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A Friendship Lost, an Alliance Changing: Harley Lippman on Israel’s Future in America The loss of Senator Lindsey Graham leaves a significant void for Israel and the pro-Israel community in Washington, according to foreign policy expert Harley Lippman, who worked with the senator and witnessed his commitment to Israel firsthand. “Lindsey Graham was an extraordinary human being,” Lippman told Community Voice in a wide-ranging conversation about Graham’s legacy, the changing U.S.-Israel relationship, rising antisemitism and the battle for truth in the age of social media and artificial intelligence. For years, Israel counted powerful friends on both sides of the political aisle. Lippman pointed to former Senator Bob Menendez as one of Israel’s strongest allies among Democrats, while Graham stood out on the Republican side. The loss of such figures, Lippman warned, comes as American attitudes toward Israel are undergoing a dramatic transformation. “America Was His Children” Beyond politics, Graham’s personal story shaped his devotion to public service. “He lost both parents by the time he was 21,” Lippman said. Graham never married and never had children. “Basically, America was his children. He was devoted to the United States.” That devotion, Lippman argued, shaped Graham’s views on Israel, Ukraine and America’s adversaries.

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“He understood the enemies around us, the forces of darkness, which come from Russia, China and Iran,” Lippman said. “He understood that better than most people do.” Graham also believed that peace could only be achieved through strength. “If you wanted peace, you would get peace only through strength,” Lippman said. “You can’t appease your adversaries or your enemies. You can’t buy them off.” Attempts at compromise, he argued, can be interpreted by hostile regimes not as goodwill, but as weakness. A Generational Shift on Israel Lippman’s larger concern extends far beyond the loss of one senator.

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American support for Israel is changing, and younger Americans are at the center of that shift. “More Americans are sympathetic with Palestinians now than Israel,” Lippman said. “That’s a dramatic change.” The generational divide may be even more consequential. Older Republicans remain strongly supportive of Israel, Lippman said, but among younger Americans, attitudes are changing—even on the political right. “And they’re the future,” he warned. For Israel, assuming American support will simply return to what it once was would be a serious mistake. “I think Israel will be engaged in wishful thinking if they think everything’s going to be fine again,”

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“A Most Sincere and Heartfelt Friend” Morton “Mort” Klein, National President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), remembered Graham not only as a political ally but as a personal friend. “Sen. Lindsey Graham was a great American patriot and a friend of mine. He was a most sincere and heartfelt friend of and advocate for the Jewish people and the Jewish state. He fought for strong U.S.-Israel relations and fought those who were hostile to Israel.” Klein said Graham clearly understood the dangers posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran—not only to Israel but to America and the Western world. “Sen. Graham also understood the dangers posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran to America and the West and fought to minimize and eliminate that danger. He would always make clear that whatever endangers Israel also endangers America.” That conviction became one of the defining principles of Graham’s foreign policy. To him, Israel was not simply an ally—it was America’s frontline partner against terrorism, extremism, and the growing influence of Iran. Klein also reflected on Graham’s personality beyond politics. “He was also a great orator and extremely witty and funny and a great storyteller.”

“Antisemitism Was in Hibernation” But social media alone does not explain the hostility Israel and Jews are facing, Lippman argued. “Antisemitism has now come

From championing the U.S.-Israel alliance and confronting Iran to advancing Holocaust education and standing against antisemitism, Sen. Lindsey Graham is being remembered as one of the Jewish community’s most steadfast allies. The passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham has prompted an outpouring of grief from Jewish leaders and organizations across the United States and Israel, many of whom remembered him not only as a powerful voice in Washington but as a genuine friend of the Jewish people. Throughout more than three decades in Congress, Graham built a reputation as one of America’s strongest advocates for Israel. Whether speaking on the Senate floor, traveling to the Middle East, or working alongside Jewish organizations on Capitol Hill, he consistently argued that America’s security and Israel’s security were inseparable. In the hours following news of his passing, tributes poured in from leaders who had worked alongside him for years. Though each reflected on a different aspect of his legacy, they all shared a common message: Lindsey Graham never wavered in his commitment to Israel and the Jewish people.

The Social Media Generation Much of the change, Lippman believes, has been driven by the images young Americans have consumed throughout the war in Gaza. He strongly rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide. But he acknowledged the enormous impact of images circulating through international news outlets and social media. Young people scrolling TikTok repeatedly see images of Gaza’s destruction and Palestinian civilians being pulled from rubble. “When you consider that young people have been watching that for two years, they’ve been brainwashed to think that Israel is committing genocide,” Lippman said. The role of Hamas and its use of civilians as human shields, he argued, is frequently absent from the emotional visual narrative consumed online. The result is a generation forming its understanding of Israel through short videos, dramatic images and algorithm-driven content.

A True Friend to the Jewish People: Jewish Leaders Mourn Sen. Lindsey Graham

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Lippman said. “I don’t think that’s true.” In his view, Israel must prepare for a future in which American support is no longer guaranteed. “Israel has to have a policy of being independent of the United States, because it can’t count on American support.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS back,” he said. “It was always under the surface.” After the Holocaust, Lippman said, those who hated Jews did not necessarily abandon their antisemitism. Instead, openly expressing those views became socially unacceptable. “Antisemitism was in hibernation,” he said. “But now it’s out.” October 7 and the war that followed, he believes, helped unleash forces that had long remained beneath the surface. Lippman also pointed to troubling surveys showing that some young people question the historical reality or scale of the Holocaust. “We have very serious problems with Holocaust education,” he said. Confronting Protesters Faceto-Face Lippman’s concerns are not based solely on polling or political analysis. As a board member connected with Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, Lippman said he personally approached anti-Israel demonstrators at Columbia and elsewhere. He believed his own record might create an opening for dialogue. Lippman has helped fund scholarships for Palestinian students to attend Yale Business School and has been involved in restoring a Muslim cemetery in Europe. But, he said, none of it mattered. “The way they treated me and the way they spoke to me—I thought they would attack me,” Lippman recalled. “They were extremely violent.” “I’ve never seen such intense

COMMUNITY NEWS He concluded with heartfelt words that echoed the feelings of many across the Jewish community. “What a terrible loss. He will be sorely missed. The Zionist Organization of America prays that his memory will be a blessing.” “Ensuring the Holocaust Would Never Be Forgotten” Jack Simony, Director General of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, highlighted another part of Graham’s legacy—his commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education. “Senator Lindsey Graham worked to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust would be taught to every new generation. He co-sponsored the Never Again Education Act.” The bipartisan legislation helps provide educational resources so future generations understand the Holocaust and the consequences of antisemitism and hatred. Simony emphasized that Graham’s support extended well beyond legislation. “He confronted antisemitism without hesitation, and he stood with the Jewish people through moments of triumph and moments of trial. His friendship was unwavering, and we will remember it with deep gratitude.” He concluded simply: “May his memory be a blessing.”

hatred and anger.” While acknowledging that some campus demonstrations include outside agitators, Lippman believes the rage he witnessed cannot be dismissed as political theater. “I think they will become even more violent against Jews over time,” he warned. A “Lethal Cocktail” Asked whether the anti-Israel protest movement is connected to broader radical political movements, Lippman sees the threats to America and the Jewish community as closely linked. “These people hate America, and they hate Jews,” he said. “They’re linked.” He described what he sees as a dangerous convergence of radical

left-wing ideology, Islamist influence and Qatari financial involvement in American higher education. “What is coming together is a very, very dangerous vortex of Qatari money,” Lippman said. “The left, the Muslim Brotherhood and Qatari money have all combined and come together to make a very, very lethal cocktail.” Despite the severity of his warning, Lippman rejected the idea that the battle has already been lost. “There’s no Auschwitz today, so it’s not too late. It’s never too late.” “We have to recognize the danger and do something about it.” The Battle for Truth For Lippman, defending Israel cannot be separated from defending American values. That challenge now exists on

both sides of the political spectrum—from the far left to growing isolationist voices on the right. The answer, he argued, begins with facts. “People who hate America tend to hate Jews and Israel,” Lippman said. “People who tend to hate Jews and Israel tend to hate America.” “We have to get the facts out there. The truth will set us free.” Lippman pointed to the Dreyfus affair, in which a Jewish officer in the French army was falsely accused of spying, as a historic example of how antisemitism can overpower facts. The lesson, he said, remains relevant. Courts, documented evidence, written statements and serious journalism can create a record that outlasts propaganda.

