It happened again yesterday. 

Once again, former President Trump asserted that Jews who vote against him “ought to have their heads examined” because, of course, in his opinion, he is the best US President in regards to Israel.

Once again, as I did in 2017,  https://robdobrusin.com/an-open-letter-to-president-trump/ I would like to respond:

Mr. Trump, as important as Israel is to me, and Israel certainly is in my heart especially this year, my vote for president will be based on the candidates’ stands on many issues, including, to name just a few: economic policy, concern for the environment and addressing climate change, access to abortion and reproductive rights in general, our role in international alliances and the need to confront in serious and meaningful ways the tragedy of gun violence which takes so many lives and affects the psyche of every child in school in this country.

In addition, in this election, we also must consider if we wish to support a candidate who forcefully and openly urged his vice president to undermine the constitution and who encouraged a mob of supporters to march to the capitol with strength to prevent the transfer of power to the winner of the presidential election. To me, that is a “no-brainer”.

And, as a Jew, it doesn’t take much thought for me to oppose anyone who has any connection whatsoever with “Project 2025” which poses a threat to so many of the principles which we hold dear in this nation of freedom for all.

Those domestic issues are critical to me as an American.

Regarding Israel, you might be surprised to hear that, as a lover of Israel, I found Vice President Harris’ statements during her speech at the Democratic National Convention to be right on target. Support of Israel does not mean ignoring the legitimate rights of Palestinians, closing our ears to the cries of children in Gaza or giving a green light to anything Israel’s government wishes to do. 

As are so many, I am appalled by the statements and actions of some members of Israel’s cabinet and stand with so many Israelis who oppose in the strongest terms Prime Minister Netanyahu for his conduct of the war in Gaza and his failure to accept a ceasefire agreement which could bring the hostages home. 

The bottom line is that I resent being lectured to as what Israel should mean to me as a Jew and therefore, for whom I should vote.  

And, most importantly, be assured, Mr. Trump, that I am a loyal American and should not be treated as a “one issue voter” whose loyalty to Israel supersedes my commitment to this country.

I will vote for the candidate who is most fit to be President of this nation and one who more closely reflects my values and priorities.

I am proud to support Vice President Harris.