The familiar phrase, “Let no man put asunder,” is an integral part of the marriage vows – sealing the promise that no one must ever tear apart the sacred institution that was divinely put together. It implies that interference in this bond is not to be broken or compromised, in any way.
It’s important, because coming between two who are meant to be an unbreakable and impenetrable force is a deliberate act that undermines, weakens, and even destroys a union that is intended to last a lifetime.
Sadly, we’ve seen the strongest marriages crack as a result of choosing to go outside of the bonds of the relationship – usually starting with a flirtation or courting of someone that could lead to danger.
Ironically, the same pattern seems to apply to the modern-day State of Israel. Over its 77 years of existence, Israel has been despised, resented, and reviled by many countries. At the same time, America almost always supported and bolstered Israel, just as a faithful marriage partner who vowed never to wander.
America's relationship with Israel
Recently, Israel greatly benefited from the strength and fortitude displayed by the world’s superpower, which came to the rescue alongside the Jewish state, and together extinguished the imminent threat posed by Iran. Perhaps that is why it seems so perplexing, and even like a betrayal, to watch what appears to be a flirtation with certain leaders who don’t have a warm and fuzzy feeling for us.
Take Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor-elect of New York City. Graciously welcomed to the White House, US President Donald Trump has embraced the self-described Democratic Socialist, whose Marxist positions are completely at odds with the US’s capitalistic, free-market values.
Having publicly called Trump a tyrant and someone who advances fascism, Mamdani has also unapologetically stated that Israel is an occupying force that has committed genocide and operates an apartheid system in regard to the country’s non-Jewish population.
Most people would think that Mamdani’s very denigrating viewpoints of both Trump and Israel would be disqualifying enough to reject a meeting with the US president, since Mamdani obviously has an extremely low opinion of the two partners. One would think that the unbreakable relationship between the US and Israel should block someone with an anti-Western and anti-Israel ideology, and who hopes to infiltrate the well-established foundational and mutually shared beliefs of the parties.
However, we’re talking about Trump, who is convinced that his brand of inclusion can win over enemies by influencing their thinking. Indeed, there was no bitter shouting match with his guest. Instead, the event ended up being more of a mutual admiration society between Trump and Mamdani. Was it predictable or bizarre? It could probably be considered a little of both.
America's relationship with Saudi Arabia
Add to that last week’s over-the-top, effusively warm reception given to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose visit was spared nothing when it came to the impressive array of gestures that were rolled out. Everything from “fighter jet flyovers to bands, horses, and a ceremonial welcome fit for a king” (Jerusalem Post, November 21).
Unlike Mamdani, MBS (as the prince is known) supposedly is neither antagonistic nor hostile toward Israel, even expressing admiration for the country’s strength, economic success, and ingenuity. Undermining that seeming goodwill is the untenable demand that normalization with the Jewish state is wholly dependent upon the formal recognition and establishment of a Palestinian state.
You’d think that the Saudi prince has to know that even Trump will not change the unrelenting aspiration of Israel’s many cruel enemies from reaching their goal of Israel’s complete destruction. For them, it’s just a matter of time and positioning in order to finish what they have started.
So, what does that make MBS – a naive believer whose eternal optimism doesn’t allow his hopes to be dashed? Or, is he a master pretender whose obstinate Palestinian statehood condition is required, because he knows it would be Israel’s undoing?
America and Qatar
Then there is Trump’s unforgettable visit to Qatar in May. Was there ever a Western leader who received more fanfare, honor, and deference than was shown to America’s leader? None comes to mind.
Yet who is more duplicitous than Qatar? Giving solace and safe refuge to the Hamas leadership, Qatar has masterfully played both sides of the fence. Offering themselves up as helpful negotiators between Israel and the terrorists who represented the government of Gaza, they were the least unbiased mediators, always prioritizing what was most advantageous to them.
Almost a year ago, it was noted that “the emirate’s role in the conflict had been undermined by its substantial financial and ideological support for Hamas, since Qatar had provided billions to Gaza, often framed as humanitarian aid.” Those were funds that “sustained Hamas’s governance and military operations, including the diversion of $25 million intended for UNRWA aid to fund militant activities” (Ynet News, January 31).
Consequently, anyone could understand how all of these cozy interactions between America and those who don’t have Israel’s best interests at heart somehow feel as though some untoward flirting has taken place. When that happens, the result is an inevitable undermining of confidence and trust, leaving at least one partner insecure.
While many believe that Trump is simply employing a winning strategy – with potential to bring around formerly unpersuadable players to the table of peace, prosperity, and global coexistence – it’s also entirely possible that they see an upside for themselves.
Knowing how anxious Trump is to pull off the impossible – a utopian society, devoid of war and conflict – these countries might be willing to go the distance with him, always exacting just another pound of flesh to get what they want.
At what price, and to whose detriment will it be? In this risky game of world tranquility for all, America’s sacrifices might be minimal in comparison to those that will have to be made by the one country seen to be the big impediment – Israel.
Since some things are deal-breakers for us, that means that heavy-duty arm-twisting will have to be exerted. In this case, an open marriage might be the demand made to keep the marriage intact. However, as we all know, open marriages don’t work in the long run, because they jeopardize the unbreakable bond.
Going forward, the “Let no man put asunder” warning might be worth heeding if the marriage is to survive.
The writer is a former Jerusalem elementary and middle school principal. She is the author of Mistake-Proof Parenting, available on Amazon, based on the time-tested wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs.