SDJW Editor’s Note: The following OpEd piece appeared in Times of San Diego in response to an article in San Diego Jewish World about Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ voting record.
By Chris Jennewein
Times of San Diego
Two-term San Diego Rep. Sara Jacobs has been attacked by some members of the local Jewish community for supposedly not being sufficiently pro-Israel. The criticism is unfair — and at odds with Jewish principles.
She’s been criticized for calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for opposing an Israeli invasion of Rafa. But her remarks last Saturday — after voting for $26 billion in military aid to Israel and humanitarian assistance to Gaza — were the last straw for some.
“While I’m deeply concerned about further military assistance to Israel, I couldn’t in good conscience vote against this lifesaving humanitarian assistance,” Jacobs said after the vote. “We must continue to push for lasting political solutions to address the incredible suffering and insecurity around the world, including an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages.”
An article a few days later in the San Diego Jewish World drew dozens of angry comments.
“Very disappointed in Sara Jacobs. Every vote she casts goes against the interests of the Jewish people, both here at home and abroad in the holy land,” said one writer.
“I am sad and disappointed with Sara’s stand on Israel. Her alignment with antisemitic squad is alarming. Sara chose not standing against antisemitism,” said another.
The gist of the comments was essentially ‘who cares about the people in Gaza, we need to fully support Israel!’
There’s no question that Israel suffered a brutal attack at the hands of Hamas, the terrorist organization governing the Gaza Strip. And Israel clearly has a right to defend itself and eliminate the terrorists. But it is possible to support Israel while also questioning its military strategy and calling for protection of civilians.
Empathy for others is in fact a cornerstone of the Jewish faith. “Tikkun olam,” Hebrew for “repairing the world,” expresses a Jewish obligation to respect and help others. If Israel defeats Hamas but ultimately leaves Gaza in ruins with its people starving, it will betray this basic concept.
Jacobs’ position on this is closely aligned with the Biden administration, which is providing military support for Israel while demanding that the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plan for rebuilding an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza.
The critical comments also had a whiff of MAGA politics, with many expressing support for Jacobs’ challenger El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, a Republican who has taken a strident anti-immigrant position in his campaign, and criticism of Jacobs’ partner Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former congressional candidate and now naval reserve officer whose father was Palestinian.
“If you care about the safety and security of the global Jewish community and Israel, the only person to vote for is Bill Wells. So please spread the word to those who have the opportunity to vote for Bill. This is the most effective way to support Israel!” said one writer.
Another prefaced comments by saying “the state of our borders is a concern that needs urgent attention which she has failed to do” and suggested “Mayor Bill Wells will do just that and has shown how pro Israel he is time and time again!”
A third said, “Actually, I think she’s doing a great job as a pro terrorist supporter! Getting her vote for the aid to Israel was critical — thank heavens for her … boyfriend who probably had to convince her to sign the bill … under the pretense of “humanitarian aid” for the terrorists.”
Another basic Jewish concept is “welcoming the stranger” because, according to the Bible, Jews were once strangers in Egypt. It’s unfortunate today that some Jews whose own ancestors were immigrants and suffered discrimination are loudly opposed to immigration.
It’s tough to represent America’s divided communities in any political office. No one can be all things to all people. But Jacobs is taking a principled stand to support Israel while also calling on it to uphold Jewish principles and protect civilian lives.
Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.
History will show Sara Jacobs was on the right side of history.