That includes respect for the leadership of both countries; and since both nations are democracies (well, the U.S. is actually a "republic"), we have the blessings of being able to both criticize the leadership of either country while still loving and believing in both nations. As a Rabbi, I will never say anything publicly against anything in Israel for concern that it will be used by anti-Semites (which has happened often to me, especially recently). But as an American, I treasure the fact that I can comment on policies or positions by domestic political leaders and still love America and be grateful for the nation in which we all live.

...and sometimes, I feel it's best just to share information and allow people to develop their own interpretations of the events.

In the last week, Sen. Chuck Schumer has made his opinions about the Israeli government clear, as well as his intentions as to how Israel should deal with Gaza.

In the last 24 hours, President Biden has made it clear in a conversation with Netanyahu that has been publicly released by Jake Sullivan, that Biden is ruling out any US support for an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, despite having indicated for months that he would support such an action under specific conditions.

It has also been announced that Sec of State Blinken is heading to Saudi Arabia and Egypt to push for a cease-fire truce and to "increase humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory". The State Dept. has made it clear that he is going to try to force Biden administration philosophy on Israel.

I leave each of you to determine the meaning of these actions. I only remind you to think of the following: if God forbid, Mexico drug cartel members came into San Diego and killed 1200 civilians and took 200 as hostages... how do you think the U.S. would respond? How would the world respond to that American response?

Now, think of the restraint Israel has shown; and think of how you would like Israel to act.