No political camp is going to end the Jewish condition. Every coalition contains the logic by which Jews can be useful, suspect, defended, and discarded in rapid succession.
Thank you for this excellent article. The metaphor of tenancy is a good one. Despite my family being in this country for over one hundred years, I’ve been feeling like a guest here since 10/7. This is still a country of laws, and there are many individuals working to ensure that our civil rights are protected (they have not been protected on many campuses and K-12 schools), but we are a small and vulnerable minority and might always be guests (tenants) here. That’s why there are signs at Ben Gurion airport that say “Welcome Home”.
I think you're pointing to a real distinction: tenancy does not mean we do not belong here, but it does name the contingency many Jews have felt since 10/7.
America can be home, and still feel less secure than we thought. Israel can be home in a different, deeper civilizational sense. and your point about the “Welcome Home” signs at Ben Gurion says a lot. Grateful you read it so closely.
In the diaspora, one of our worst enemies is the liberal Jew, who in my opinion is a traitor to us all. As a people, we have always disagreed, however as a minority, to turn on one another, is only assisting our enemies. Jews who raise Jewish children without the love of our history, ancestry, customs, Israel, and one another, will be the diasporas’ unraveling and saddens me deeply. I was not raised religious, but love for my heritage, customs, history and people have been treasures that continue to enrich my and my children’s lives enormously.
I hear the pain in this, especially around Jewish continuity. I’m hesitant to call liberal Jews “traitors,” because I think that kind of language can flatten a much more complicated reality. But I do agree with the deeper concern: Jews who sever themselves from Jewish peoplehood, history, Israel, and shared responsibility often do not become the ones who carry Jewish continuity forward.
That is not a new phenomenon. Jewish history has always included people who distance themselves, assimilate, or turn against the collective in order to survive, belong, or feel morally clean. But continuity ultimately rests with the Jews who keep choosing the people, even when it is costly, complicated, and uncomfortable.
What you say is true. The ones who side with terrorists or attachments like Bernie Sanders and Jon Stewart, Mandy Patinkin and JFP make me cringe when they call themselves Jews and lend spread lies about Israel and our history.
The leader of the increasing replacement for the Labour Party here, the Greens, is a self hating Jew: and that party is even more antisemitic than Labour. It’s getting huge support, especially from younger voters
As a Diaspora Jew, I know that I will be a tenant anywhere except in the Land of Israel. Landlords change, policies change - none of that makes a difference in who we are. The existence of independent Israel is the only protection we have. No need to be a coward and “read” the room to make yourself feel better. There is only one objective truth of a false historical blood libel, spoken or not.
Nope. Diaspora’s Jews are not even tenants. Tenants have rights. Tenants have a lease. Tenants have legal protections. Diaspora Jews think they have these but they don’t because when called upon to be honored it’s questionable as to whether they will be enforced.
Diaspora Jews are guests. Sometimes welcome guests…as long as they remain polite and in the background. These days more often unwelcome guests…like the Sidney at the Omega house pledge event in Animal House…shunted to the side with no real chance of admittance.
It’s always been that way even in the golden age in America when it was hidden because it was politically incorrect. We were fooled by the politeness. Took it as acceptance. But now we know different. We are guests being shown the door, sometimes politely more often not.
Meanwhile in NYC I just read that anti Zionist, pro Mandami Dem "Jew" Brad Landers has a "sizable lead" over moderate Dan Goldman in that heavily Jewish congressional district. That obnoxious, loud mouth scumbag will turn out to be the top "As a Jew "for Palestine and Moslems in Congress after Sanders becomes senile. Part of the enemy is us.
You bet! WE are our own enemies . Between Tikkun Olam and TDS --"Jews" who have consistently embraced socialism --do not allow Jews to speak with ONE voice.
How many American jews who only vote D are indifferent to whether Israel continues to exist? Is that an unfair question to pose to someone constantly bashing Israel? Let me use an analogy of sorts: can you be friends with someone who is truly racist towards blacks? If the answer is no ( as it shpuld be in my opinion) I then ask what about a jew hater or someone who would defund israel ( but then I repeat myself: apologies to Tucker and the Jewish senators who side w Tucker on this matter?)
