can wean itself from American aid. I'm not concerned about her at all.
My main concern with Gaetz is about his judgment. He waged war against the conservative Speaker of the House for no real purpose. He's put politics and personal interest above a common cause. And he's made lots of enemies.
That's not to say he wouldn't be the right guy for the job at Justice, if the primary purpose of his appointment would be to clean out the anti-Trump "deep state" veterans. But I'm not sure he's the right guy for the rest of it.
So, overall: I'm not worried. I have my doubts about Gaetz as Attorney General but not on the particular issues of interest to Jewish and pro-Israel Americans. I'm more concerned about the general stuff. We'll just see how it all shakes out.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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