By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO – I have asked Lauren McIlvaine, the press secretary in Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Capitol office, for an explanation from the congresswoman about her voting record, specifically about what her guiding principles may be as she considers legislation affecting Israel and the Middle East.
So far, no answer, although McIlvaine did send a list of Jacobs’ statements on Israel-related issues, which were included in our recent article titled “OpEd: Is Rep. Sara Jacobs a Friend or Foe of Israel?”
I think Jacobs would do her constituents and herself a service by explaining her philosophy. It might go a long way toward dissipating some of the anger, frustration, and hurt feelings that pro-Israel constituents currently are feeling, as attested to by more than 60 comments on that article, none as of this writing, supportive of the congresswoman.
I personally was disappointed by the name-calling in some of the comments written by Jacobs’ detractors. I don’t believe she is a “self-hating Jew,” nor a “kapo,” nor a “traitor.” The use of such epithets are a disservice not only to Jacobs but to the letter-writers themselves. We should model civility in our civil discourse. But now that the letter-writers have vented, perhaps they will be open to dialogue – assuming Jacobs wishes to communicate with her fervently pro-Israel constituents.
Some letter-writers believe Jacobs is fully entrenched as a member of “the Squad,” which includes such “Progressive,” anti-Israel, Democratic members of Congress as Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortz, and Jamaal Bowman.
I have a hunch that she differs with those colleagues on some key issues, and that she tries to steer a course somewhere between them and staunchly pro-Israel congressmembers, perhaps in the belief that she can somehow in the future bring the two sides together. This is just a hunch on my part; I can’t bring myself to believe, as some commenters do, that Jacobs abjures her Jewish heritage or has abandoned her fellow Jews, even family members, who live in Israel. That’s why, again, I think it would be so helpful if Jacobs would explain her outlook and philosophy.
The question of her relationship to Ammar Campa-Najjar has been raised. Even if they were married, which they are not, it’s unreasonable to believe that he or she has much sway over the other’s beliefs. It’s more likely that they were attracted to each other because of their similarities. It seems to me that Campa-Najjar, who converted from Islam to Christianity, is as much in search of self-definition as Jacobs may be. I’m guessing that they both have a utopian notion that despite all, Israelis and Palestinians can someday live in harmony.
Some letter writers call upon the pro-Israel community to support El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells in his campaign to defeat Jacobs in the November run-off election. Wells, notwithstanding his large Arab-speaking Chaldean and Muslim constituencies from Iraq has spoken forcefully for Israel consistent with the beliefs of the evangelical Christians United for Israel.
Wells is a Republican and if Jewish Democrats were to choose him in a protest vote against Jacobs, they might just help Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives in 2025 – the majority of Republicans in the current House being razor thin.
For many Jewish Democrats, continued Republican control of the House would be an anathema because of their differences with Republicans on so many issues – abortion rights and immigrant rights, to name just two.
That’s why many pro-Israel Jewish Democrats say they increasingly feel politically homeless. They agree with Republican party stands on Israel, but they agree with Democratic party stands on domestic issues.
Come on, Sara Jacobs, tell us how you really feel.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via sdheritage@cox.net
I really hope that she will answer you. I was sad that the last article didn’t get a response from her. It seems to me that she seems to feel that she doesn’t need the support of her Jewish constituents or particularly care what we think. I hope she proves me wrong.
Tell us how you really feel or is that you are an Israel supporter but can’t put it in words ?!
Yes! Tell us how you really feel. Your Jewish constituents who voted for you would like to know.
I enjoyed your delicate, diplomatic article. Well done in these trying times.
Perhaps we needed a new democratic candidate. It seems we got to the party a little late. Seems we are reactive rather than proactive.
So well written! I agree with you Don. I don’t feel safe with the left wing progressive anti-semitic Democrats,The squad. The right wing white supremacy republicans with their beliefs taking women’s rights back in time are awful. There is no place for me.