The question is whether the strong liberal Zionists (I know plenty) who vote Democrat are going to wake up and see what has happened. To this point the drift away from bipartisan Israel support that began under Obama has been explained away with cognitive dissonance. The fact that 40 Democrats voted to stop selling bull dozens to Israel is something that can't be explained away.
Jews who embrace the left do so because they believe their Judaism to be irrelevant. I think left of center Zionists are now beginning to see a very difficult reality, that their chosen party is openly dangerous to Israel. Non Zionist Jews of the left don't care about the Jewish people and somehow imagine that they are safe. Its not so much that "the right" supports the Jews as that more and more people who hold traditionally liberal mainstream American views are being pushed to vote right. At this point anyone who gets up and says Israel has a right to exist will be denounced as a "Zio". So normal voters are increasingly voting conservative. Jews do need to be aware of their Jewisness at all times even as they care about other things as well. But too many aren't.
Very good article. It lays out exactly what Prof. Ruth Wisse wrote in her book "Jews and Power". As the eternal minority in the Diaspora, we are subject to the shifting conditions whether they be liberal democracies, theocracies, or autocratic governments. I would recommend reading her book to get an even deeper understanding of Mr. Strauss' summary.
However I find fault with"In 2025, the Trump Administration froze the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the one that helps pay for guards and barriers outside synagogues and Jewish schools. Later that year, the FBI cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League, ending a long institutional relationship with one of the country’s central Jewish anti-hate organizations. And Tel Aviv University’s 2026 antisemitism report warned that Hitler admiration and Holocaust denial had reached currents of the Republican coalition deeply enough to qualify as an existential concern.".
#one:
This was not specific to Jewish institutions. It affected a wide range of FEMA and other federal grants. Jewish groups were prominently impacted because they are major users of NSGP amid rising antisemitic threats.
The administration framed it as a review to ensure funds matched Trump's policy goals (e.g., efficiency via DOGE efforts, eliminating certain ideological programs).
Response and ResolutionBipartisan lawmakers (nearly 80 House members, including Jewish Democrats like Josh Gottheimer and Republicans) urged reversal, citing heightened hate crimes and the program's life-saving role.
The ADL is useless. A DNC lackey that became Far Left.
Did you know or forget how he's confronted and threatened antisemitic universities? Did you forget his war with Iran? Or his close relationship to Israel?
Yes, there are "Groypers" --they are not "pro-Trump". They are a problem in themselves. Some are the "America ONLY" crowd.
But the Dems have become truly anti-Israel and have done NOTHING to fight antisemitism. Even Dershowitz in his mid-80s realizes this. He became a Republican now (as I did awhile back because I realized the truth earlier).
So it's NOT as "even" as you seem to imply.
You don't mention Evangelists who support Jews for their religious beliefs --so yes you'd see us as being "used" there? Perhaps--but as a Republican I lost ALL my Liberal/Leftist former friends--AND family!
Frighteningly prescient. This sense of homelessness has become more acute as I struggle with no longer having a political home in the land of my birth.
Yes, the Eternal ‘Other’: A cold avaricious logic in and by the countries we find ourselves in, which becomes Theft of our property, and then may include murder when our usefulness is complete. This may seem strange to the Liberal and Christian-minded non-Jews who befriend us. But the Fascist elements in these communities, although they do not have the upper hand yet thank goodness, are cultivated precisely for these acts of theft and murder. The whole (attempted) process, by Elements who have openly called themselves the re-formed Nazi Party here in Europe, has been monitored here in Europe once again. Our documentary monitoring is with you. And thus we dwell alone once again, in the country where we can be sovereign. Am Israel Chai.
Thank you for this excellent article. The metaphor of tenancy is a good one. Despite my family being in this country for over one hundred years, I’ve been feeling like a guest here since 10/7. This is still a country of laws, and there are many individuals working to ensure that our civil rights are protected (they have not been protected on many campuses and K-12 schools), but we are a small and vulnerable minority and might always be guests (tenants) here. That’s why there are signs at Ben Gurion airport that say “Welcome Home”.
I think you're pointing to a real distinction: tenancy does not mean we do not belong here, but it does name the contingency many Jews have felt since 10/7.
America can be home, and still feel less secure than we thought. Israel can be home in a different, deeper civilizational sense. and your point about the “Welcome Home” signs at Ben Gurion says a lot. Grateful you read it so closely.
In the diaspora, one of our worst enemies is the liberal Jew, who in my opinion is a traitor to us all. As a people, we have always disagreed, however as a minority, to turn on one another, is only assisting our enemies. Jews who raise Jewish children without the love of our history, ancestry, customs, Israel, and one another, will be the diasporas’ unraveling and saddens me deeply. I was not raised religious, but love for my heritage, customs, history and people have been treasures that continue to enrich my and my children’s lives enormously.
I hear the pain in this, especially around Jewish continuity. I’m hesitant to call liberal Jews “traitors,” because I think that kind of language can flatten a much more complicated reality. But I do agree with the deeper concern: Jews who sever themselves from Jewish peoplehood, history, Israel, and shared responsibility often do not become the ones who carry Jewish continuity forward.
That is not a new phenomenon. Jewish history has always included people who distance themselves, assimilate, or turn against the collective in order to survive, belong, or feel morally clean. But continuity ultimately rests with the Jews who keep choosing the people, even when it is costly, complicated, and uncomfortable.
What you say is true. The ones who side with terrorists or attachments like Bernie Sanders and Jon Stewart, Mandy Patinkin and JFP make me cringe when they call themselves Jews and lend spread lies about Israel and our history.
The leader of the increasing replacement for the Labour Party here, the Greens, is a self hating Jew: and that party is even more antisemitic than Labour. It’s getting huge support, especially from younger voters
the liberal Jew in Israel is causing even more damage. It isn't just libs in the diaspora.
A great way of explaining the "As a Jew" phenomenon.
As a Diaspora Jew, I know that I will be a tenant anywhere except in the Land of Israel. Landlords change, policies change - none of that makes a difference in who we are. The existence of independent Israel is the only protection we have. No need to be a coward and “read” the room to make yourself feel better. There is only one objective truth of a false historical blood libel, spoken or not.
…“to build a Jewish life that depends on it less.” Define building that life please.
posting a follow up essay that is my attempt at answering that question. Stay tuned!
Nope. Diaspora’s Jews are not even tenants. Tenants have rights. Tenants have a lease. Tenants have legal protections. Diaspora Jews think they have these but they don’t because when called upon to be honored it’s questionable as to whether they will be enforced.
Diaspora Jews are guests. Sometimes welcome guests…as long as they remain polite and in the background. These days more often unwelcome guests…like the Sidney at the Omega house pledge event in Animal House…shunted to the side with no real chance of admittance.
It’s always been that way even in the golden age in America when it was hidden because it was politically incorrect. We were fooled by the politeness. Took it as acceptance. But now we know different. We are guests being shown the door, sometimes politely more often not.
Meanwhile in NYC I just read that anti Zionist, pro Mandami Dem "Jew" Brad Landers has a "sizable lead" over moderate Dan Goldman in that heavily Jewish congressional district. That obnoxious, loud mouth scumbag will turn out to be the top "As a Jew "for Palestine and Moslems in Congress after Sanders becomes senile. Part of the enemy is us.
You bet! WE are our own enemies . Between Tikkun Olam and TDS --"Jews" who have consistently embraced socialism --do not allow Jews to speak with ONE voice.
How many American jews who only vote D are indifferent to whether Israel continues to exist? Is that an unfair question to pose to someone constantly bashing Israel? Let me use an analogy of sorts: can you be friends with someone who is truly racist towards blacks? If the answer is no ( as it shpuld be in my opinion) I then ask what about a jew hater or someone who would defund israel ( but then I repeat myself: apologies to Tucker and the Jewish senators who side w Tucker on this matter?)
The question is whether the strong liberal Zionists (I know plenty) who vote Democrat are going to wake up and see what has happened. To this point the drift away from bipartisan Israel support that began under Obama has been explained away with cognitive dissonance. The fact that 40 Democrats voted to stop selling bull dozens to Israel is something that can't be explained away.
