Now is the time—about a week before the mid-term elections—to ask ourselves how we can deal with a problematic, serious situation: America is being led by a someone who struggles with the truth, lacks empathy and has few if any salutary qualities. He is racially insensitive and an embarrassment to American values, democracy, and history. Never before have we found ourselves in this kind of difficulty. While President Nixon was arguably psychotic, he was not grossly incompetent nor a fool. Also, as I have pointed out in earlier posts, it is my strongest belief that by essentially playing to the wishes and views of a hard-line Israeli government and their supporters in the United States (largely to secure votes and donors), the Trump administration is providing the political capital which assists the Jewish state’s  move in a non-democratic, potentially fatal direction.

Trump and his Enablers have solidified their support among rightward leaning American Jews, the Evangelical Christian community, and significant segments of donors in both groups. Members of Congress, other American politicians (especially those Republicans now running for office), have also joined in the “Israel, right or wrong” brigade.

How do we counter this obeisance to hatred and help Israel in the process? First, a strong vote for any and all Democrats will send a message. If the American Jewish community votes that way, the effort will be especially potent. American Jews must demonstrate that they cannot be bought, especially at the cost of accepting a non-democratic Israel.

While I expect a significant anti-Trump vote among American Jews, the Enablers encouraging the President and his congressional allies must be publicly called-out and opposed at every appropriate opportunity. We have not done enough of that. The racism and misogyny must stop and American Jewish voices must loudly join the chorus of opposition. Further, where are the prominent Jewish organizations (I exclude from criticism the ADL and J Street, both of whom are already in the battle)? Where are our “Jewish leaders” at the local level, too many of whom are afraid of alienating the Jewish donors that support Trump?

I may be missing something, but when Israeli officials come to the U.S., few are asked to dialogue with Americans who view with alarm the existential threat to Israel presented by Trump. In turn,  we need to request that our Christian and Muslim friends join us in condemning the dialogue of hate perpetrated at official levels. Op-eds, media appearances, panel discussions, etc., are each a means of allowing our messages to reach an audience. Finally, why have we not witnessed massive demonstrations led by ethnic and/or religious organizations protesting the perversity of the present American political scene?

Regardless of political affiliation, the time is now to make our voices heard. This administration’s policies and actions are damaging America, its people, as well as many other countries. But, in all likelihood they will survive; as I have asked in earlier blogs, will Israel?