The Role of Jews in American Politics Essay -- Jews in Politics, 2015

Since our country was established, immigrants from all over the world have come to America seeking a better life. As they progressively become more acquainted with the American life style they tend to become more involved in the daily interest of their new country. Specifically, Jews have been in the United States for centuries, but for a long time anti-Semitism and discrimination have made it very difficult for them to participate in politics. Jews have become a more active part of American politics due to Senator Lieberman’s candidacy for Vice President. However, Jew’s role in American politics has progressed over the years. In the early years of our nations history Jews were not as actively involved in political positions. Senator Lieberman suggested that one reason, why Jews did not enter active politics during the start of the twentieth century was because of anti-Semitism. Over the course of the second half of the past century, particularly following World War II, Jews were among the strongest voices in the civil rights movement. Jews became financial power houses and supported the candidates of their choice with money. The events of the last century: the Vietnam War, women’s movement, and environmental programs inspired many American Jews to enter politics, for the very purpose of improving the world. As Senator Lieberman says in his introduction to Jews in American Politics, it is the practice of Jews to want to make the world a better place to â€Å"repair the world† in Hebrew, â€Å"Tikkun Olam† (Maisel and Forman XXII) In the history of the United States before the New Deal was created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the â€Å"the Jewish community was politically weak and its role in American society precarious. During t... ... strength† (â€Å"Policy Dispatches No. 52†). Joe Lieberman helped to pave a road for all ethnicities, as Mario Cuomo the former governor of New York commented, â€Å"if the Jews can make it, then Italian Americans can make it, Hispanic Americans can make it and African Americans can make it† (â€Å"Policy Dispatchers No. 52†). Throughout time Jews have faced anti-Semitism and criticism. However, they have excelled and Joe Lieberman after the 2002 election has become the icon of â€Å"a historic step forward in the complete integration of Jews in American society† (â€Å"Policy Dispatchers No. 52†). Works Cited Maisel, L. Sandy, and Ira N. Forman. Jews in American Politics. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2001. Policy Dispatches No. 52. World Jewish Congress 5 Dec. 2002 .