Bravo!
Jews who embrace the left do so because they believe their Judaism to be irrelevant. I think left of center Zionists are now beginning to see a very difficult reality, that their chosen party is openly dangerous to Israel. Non Zionist Jews of the left don't care about the Jewish people and somehow imagine that they are safe. Its not so much that "the right" supports the Jews as that more and more people who hold traditionally liberal mainstream American views are being pushed to vote right. At this point anyone who gets up and says Israel has a right to exist will be denounced as a "Zio". So normal voters are increasingly voting conservative. Jews do need to be aware of their Jewisness at all times even as they care about other things as well. But too many aren't.
Exactly!
Very good article. It lays out exactly what Prof. Ruth Wisse wrote in her book "Jews and Power". As the eternal minority in the Diaspora, we are subject to the shifting conditions whether they be liberal democracies, theocracies, or autocratic governments. I would recommend reading her book to get an even deeper understanding of Mr. Strauss' summary.
I recommend reading pretty much everything Ruth writes
The title should be "Moderate Jewish Democrats face a new political reality as the Asajews, Marxists and Islamic radicals now run their party".
I agree with some of your concept and analogy.
However I find fault with"In 2025, the Trump Administration froze the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the one that helps pay for guards and barriers outside synagogues and Jewish schools. Later that year, the FBI cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League, ending a long institutional relationship with one of the country’s central Jewish anti-hate organizations. And Tel Aviv University’s 2026 antisemitism report warned that Hitler admiration and Holocaust denial had reached currents of the Republican coalition deeply enough to qualify as an existential concern.".
#one:
This was not specific to Jewish institutions. It affected a wide range of FEMA and other federal grants. Jewish groups were prominently impacted because they are major users of NSGP amid rising antisemitic threats.
jewishinsider.com
The administration framed it as a review to ensure funds matched Trump's policy goals (e.g., efficiency via DOGE efforts, eliminating certain ideological programs).
splcenter.org
Courts quickly intervened in parts of the broader freeze, and it was partially rescinded, but implementation created delays and confusion.
nonprofitpro.com +1
Response and ResolutionBipartisan lawmakers (nearly 80 House members, including Jewish Democrats like Josh Gottheimer and Republicans) urged reversal, citing heightened hate crimes and the program's life-saving role.
jewishinsider.com +1
FEMA lifted the reimbursement pause by around May 2025, resuming reviews and payments for approved awards.
jewishinsider.com
#two:
The ADL is useless. A DNC lackey that became Far Left.
Did you know or forget how he's confronted and threatened antisemitic universities? Did you forget his war with Iran? Or his close relationship to Israel?
Yes, there are "Groypers" --they are not "pro-Trump". They are a problem in themselves. Some are the "America ONLY" crowd.
But the Dems have become truly anti-Israel and have done NOTHING to fight antisemitism. Even Dershowitz in his mid-80s realizes this. He became a Republican now (as I did awhile back because I realized the truth earlier).
So it's NOT as "even" as you seem to imply.
You don't mention Evangelists who support Jews for their religious beliefs --so yes you'd see us as being "used" there? Perhaps--but as a Republican I lost ALL my Liberal/Leftist former friends--AND family!
I have way more Christian friends nowadays.
Frighteningly prescient. This sense of homelessness has become more acute as I struggle with no longer having a political home in the land of my birth.
Yes, the Eternal ‘Other’: A cold avaricious logic in and by the countries we find ourselves in, which becomes Theft of our property, and then may include murder when our usefulness is complete. This may seem strange to the Liberal and Christian-minded non-Jews who befriend us. But the Fascist elements in these communities, although they do not have the upper hand yet thank goodness, are cultivated precisely for these acts of theft and murder. The whole (attempted) process, by Elements who have openly called themselves the re-formed Nazi Party here in Europe, has been monitored here in Europe once again. Our documentary monitoring is with you. And thus we dwell alone once again, in the country where we can be sovereign. Am Israel Chai.
Brilliant analysis. Thank you for writing it.
Brilliant and wise. Lots to chew on in the essay and in the comments.