The Jewish Role in the American Revolution

Jan. 17 2025

Reviewing Adam Jortner’s new history of Jews in the American Revolution, Richard Kreitner writes:

Jortner’s book makes the provocative and largely convincing argument that Jews in the early United States, though few in number (there were no more than 3,000 across the thirteen colonies), were among both the most eager participants and the prime beneficiaries of the American Revolution.

Though hard numbers are impossible to come by, Jortner contends that most Jews in the colonies had more to gain than lose in joining the incipient rebellion against the Crown. Although royal officials demanded pledges of faith in Christianity from voters and officeholders, the ranks of the Patriot forces were open to colonists of any religion. Jews benefited from the social upheaval of the period, which allowed common people to have a say in public affairs for the first time. . . . The royal governor of Georgia dismissed the rebels in his province as “a Parcel of the Lowest People, chiefly Carpenters, Shoemakers, Blacksmiths, etc. with a Jew at their head.”

Read more at Tablet

More about: American Jewish History, American Revolution

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait