Crosstalk: May 24, 2017

Today on Crosstalk, Jim’s guest is David Rubin. David is the founder and president of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, established to heal the trauma of terror victim children after he and his three year old son were seriously wounded in a terror attack.  He is the author of five books including “The Islamic Tsunami” and his latest, “More Sparks From Zion”.  

Jim begins Crosstalk with President Trump's historic visit this week to Israel (his first abroad). Today is also "Happy Jerusalem Day" in Israel. The significance of this day takes us back to 1967, and the reunification of Jerusalem and the six day war, when all Arab nations were surrounding Israel's borders - to drive Jews "into the sea." God had other plans. As a result, eastern Jerusalem was reclaimed. Acknowledged are some of the areas that have been relinquished through peace deals over the years, while most still remain. 

President Trump's visit to Israel is historic. The question "Is this a new day?"  is asked and David Rubin said "Absolutely." Former President Obama was very "cold and hostile" toward Israel, Rubin said. Trump's warmth and desire to cooperate with Israel is there and has been expressed. Trump's visit this week also marks the 1st time a sitting US president has visited Israel's western wall. Many believe the president was "moved" by his visit. Most noteworthy about this visit is the "kinship" and "values" between America and Israel - even a "common bond." Israel and the world is watching to see President Trump slide further into his role as President. Under heavy pressure from the Muslim world however, President Trump has taken a "step back" from one of his campaign promises to in fact "relocate" the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

President Trump's trip abroad also included a meeting with the Saudi King. What will this yield? David Rubin believes that it can "only help." The Saudi King wants to stay in power. They know that Iran is spreading terrorism around the world and that they want to maintain their relationship with the US. Many believe that America appears happy to stop Iran (and others) from growing terrorism but, Jihadists are the real problem and in fact are "central" to Islam. Many also believe that virtually every terrorist is a Muslim. David Rubin remains hopeful though of President Trump that he remains very "serious" about Iran not getting their hands on a nuclear weapon. Iran's recent elections are also "no big deal" (according to David) in regards to Israel's interests. Rubin believes Iran is the "undisputed power in the middle east."

Will Jerusalem always be the capitol of the Jewish state? Rubin believes it "may still happen" in the future. No plans about a two state solution between Israel and the Palestinians were discussed however during the President's visit. David proposed two basic principles toward peace in one of his books. Currently, all attempts for years have been "dead on arrival."

David is in Israel (by phone) and we take your calls, comments and questions today on Crosstalk.