By Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman
It is a rare moment in time when individuals have the potential to shape history. The recently announced deal with Iran presents us with one such historic opportunity. Those who crafted the deal called it historic, but those who oppose it call it historic for a much different reason: for the harm that it can cause and its potential to wreak havoc on the free world, specifically to America and the State of Israel.
Opponents of the deal have drawn attention to the fact that Iran has a longstanding track record of deception and support of worldwide terror. Additionally, the fact that Iran refused to submit to anytime, anywhere inspections was initially deemed a “deal-breaker” and later “capitulation” when world powers acceded to these demands.
The Obama administration always insisted that they were negotiating the “best deal” possible and that the deal would forestall Iran’s nuclear ability for 10 years or more. Critics of the deal, both Democrats and the Republicans, have insisted that the deal does no such thing and further enables Iran’s nuclear capability by virtue of all of the concessions that the U.S. offered. Congress has a 60-day window to review the deal; and if rejected, President Obama has vowed to veto the rejection, setting up a battle with Congress, which will have to muster a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
The battle has already begun with most Republicans adamantly rejecting the bill and most Democrats withholding comments, stating they “need time to study the deal” and consult and consider all of its pros and cons.
Some Democrats have already voiced their opposition; Congresswoman Grace Meng stated, “I strongly believe that the world could and should have a better deal than that set forth in the joint comprehensive plan of action, which I will therefore oppose. I believe the inspections procedures set forth are flawed.”
Congressman Juan Vargas, in an op-ed piece in the San Diego Union-Tribune, stated, “The President is right; this agreement is historic, but for all the wrong reasons. This agreement gives Iran a rapid payday ($150 billion) while legitimizing its path to nuclear-threshold status. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this deal and press for a better deal that will truly end Iran’s nuclear weapons program and make the world safer.”
It is only appropriate that the members of Congress who were courageous enough to take a principled stand be thanked for their efforts. You can do so by calling the offices of Ms. Meng at 202-225-2601 and Congressman Vargas at 202-225-8045. This morning we received word that yet another Democrat, Representative Kathleen Rice, will also oppose the deal, stating, “If we are to believe that this is a good deal for our interests, then we must believe that Iran has either entered into a deal against its interest or that Iranian priorities have changed. The former would be illogical and we’ve seen no evidence of the latter.” The community is encouraged to thank her for her leadership by calling her office at 202-225-5516.
Many strategies have been suggested in terms of how to best galvanize support to reject the deal in Congress. Rallies, meetings, and lobbying are the principal methods being discussed and all are legitimate and can be done in parallel.
Some have opted to attack, publicly disparage, and denigrate elected officials who have not yet weighed in publicly in opposition to the deal. This approach has proven to be counterproductive and runs the risk of prompting representatives to vote for the deal to show that they cannot be bullied or “told what to do.”
Strategically speaking, the focus of our efforts should be directed towards those representatives who we think are most likely to be responsive to the legitimate concerns of those that oppose the deal because it’s bad for America and the free world. Being that most Republicans have already made clear that they will oppose the deal, efforts should focus specifically on Democrats like Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, with our opposition being communicated to the main office in Washington or the district offices around the state. Similarly, members of the House of the Representatives need to hear from each and every one of us during the interim 60-day decision period.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we spare no effort in improving ourselves in order to obtain a favorable “g’zar din.” The drama of the viability or rejection of this deal also plays out and coincides with this period of time. Hopefully the ultimate decision will be a favorable one for the safety and security of the United States and Israel. It is quite possible that our own g’zardin will be influenced by what we do—or fail to do—during this historic moment.