As the election draws nearer, political debates and rhetoric increase. True Torah Jews are disturbed by the frequent references by politicians to the need for involvement in Israeli politics. The politics and policies of the "state of Israel" should play no part in the upcoming elections. Rather, the focus should be on the needs of the American people. Jews in the United States are United States citizens and are as concerned with improving the lives of the American people as any other American citizens. Our politicians should be addressing the many problems we are facing here in the United States, rather the "state of Israel."

"We are American Jews, not Israelis. Like any other voters, Jewish voters will vote for politicians whose policies they believe are right for America," said Rabbi Avigdor Katz.

In an effort to bolster their popularity, politicians continually expound on their support for the "state of Israel", thinking that this will sway the Jewish vote. But on the contrary, dragging the problems in "Israel" into American politics and constantly focusing on the Jews is counter-productive. It fuels anti-Semitism, furthers conflicts, and creates a potential danger to Jews worldwide.

This has been a basic norm of the Torah faith ever since the destruction of the holy Temple in Jerusalem, and the exile of the Jewish people some two thousand years ago. The great Biblical prophet, Jeremiah, proclaimed G-d's message to all of Diaspora Jewry: "Seek out the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you and pray for it to the Almighty, for through its welfare will you have welfare." (29:7). This message has been a cornerstone of Jewish conduct in exile throughout history.

As Jews, we must be ever mindful of the needs of our Jewish brethren, wherever they may live, including those who live in the Holy Land. But the belligerent attitude of the American Zionist groups only endangers the welfare of Jews in the Holy Land as well as worldwide.