STILL LOST IN THE WILDERNESS

Enter the Jewpublicans: Young Jews are more politically savvy than ever, and they're also willing to break with some of the taboos of Jewish politics. Their newfound diversity will change the Jewish voice of a generation. (Bradford R. Pilcher, July 3, 2003, Jewsweek.com)

Shannon Sarna is an anomaly as she walks along the devoutly liberal Smith College in Massachusetts. Diminutive in height but overflowing with passion, she's pro-Israel and conservative on foreign policy. She's helped bring figures like uber right-winger Ann Coulter to campus. She's also an observant Jew, which means she's more than anomalous to her college. She's a minority within the Jewish community as well.

Nevertheless, she's finding more and more like-minded Jews throughout America. Their increasing acceptance in Jewish political discussion is marking a new generation of chosen people. Today, young Jews are struggling with the issue of political priorities and are turning up more conservatives in a community that has traditionally been a liberal bulwark. In contrast to their parents and grandparents, such conservatives are increasingly welcomed and even expected.

The buzz over a conservative shift in the Jewish community has made political headlines ever since President Bush began flexing some serious pro-Israel muscle, but a recent survey, released by Ipsos Public Affairs in conjunction with the respected Cook Political Report, has attempted to debunk that argument. Its results show that Jews remain staunchly Democratic and criticize the president at levels far beyond that of the average electorate.

Especially the mothers... Posted by Orrin Judd at July 3, 2003 11:45 AM