Unrealistic Expectations

By Naomi Vilko

I find Gary Rosenblatt’s column, “Unrealistic Expectations ” (Jan. 8), very upsetting. Not because I think it is Israel’s fault that “as Israel endures daily ‘lone wolf’ attacks from young Palestinians prepared to die for the cause of spilling Jewish blood. American Jewish leaders confide that generating support for the Jewish state is becoming increasingly difficult these days – even within the Jewish community, and especially among younger people.”

Much of the mainstream Jewish community, including some Orthodox leaders, thinks that Israel needs to be the country of the “messiah” of the progressive Jewish imagination. Like those who are waiting for the Messiah in the traditional way, these progressive Jews want Israel to be the country of their dreams. They feel entitled to force Israel to make the changes they endorse. Their love for Israel is conditional; not like the love of a parent to a child.

Until we address this issue, I fear things will continue to get worse.