By Rhonda Amber, RN
SAN DIEGO — Temple Emanu-El, a reform synagogue in the Del Cerro area, has a tradition of hosting Smart-Vote events prior to the elections. This year I attended not only as a politically interested member of the Temple, but also as a member of J-Street San Diego, the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. It was important to me to hear what the candidates had to say about supporting Israel, and to let them know how important it is for America to help achieve two states for two peoples.
The candidate forum, moderated by KPBS’ Katie Orr, was open to the community. Many candidates for local and national political office spoke, including San Diego mayoral candidates Carl DeMaio and Rep. Bob Filner; US House of Representative California 52nd District candidate Scott Peters; US House of Representative California 53rd District candidates Susan Davis and Nick Popaditch; California State Senate 38th District candidates Marty Block and George Plescia; and California Superior Court Judge Department 25 candidates Robert Amador and Jim Miller.
Temple Emanu-El was a wonderful venue for this discussion, and the event was very organized and engaging. It was worthwhile to see and hear the candidates introduce themselves as well as answer questions from the audience.
We enjoyed a delicious brunch, and I sat at a table that included the Temple president and former rabbi. Members of the audience submitted index cards with questions for the panelists.
On my card, I wrote: “As a pro-Israel American Jew, I believe the two state-solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the only way to preserve Israel’s democracy and Jewish character. Do you support active American Leadership to create a Two State Solution betwen the Israelis and Palestinians?”
My question was directed to Scott Peters, who responded that he supports a two-state solution, and would work to help the Israelis and Palestinians achieve their own aspirations.
I submitted a similar question to candidates Susan Davis and Nick Popaditch.
Rep. Davis, who was a featured speaker at J Street San Diego’s launch event in July, is a strong supporter of Israel and of a two-state solution. She was in Israel in 1965, before the six-day war, and her experience there left a deep impression. She stated that she supports two-states for two peoples, and that she works with all groups that support the two-state solution. She mentioned J-Street in particular as one of politically active groups engaged on this issue.
Nick Popaditch is a wounded veteran of the Iraq war. In his response to my question, he remarked that he supports Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, because democracy doesn’t support terrorism.
I am glad that the candidates had the chance to address this important issue that is critical to U.S. and Israeli interests, and of interest to the broader San Diego community. Our candidates, and other voters, need to remember that American support for Israel and for a two state solution remains important to many Jewish voters.
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Amber is Co-Chair of Advocacy, J Street San Diego Email: rjamber2011@gmail.com
Thank you, Rhonda, for bringing up the 2 state solution issue.
It is important to let local and national leaders know, where many of us stand.
Yasher Koach!