Ukraine is emerging as a new consensus that highlights the growing frailty of Israel’s own position
A jetlagged, early-morning stroll through Midtown took in the route of the Israel Day Parade, which had wrapped up the night before. Along Fifth Avenue, nary a scrap of blue and white remained. But the walk triggered an epiphany about the uniqueness of America-Israel ties, and an emerging threat to that vital relationship that has become obvious through the Ukraine war.
It might not be obvious to a New Yorker, but the very existence of the Israel Day Parade is incredible, in the literal sense. In which other country does the hub of financial, corporate, and media power close down to celebrate Israel?
Certainly not in Europe, where the consensus is a lot less friendly to the Jewish country. From London to Berlin, one would be far more likely to see a “Free Palestine” placard than an Israeli flag. Even if there was another country — say Britain — with such high levels of popular support, would it even matter? America is a superpower, and that’s why the warm feelings for Israel matter.
That points to something deeper about the American-Israeli relationship that doesn’t often get a look in. For the ma’amin sensitive to the message of history, there’s something unique at play in American support.
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