Celebrating Inauguration Day as an Israeli

As an Israeli, I watch America’s presidential inauguration day from afar, from Tel Aviv. But I am still watching it, following it, thinking about it. I do not follow the swearing-in of other world leaders. I do not closely follow the election processes in most other countries. I do not sit in TV studios to broadcast the beginning of a French, British or German administration. America is not my country, and yet it is still more special to me than most other countries.

As an Israeli, I see America as special because of two reasons:

1. 1. Because of its ongoing support for Israel, because it is Israel’s ally and occasional protector, because of the support Israel gets from most Americans.
   2. Because of the special role American plays in the world. No, America is hardly a perfect country, but all in all, it is a force for good. A world in which America is dominant is better than one in which it is not.

As an Israeli, I followed this year’s processions with admiration, puzzlement, worry and appreciation. I admired the resilience of American democracy. Not for one moment in recent weeks was there a doubt that on January 20, Joe Biden would be sworn in as President. There was not a moment in which the painful events in Washington looked like a revolution had succeeded.

As an Israeli, my reaction to what Americans celebrate today is one of appreciation.

As an Israeli, I am puzzled about America’s state of mind. It seems that Americans often forget how good it is for them to be American — to have all the advantages of being American, to have a resilient political system, to have the margin of error only a superpower has. Yes, America makes mistakes, but it is strong enough to overcome even grave ones. For an Israeli, it is puzzling to see a nation so powerful and yet so restless.

I am worried that because of such restlessness, such polarization and such dissatisfaction, America will no longer play the positive role in world affairs that it has played for so many years. I know that this is exactly what many Americans hope for; they want their country to withdraw from the word, to shut down. I can see why, and I can even identify with such sentiment. But to an Israeli, such American sentiment is worrisome.

As an Israeli, my last reaction to what Americans celebrate today — the peaceful, if tense, transfer of power — is one of appreciation. It is an appreciation for the departing Donald Trump, who was an ally to Israel. I know, for many Americans, him being Israel’s ally does not come close to atoning for his many sins. I can see and understand why they feel this way. And yet, as an Israeli, I owe President Trump my appreciation. I owe him for being bold, for being contrarian, for daring to do what his predecessors were too traditional, too cautious, to do.

As an Israeli, I also have a sense of appreciation for Joe Biden, for his many years of friendship with Israel, for the things he had done and said about Israel and for the many things that he will do for Israel. Yes, I have full confidence that President Biden has the best of intentions when Israel’s safety is at stake. I have full confidence that he will give Israel a fair hearing and will act in a way that he deems the least harmful to Israel. Is this going to be easy? Not necessarily. Will Israelis be pleased with his decisions? Maybe not. And yet, appreciation is due.

Israel’s best wishes are for success. A friendly America is essential for Israel. A successful America is essential for Israel. That is the key: Israel wants America to be its successful friend. So now, it must root for President Biden and Vice President Harris. God bless them, and God bless America.