This makes me less inclined to vote for Rohrer:
On Purim, Sen. candidate Sam Rohrer lauds Israel, notes history repeating itself
By Adam Taxin, Philadelphia Jewish Culture Examiner
Guest commentary by Sam Rohrer
Published Thursday, March 8, 2012, 11:25 AM
As the Jewish people celebrate Purim, I can’t help but note that history seems to be repeating itself, as the modern-day Persia – Iran – energetically seeks nuclear capability. Although she lived 2,500 years ago, Esther’s triumph over the genocidal Haman continues to inspire us to be courageous and wise, as Israel faces the contemporary Haman, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Today, we must embrace the truth that the security of Eretz Yisrael rests in the collective courage and wisdom of its people, leaders, allies – and a promise to "never forget."
Little does the world seem to recognize that more than one million Muslims live and worship peaceably within Israel’s borders. Yet, in modern times, there is no other nation that has, as Israel has, lived with palpable daily danger while managing to develop a culture of security, opportunity and tolerance for all those who respect its laws.
As the United States is a "shining city on a hill," Israel is a Mediterranean oasis with much to offer the world. Indeed, the two nations have a shared vision and shared values.
We share a vision for economic prosperity and the values that make it possible. Respecting private property, contracts and orderly markets, the United States and Israel are #1 and #2 in the world in attracting venture capital. Like that of the United States, Israel’s culture of innovation has led to stunning successes that have improved the human condition at home and around the globe. A strong and stable Israel will continue to enhance the economic well-being of the international community.
Fostering Israel’s strength and stability should be a priority for U.S. foreign policy. As Israel deals with the challenges of potential Palestinian statehood, securing its borders and calculating its response to Iran’s growing nuclear threat, the United States must respect Israel’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. Honoring each other’s independence will be difficult at times, as the two countries differ on how best to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal.
Where possible, we must work as partners in confronting Iran’s growing belligerence while encouraging those Iranians who share our vision and values. And let us never forget that, while leaders in Tehran describe Israel as “the little Satan,” they describe the United States as “the great Satan.” Until Israel is safe from the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran, neither are we.
Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that Israel will be a stronger and more independent nation if the United States were to gradually reduce its aid to Israel over the years – and I agree. In fact, Israel is likely to enhance its strength vis-à-vis its enemies if the U.S. were to concurrently decrease its aid to Israel’s enemies as well, which we may fund as much as 4:1 over Israel. And with the foreign aid issue off the table, Israel’s stature would strengthen when dealing with the United States. These two freedom-loving nations with shared vision and values would be equal partners – neither nation would be subservient to the other.
A stronger and more secure Israel, with the people and government of the United States as faithful allies, will prosper beyond its current inspirational level of success. A vibrant Israel is good for its people, the Middle East and the world. Since the heady days of the kibbutzim and Haganah, Israelis have demonstrated the courage and desire to live independently and peacefully among the peoples of the Middle East and the community of nations.
As we remember Esther’s courage in the face of today’s mounting threats, may US-Israeli relations be defined by wisdom that produces the springs of strength, peace and prosperity required to water the oasis of freedom that is the State of Israel.