Mandel: Students and leaders should be applauded for supporting U.S. Israel relationship

Editor’s note: This column was submitted independently by Treasurer of Ohio, Josh Mandel.

As Treasurer of the State of Ohio, I was proud to learn about the numerous individuals on campus who recently stood up against the Israel divestment effort by the University of Toledo Student Government.

These individuals include Chairman of the UT Board Joe Zerbey, Board Member Steve Cavanaugh, Interim President Nagi Naganathan, Foundation President Brenda Lee and students Kelli Market and LaVelle Ridley. I write today to publicly stand with them and applaud them for protecting the American values of freedom and democracy that we hold dear. I also write today to publicly stand with every student, faculty member and Board member who recognizes the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

And to the small group of students and faculty at UT who are so out of touch with most Americans that they actually side with radical Islamic groups like Hamas over democratic allies like Israel, my message is clear:

Not only do I reject your call for divestment from Israel, but to the contrary, I proudly stand by the millions of dollars that Democratic and Republican Ohio Treasurers have invested in Israel Bonds over the past decade – including the $105 million in the current Ohio Treasury portfolio.

Israel Bonds have not only been a strong investment for Ohio taxpayers, but these investments also send the message that as American policy leaders, we recognize Israel as our friend, ally and beacon of American values in the Middle East.

For instance, in many locations in the Middle East, equal rights and democracy are not the standard. However, in Israel, women are treated equal to men, democracy is embraced and celebrated like in America, and the justice system operates with the same independence and rule-of-law that we cherish here in the United States.

In Israel, Arab citizens are protected, do not have to fear for human rights aggressions, and can live in a society that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender and beliefs. Moreover, Arab families in Israel have one of the highest standards of living in the entire Middle East.

Israel is also proud to claim amongst its citizenry over 160,000 Christians. In Israel, these Christians live in safety and peace among their Jewish and Muslim neighbors, just as one would observe on the streets of Toledo or Columbus.

Israel is the only country in the Middle East that values the same level of freedom of speech and freedom of religion that we hold dear in America. As Dwight Eisenhower said in 1952 and still holds true today, “Israel is democracy’s outpost in the Middle East.�?

I was truly inspired by what Mr. Zerbey, Mr. Cavanaugh, Dr. Naganathan, Ms. Lee, Ms. Market and Mr. Ridley did recently when they stood strong for the values we hold dear as Americans and for the tight bond America has shared over many generations with the state of Israel. I encourage students, faculty and staff across campus to join them.