Bombs Over Tehran: Where Should American Jews Draw the Line?
Can you cheer an attack on Iran and revile the man who launched it?
The U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have ignited more than just geopolitical tension—they've triggered a quiet civil war within the American Jewish conscience. Recently, I found myself locked in a thoughtful debate with my friend, Steve, who, like me, is a lifelong Democrat, a proud Jew, and a staunch supporter of Israel. I am conflicted; Steve is less so. We both fear a nuclear Iran. We both revere Israel’s right to defend herself. But we differ, deeply, on what it means when the man launching the missiles is Donald Trump.
Shared Fear, Diverging Thresholds
Steve stated plainly: "As Jews, we are and always will be outsiders in every country in the world, including the USA. Israel is our historical homeland. The destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities serves Israel's interest, and therefore ours. Whatever legal or political implications there may be, that trumps (small ‘t’) everything else."
He's got a valid point. The urgency around Iran is real. Its government is openly hostile to the existence of Israel. Jewish history—drenched in diaspora, persecution, and annihilation—demands vigilance. Steve’s view reflects that of many in the Jewish community who believe this moment calls for action, not process.
But that’s where we part ways.
I responded: “I'm absolutely concerned with what reads like anti-Semitism on the extreme left of our party. But I’m more concerned—frankly—about whether America, as I knew and loved it, will survive Donald Trump. Do we really trust his motives? Or is this just another chest-thumping stunt from a man who’s spent a career undermining democratic norms?”
The Trump Problem
This is where things get thorny. Because this isn’t just about foreign policy. It’s about who made the decision—and how.
Trump acted unilaterally. No public congressional consultation. No declassification of supporting intelligence. No bipartisan process. And yet, many who fear a nuclear Iran breathed a sigh of relief.
That sigh may come at a cost.
Each time we justify a president bypassing Congress, ignoring constitutional limits, and acting in his own political interest, we inch closer to authoritarianism. We reinforce the idea that the ends justify the means—so long as we like the ends.
My reply to Steve was simple: “Praise emboldens Trump’s next illegal act. You’re okay with that. I’m not.”
Dual Allegiance, or Dual Responsibility?
The question isn’t whether Israel should be defended. Of course she should. The question is whether her defense must come at the expense of our own democracy.
Steve says yes—at least in this case. I say no—because if we let Trump break the rules for Israel, what happens when he breaks them against her? He’s cozied up to Saudi Arabia, ignored domestic extremists, and has a history of transactional loyalty. He’s been no friend to the Jews—just a user of us, when convenient.
Still, Steve’s fear isn’t irrational. What if diplomacy fails? What if this was the last best chance to stop Iran? Isn’t Jewish survival more urgent than parliamentary procedure?
These are not easy questions.
So, nu? Where Should American Jews Stand?
The answer may lie in refusing to let ourselves be trapped in binary thinking. It is possible—and even patriotic—to believe:
- That Iran is a dangerous regime that must be deterred,
- That Israel is a precious and necessary homeland worth defending,
- And that America’s Constitution is not an obstacle, but the very foundation of everything we cherish.
It’s not about choosing between America and Israel. It’s about understanding that Trump is not synonymous with either. His actions, even when they align with our fears or hopes, must be judged through a lens of law, ethics, and precedent.
Because if we say “yes” to dictatorship just once—because this time it served us—what happens when the next time it doesn’t?
The Real Line to Draw
Every American Jew, indeed, every thoughtful citizen, must wrestle with this moment. Do we reward Trump for doing the “right” thing the wrong way? Or do we hold fast to the democratic guardrails that protect all religions, atheists, races, and creeds—citizens of every identity?
History tells us that when strongmen rise, they always come for someone eventually. Defending Israel should never mean surrendering America.
We must remain vigilant—to both threats abroad, and threats within.