ZOA head expects increased anti-Semitism in U.S.

Potential diplomatic discord between an Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama would be bound to lead to an increase of anti-Semitic activity in the U.S., the president of the Zionist Organization of America said this week. Klein, head of the hawkish organization, also told Haaretz that for the last decade and a half he has had little confidence in Israel's decisions and that Obama's recent appointments and statements were also a reason for concern.

"I am worried that if Obama puts pressure on Israel to make concessions that Israel believes is not in its security interest, people will start saying Israel does not want peace," he said. "I believe that this pressure will happen - although I hope I'm wrong." Klein, who is currently in Israel with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, added that if "Obama starts acting unfriendly toward Israel, in the environment we have in the world today, this could - God forbid - encourage those who dislike Jews, for whatever reasons, to act on their dislike."

Klein bases his concern about the new U.S. administration on Obama's record as Illinois senator - calling him the "most left-wing of all senators" - and some of Obama's former associates, "among them the most hostile critics of Israel" and outspoken anti-Semites.

Furthermore, the ZOA president said that Obama has appointed anti-Israel politicians to high positions within his administration. For instance, Washington's new Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, is "a real problem," according to Klein. The ZOA issued a statement last month opposing his appointment by Obama.

Klein also expressed concern about Hillary Clinton. Although the incoming secretary of state is widely seen as a close ally of the Jewish state, Klein believes that Clinton is "not as strongly pro-Israel as she's seen." He explained that despite many "wonderful speeches" as New York senator, "when it came down to actually doing anything about these issues - like linking aid [to Palestinians] to compliance [with mutual agreements] - she always had an excuse why she can't do it." Also Vice President Joe Biden - who Klein said is a close personal friend and who considers himself "a Zionist" - does not pass the pro-Israel test. "His views on Israel are the views of the far-left," Klein said.

Klein added that considering his lack of confidence in the Israeli leadership, it is appropriate for American Jews to criticize Israeli politicians, since "this land was given to all Jews" and not just those who live in Israel.