Dear President-elect Obama,
You are probably very busy right now and I realize that Israel or Israelis are not your top priority now. But despite the fact that I am not an American citizen and I didn’t vote in these elections, you will have a huge influence on my life — in ways far beyond the question of Mideast security.
A lot has been said about your role in the peace process. Please allow me to offer a few words of advice:
I don’t know what exactly you plan for us but please take the time to learn and listen. Don’t look for absolute justice; after so many years of fighting, I’m not sure we can find it.
In general, I suggest putting the word “peace” on pause and seeking some serenity. We are so wounded from each other that we struggle to believe the moving slogan that you carried through your campaign, “Yes we can.” I hope that you will help us to feel such optimism again.
But your influence does not end with defense-related issues. The fact that you are Black and represent a minority is no less relevant for us. Israel, like the United States, is a nation of immigrants. For us, immigration is a core value that we call “aliyah.”
Since you were elected, Israelis are busy comparing our situation to yours. We ask ourselves which Israeli group will break our glass ceiling? Some of us say that the Mizrachim, Jews that immigrated from Asia and Africa, are most like the African-Americans. They already serve in high positions, like the military chief of staff, but have not yet been elected to the highest post in our land.
Others focus on the Russians, who are fighting for their status in Israeli society. Still others point to skin color as the major factor in discrimination and believe that the success of the Ethiopians will signal a revolution like the one you helped lead in this country.
I believe that the conversation is important and beneficial, even if change is far. Your election got us talking about our own social challenges in the context of a success story and I thank you for that opportunity.
The world expects so much from you. You surely don’t need my expectations too.
But I’m wishing you all the best with the knowledge that a strong U.S. is an asset for Israel.
B’hatzlacha, good luck.
Rakefet Ginsberg is shlichah, Israel emissary, and director of the Israel Center at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
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