Op-Ed by Max Alperstein
September 15, 2024
As a high school student deeply concerned about the future, I was disappointed by the recent debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Their discussion about the Israel-Gaza conflict lasted less than five minutes. This conflict has profound implications for global politics and human lives, and their exchange did not give me any confidence about how either candidate plans to handle such a critical issue.
Trump’s Approach: Unsettling Familiarity
To put it simply, Trump's recent remarks on the conflict were disappointing. His support for Israel’s military actions and the way he transitioned from criticizing Netanyahu to supporting him seemed like a political ploy rather than a genuine effort to resolve the conflict. His approach appeared to prioritize political posturing over real solutions for achieving peace.
Harris’s Position: Hopeful Yet Vague
Harris's approach was positive in that she stated that Israel has a right to defend itself, though in the same breath said that the war must end immediately. However, noting that “we would,” implying if the United States were attacked, we would defend ourselves as well, though the conflict lacked concrete details and did not indicate a path to peace. While her support for a two-state solution and a humanitarian cease-fire was a nice gesture, it didn't address the conflict's current complexities, how to deal with Netanyahu’s policies, or Hamas’s refusals to make progress.
My Takeaway:
The debate’s discussion of the Israel-Gaza conflict highlighted how American politics tend to oversimplify essential issues at times. As a young person deeply concerned about my community's future and safety, it was disheartening to witness such a significant issue being minimized to a few, brief, superficial statements. For example, neither candidate mentioned the rampant antisemitism on college campuses today. The conflict is intricate and demands more than surface-level commentary; it calls for well-thought-out solutions and a genuine commitment to addressing the underlying causes of violence. I have emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) that my home, Israel, will survive, in spite of what was said at last night’s debate (Trump’s assertion that if Harris is elected, “Israel will not exist within two years from now.”). While I certainly do not have the answers, it does not sound like either candidate did either. For Jewish teens like me, and anyone invested in a brighter future, holding candidates accountable and ensuring foreign policy aligns with our values and aspirations for a secure Israel and long-term peace in the region for all, seems like a good starting point.
Authors Bio:
Max Alperstein is a Jewish Latino high school senior in New York City. Raised in a single-parent household by his incredible mother, Max's upbringing was filled with love and resilience. His experiences of navigating his American, Guatemalan, and Jewish identities have inspired him to embrace his unique cultural background. This journey led him to create Fearless Interventions, a podcast and creative outlet where he explores his thoughts, experiences, and identity while connecting with inspiring voices from the Jewish world. Max is passionate about music, acapella, graphic design, and video editing, all of which come to life in Fearless Interventions.
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