Last week I started my email saying it is the middle of a (slow) summer. Well, the past two weeks days have changed that dramatically. The assassination attempt on Donald Trump followed by the Republican National Convention followed by President Biden saying he would not run for a second-term followed by Vice President Harris becoming the presumptive nominee followed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to Congress, and all of this while the earth recorded its hottest days in history. I guess the summer is heating up – figuratively and literally.

I do want to make some observations about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech (here is the full transcript) before a joint session of Congress this past Wednesday. This is the fourth time Netanyahu has addressed Congress, more than any other foreign leader.

First, Netanyahu is quite eloquent. He has the ability to speak to Americans in English in a way that no other Israeli politician can. He used this opportunity to directly address the American people and explain the situation Israel is facing and what it hopes to accomplish. One commentator noted that none of the sentiments Netanyahu expressed are controversial in Israel, but there are certainly varying reactions in America.

Netanyahu had four main objectives in his speech (and I know people will agree or disagree with what he said):

He reminded Americans of the horrors of October 7, which many feel has been forgotten due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Just yesterday, I met with a local community member whose brother is still being held hostage in Gaza. And on Wednesday, five slain hostage bodies were recovered from Khan Younis. They must remain front and center.

Netanyahu said he was “confident” that a hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached yet did not offer details. There were many relatives of hostages in the audience — particularly a delegation of family members of American captives — and reports indicate they needed to hear more. Some relatives wore bright yellow t-shirts that said, “Seal the deal now.”

He refuted the charges about Israel inflicting disproportionate casualties on Palestinian civilians or causing a famine there.

Netanyahu cited West Point urban warfare expert John Spencer, who argues that Israel has implemented more measures to protect civilians than any other force in history. Netanyahu stated that IDF soldiers “should be commended” rather than condemned for how they are fighting in Gaza.

Regarding the humanitarian food crisis in Gaza, Netanyahu shared that 40,000 aid trucks from Israel have entered Gaza. “If there are Palestinians in Gaza who are not getting enough food, it is not because Israel is blocking it. It is because Hamas is stealing it,” he said.

The main point of the speech, however, was to reinforce support for Israel’s efforts by pointing out that Hamas’s assault was just one of a multi-front war being waged against Israel and the West by Iran.

Netanyahu said, “Iran is virtually behind all the terrorism, all the turmoil, all the chaos, all the killing.” He added that “in the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It is a clash between barbarism and civilization...America and Israel must stand together. We will win.”

Although the address earned him several ovations from both Republicans and Democrats who were present, there are those who afterwards questioned his comments and criticized him for not putting forth clear plans for the release of the hostages, a ceasefire, and for a post-war Gaza.

The Jewish Federation was approached by several media outlets for our thoughts on Netanyahu being in DC and the protests taking place around the country, including Portland. This is what we shared:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited by members of Congress to speak. He took that opportunity to share his country’s view on the war, remind people of the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, explain the detrimental role Iran continues to play, affirm his commitment to bring the hostages home, and to especially thank the United States, in particular President Biden, for its (and his) longstanding and steadfast support.

As for those protesting here and elsewhere, we recognize and respect their right and freedom to do so. Israel says the war will not end until Hamas releases all the remaining hostages, including several American citizens, and until Hamas no longer has the ability to threaten Israel. That is the path to peace and the potential for a two-state solution.

What will come of this visit and this speech? We will see in the days ahead, especially as the elections in America heat up even more.

Finally, in a weird transition, I am sharing a survey on behalf of JADE, the Jewish Association for Death Education. JADE is looking to get a sense of the current knowledge of and interest in Jewish end of life practices among Portland Jews to help us develop relevant content and programming for our community. The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Your entry can be anonymous and it is for anyone and that identifies as Jewish. Take the survey here.

Shabbat shalom and I hope we can all enjoy the Olympic Games!