A seemingly ordinary wedding on October 25, 2009, may have quietly reshaped the trajectory of Israeli foreign policy. It was the marriage of Jared Kushner to Ivanka Trump, a union that would later prompt a surprising comment from a future U.S. President: his daughter had converted to Judaism, a development he hadn’t anticipated.
The President, known for swiftly turning against former allies, maintained a remarkable consistency in his support for Israel. While he didn’t hesitate to express frustration – even with harsh language – towards Israeli leadership at times, a fundamental loyalty remained. Instances of disrespect, like demanding apologies to Qatar or uttering expletives during ceasefire discussions, didn’t erode the core relationship.
Despite documented instances of troubling rhetoric – accusations of Jewish disloyalty, claims of seeking control over politicians – a striking phenomenon emerged: Israelis overwhelmingly embraced Donald Trump. This affection wasn’t simply tolerance; it was genuine admiration, a sentiment that defied conventional political logic.
Recent polls in Israel reveal a startling level of support for a potential joint U.S.-Israel strike against Iran, mirroring the decisions made by Trump and Netanyahu. Approval rates soared, reaching as high as 82% in some surveys, demonstrating a widespread desire for decisive action against Iran’s support of terrorism. Even among American Jews, a significant 68% voiced support for such a strike.
This support wasn’t limited to policy positions. Polling data consistently showed Israelis placing a remarkable degree of trust in Trump, with confidence levels exceeding 80% among Israeli Jews. This trust persisted even as his popularity waned in much of the world, and even within his own country.
The depth of this affection was palpable during a recent visit to Israel. Near Hostages Square, where families of those held captive passionately protested against their own government, pleas for help were directed not at Prime Minister Netanyahu, but at Donald Trump. He was seen as their most promising champion, a surprising reversal of allegiance.
While aligning with a controversial figure carries political risks – as evidenced by the experiences of leaders elsewhere – these concerns seem to hold little weight in Israel or among the Jewish diaspora. The unwavering support for Trump remains, a complex and compelling dynamic that defies easy explanation.
The Kushner-Trump marriage may not be the sole reason for this phenomenon, but it undoubtedly played a significant role, opening a unique channel of influence and fostering a bond that resonated deeply within the Jewish state.