I do not believe she cares what we think or say. I do not believe we are her target constituents. Our voices will be best heard when we vote and hopefully we bring in a majority that will replace her as she clearly isn’t representing us.
The actions always tell more than words, especially with politicians. Not taking a stand against antisemitism or objecting to sanctioning Hamas or Ayattolahs of Iran shows who she is. I would say the same thing against any politician regardless if they are Jewish or not. Sara Jacobs failed as any moral person and as someone who represents her constituents, including many Jews.
Sara Jacobs votes mostly votes with antisemitic “Squad”. I will give her this: she is a bit better than Rashida Tlaib and Ilan Omar. Sara didn’t explicitly say she supports Hamas (at least yet), even though she refused to sanction them.
Sara, I would tell you this, the fact you are Jewish and the famous story that someone called you “kike” at a bar wouldn’t buy your way to the Jewish vote. I am not sure how truthful your story is, but your votes are real and hurting.
Bill Wells is a person who will serve district 51 much better than you.
Please Sara Jacobs it would really help us if you respond as many of us wish to understand and continue to support you, vote for Democrats thank you!
So well written Don! I don’t think Sara Jacobs and the extreme left realize that they are hindering a democracy by victimizing terrorist and ideals that utterly jeopardize all democratic countries. They don’t realize that what they are supporting is the liberty, safety and all western values. It’s such a shame that people like Sara Jacobs doesn’t realize that she is placing all of us at risk, starting with her family.
It is well rounded article that you have written, Donald H. Harrison. However, your statement: “Wells is a Republican and if Jewish Democrats were to choose him in a protest vote against Jacobs, they might just help Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives in 2025 – the majority of Republicans in the current House being razor thin.” makes you a vivid anti Republican. Unfortunately, the last years have proved that nothing of real value comes out of Democrats in power – we have totally ruined border protection, we have unsustainable inflation, we have had humiliation while shamefully running out of Afghanistan leaving there our Afghan Allys to be imprisoned and killed, we have two wars, one against our the only ME ally, Israel, and another one of UN Security Member, Russian Federation, against another UN Member, Ukraine, all precipitated by Democratic President’s show of weakness and appeasement policies towards both Iran and Russia. In my mind, we, the Jews, must show that such sorts of policies are not consistent with the peace. We can only protect Israel by siding with candidates that demonstrate dedicated support for Israel. As it happened, such support comes from Republican candidates. It is not the time to play partisan politics. After all, if Republican Representatives we choose, will not perform well, we will vote them out next time. That is why I vote for Bill Wells.
Sara Jacobs not only doesn’t stand for her Jewish constituents and Israel, her views on the open borders, education, crime don’t represent our interests. We should not be intimidated by differences between democrats and republicans on the views on abortion since this is a state issue and choosing a republican Bill Wells will not change the laws is CA. We should be safe – vote Bill Wells!
Sara doesn’t represent my values. Her opponent Bill Wells is consistently showing up. As a matter of fact, he is willing to debate Sara. She has not agreed. He will meet with any member in his district. He did so with me. We held an open dialogue in my home. He is not your career politician. He loves his community: he went to San Diego state, he worked in the community and raised his family. Our borders are a disaster. Bill understands the issues from homelessness to business and beyond. He is a family man. Sara grew up with a golden spoon in her mouth. She doesn’t understand what a horrible state of the world we are in. She’s in a bubble. I want someone who will not be afraid to speak up. Sara has been a huge disappointment to the Jewish Community. She has shown us her true colors by her voting record. The west is next! I don’t want someone representing me who aligns with the squad. No thank you! Bill will get the job done. Lastly, why should it surprise us that Sara Jacob’s hasn’t responded: that’s what she does. She hides behind the issues. She’s young and naive and is no way a friend to the Jewish community! Its time for change and a new leadership. This is not about republican and democrats. This is about who will be better for the people. Her time has come. We deserve better than Sara.