A
select assembly of Washington D.C. heavy hitters recently attended a
Rosh Hashanah event at which Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron
Dermer discussed alleged dangers posed by Iran, Syria, and Russia. In
some places Dermer appeared to be laying out a rationale for another
Israeli war.
According
to JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency), the event is an annual affair “to
which the embassy invites the U.S. Jewish leadership.” Dermer’s
speeches typically seem intended to create a feeling of shared
concern for Israel, saying, for example, “Let us all raise a
glass and toast the fact that the Jewish people are voiceless no
more. Israel has provided us with a shofar, with a sovereign voice
among the nations.” Dermer himself was born and raised in the
U.S.
Among
those attending the invitation-only gathering this year were
approximately 20 journalists, many connected to top U.S. print and
broadcast media (including Wolf Blitzer, Eli Lake, Cliff May);
numerous government officials and politicians (Congressmen,
diplomats, White House insiders, senior staff, political operatives);
and heads of major U.S. national organizations, philanthropists, and
influential religious leaders.
Dermer’s
speech began on a convivial note – “Remember, on Rosh Hashana,
you’re allowed to eat, drink and even laugh”– but soon
became serious as he gave dire warnings about alleged dangers Israel
faces, and the need for Americans to help.
Iran
was the main villain to be protected against, with Syria and Russia
allegedly dangerous abettors that also need to be addressed.
“The
past year has posed many critical challenges for Israel,”
Dermer intoned. “Foremost among those challenges has been the
rising power of Iran.”
(This
is very much in line with Israeli thinking; Israel’s Jerusalem Post
newspaper recently reported: “Iran is the primary target of the
Mossad’s actions, which number in the hundreds and thousands each
year.” Netanyahu reportedly calls the Mossad Israel’s
“synchronized fist.”)
Dermer
claimed that the Iran deal had been a “double jackpot” for
Iran (many U.S. analysts disagree, including some Israel partisans
and top U.S. generals). Dermer charged that the deal had enabled Iran
to spend “much of the past year consolidating its power across
the Middle East.”
Next
came the not-so-subtle call to action.
“Israel
hopes that the coming weeks will bring about a dramatic change in the
trajectory of that deal that will ultimately either fix it or cancel
it,” Dermer said, making clear what was required of Americans
who care about Israel.
Full
report:
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