I am a rabbi who has devoted my career to building bridges — within the Jewish community and beyond it. I believe deeply in dialogue across differences, in listening with humility, and in the obligation to see the humanity of those with whom we disagree.

That work is particularly urgent in a divisive election season.

But this election season is different than any we’ve experienced. American support for Israel is on the ballot. The right of the Jewish community to participate in the political process and support the candidates of their choice is being challenged. On the far-left or the far-right, we are seeing an unprecedented rise – and acceptance – of virulent anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign rhetoric. Primary elections across the country have become competitions for who can smear Israel and its American supporters most.

This is a dangerous moment for our community and our democracy. Those in positions of........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)