I don’t expect to agree with my senator on every issue. But I do expect her to stand by her commitments. On April 15, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks fell short when she sided with the loudest anti-Israel voices in a deeply misguided effort to block U.S. arms sales to Israel.
During her campaign, Alsobrooks met with our community and spoke passionately about her commitment to standing with Israel. “The relationship between Israel and the U.S. is long-standing, and it’s important where we have not only shared values, but shared interests as well,” she said. “I’ll continue to protect the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, and to make sure that as an ally, we not only support Israel’s right to defend itself, but also are there to make sure that we’re helping them to have the means to do so.”
Those were powerful words I was grateful to hear. And it’s why the senator’s votes in April to block arms sales to Israel were so disappointing.
In her official statement, the senator explained her vote as a protest to the Iran war. “My vote today is not a vote against Israel’s defense; it is a vote against deepening U.S. complicity in an unauthorized war against Iran.” With respect, that is a distinction without a difference. When you try to block Israel from purchasing the weapons it needs to defend its citizens against genocidal terrorist regimes, you aren’t supporting Israel — you’re tying its hands.
These votes were dangerous — for Israel, for American credibility and for the cause of deterring Iran’s aggression. Moreover, whether intentional or not, they pour fuel on a growing fire of anti-Israel animus across America, with potentially dangerous ramifications for the safety and security of the Jewish community.
This is not the time to abandon our allies. It is a chance to double down on the global alliances that make America safer, stronger and better prepared to counter real security challenges. It is a chance to help protect civilians from the terrorists who want to harm them. It is a moment for moral clarity.
Those of us who care about Israel’s security urge Alsobrooks to correct course when next confronted with critical votes like these.
Chai Posner is the senior rabbi at Beth Tfiloh Congregation in Pikesville and a board member of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition.