The story is told that during a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and American Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Mr. Kissinger – a Jew – remarked to Mrs. Meir, "I just want to make it clear that I represent the interests of the United States. I am first an American citizen; second, the U.S. Secretary of State; and third, a Jew."
She responded, "In Israel, we read from right to left."
Rating presidents is one of historians' favorite pastimes. Do a Google search for "best and worst presidents," and, if you are a political junkie, get ready for hours of perusing different polls, surveys and studies. It is a fascinating topic because so many factors go into these ratings. Leadership qualities, vision, integrity, and more—and, of course, the political biases of the ones conducting the study...
All the issues, domestic and foreign, that are important to all American citizens are important to its Jewish citizens too. "And seek the peace of the city where I have exiled you and pray for it to G‑d, for in its peace you shall have peace" (Jeremiah 29:7).
But while an administration's policies vis-à-vis the Holy Land is only one factor among many considered by all others, to me, personally, it is the most significant one. For no matter the emblem on my passport, my truest homeland is Israel, and the concern for the welfare of its inhabitants is foremost on my mind.
As the famed 12th century Spanish philosopher and poet Yehudah Halevi eloquently wrote, "My heart is in the East, [though] I am at the ends of the West."
So let the much-more-qualified-than-me political scientists, historians and expert analysts debate the overall efficacy and success of the current administration. No matter the consensus they may or may not reach on this matter, as a Jew, I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Bush.
Thank you, Mr. President for standing beside Israel and time and again reiterating your concern for its safety and your firm belief that she has the right to defend itself against the "thugs" – that's the word you used – that threaten her.
Thank you, Mr. President for repeatedly vetoing insane resolutions aimed against Israel proposed by the UN Security Council.
Thank you, Mr. President for being a beacon of light amongst world leaders; for standing up for the cause of righteousness, even when it was unpopular in other capitals.
It's nothing short of miraculous that in a world that is so hostile, the greatest superpower steadfastly – and so often singularly – stands at Israel's side. Thank you, Mr. President for continuing this wonderful legacy.
There's a chassidic aphorism, "G‑d does not remain in debt." He repays with bountiful blessings those who are kind to us—as He told Abraham, "And I will bless those who bless you."
May G‑d bless you in all your future endeavors.