Jews are liberal because it has become a tradition

I would like to respond to the Editor’s Desk column in the November issue that asks the question, “Why are Jews mostly liberals?”

I have been asked this question many times. The short answer is that most Jews are liberal because their parents and grandparents are liberal.

Through the first half of the 20th century, anti-Semitism was common. Our grandparents and great-grandparents naturally gravitated towards politicians with a liberal social bent. Back then the choice was based on sound reasoning.

So, when parents spoke at the dinner table, they expounded the virtues of their liberal heroes. As children, we are impressionable and want to please our parents. Supporting liberals became natural to a Jewish family.

The reasons Jews were liberal 70 years ago do not exist today. We are no longer lower-middle class. Most of us have never experienced anti-Semitism. Generally, we feel secure in our Judaism and in American society.

The truth is most Jews are as woefully ill-informed on the issues as non-Jews. Last summer, I had a conversation with some highly-educated Jewish friends. They had no idea what “cap and trade” is. But they thought former President Bush is an “idiot.” In other words, they were liberals but had no idea why.

I am also often asked why Jews vote for Democrats when Republicans are greater supporters of Israel. I think most Jews no longer care about Israel.

From 1948 to the Israel-Egypt peace deal, the fear for Israel’s survival was real. Today, deep down, no one really believes Israel’s future is in doubt.

So when President Obama condemns Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attempts to isolate Israel, Jews go along. I have no doubt that if Bush had acted this way, American Jews would have been outraged.

Dan Wasserman

Oak Creek