“A Partnership That Produced Results” The Orthodox Union also paid tribute to Graham’s decades of partnership with the Jewish community. In its statement, the organization described Graham’s unwavering support for Israel as one of the defining features of his public service. “The Orthodox Union mourns the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, whose steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish people was a defining feature of his public service. Throughout his years in Congress, he stood firmly with our community and consistently championed the U.S.-Israel relationship.” The organization noted that through the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, Graham partnered on numerous legislative initiatives, including the passage of the Taylor Force Act. “We are proud to have partnered closely with Sen. Graham, through the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, on many important policy initiatives including the enactment of the Taylor Force Act.” OU leaders also remembered the personal qualities that made him such a respected figure. “OU Advocacy leaders regularly met with Sen. Graham and valued his insight, love for Israel and the Jewish people, and good humor.” The organization extended its condolences to Graham’s family,

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COMMUNITY NEWS “When the truth comes out, then Jews are going to look like very caring, compassionate, responsible people,” Lippman said. The challenge is ensuring that truth can still break through. AI and the Coming Crisis of Reality Artificial intelligence may make that challenge even more difficult. Images, audio and video can increasingly be fabricated, creating enormous potential for misinformation and propaganda. “That’s a big problem,” Lippman said. “We have to be very mindful of that.” “They could use AI to make fake things, and it’s going to be a real problem.” One possible solution, Lippman suggested, may be technology that can authenticate information and certify that videos or images have not been artificially generated. “There may be certain tools, technology, that will certify certain information or videos that will be not AI-generated,” he said. “There are solutions to be worked on.” The battle over Israel is no longer taking place only in Congress, diplomatic chambers or traditional newsrooms. It is unfolding on college campuses, in TikTok feeds, through artificial intelligence and in the minds of a younger generation whose understanding of Israel is being formed in real time. For years, Israel could count on powerful friends such as Lindsey Graham to make its case in Washington. The question now is who will fill that void—and whether Israel and the Jewish community can adapt quickly enough to an America that is changing around them.

COMMUNITY NEWS loved ones, and the people of South Carolina. “A True Friend to the Jewish People” Eli Beer, founder and president of United Hatzalah of Israel, shared a deeply personal tribute alongside a photograph of himself with the senator. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.” Beer said Graham’s commitment to Israel never changed over the years. “Throughout the years, he stood firmly with Israel and was a true friend to the Jewish people. I was honored to spend time with him and witness firsthand his unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedication to the values he believed in.” His tribute reflected what many who knew Graham personally have said—that his support for Israel was not merely political, but deeply held and evident in every interaction. Beer concluded: “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and admired him. May his memory be a blessing.” A Legacy That Will Endure Lindsey Graham’s record of support for Israel touched nearly every aspect of the U.S.-Israel relationship. He championed America’s strategic alliance with Israel. He warned repeatedly about the threat posed by Iran. He fought antisemitism. He supported Holocaust education. He worked with Jewish organizations to advance legislation that strengthened America’s support for Israel and promoted shared democratic values. While political alliances often shift with changing administrations and public opinion, Jewish leaders say Graham’s commitment remained remarkably consistent. The tributes that followed his passing reveal that his legacy was measured not only in legislation or speeches but in the relationships he built with Jewish leaders, organizations, and communities across the world. Again and again, one word appeared in their remembrances: Friend. A friend of Israel. A friend of the Jewish people. At a time when Israel continues to face unprecedented security challenges and Jewish communities worldwide are confronting rising antisemitism, many believe the loss of Sen. Lindsey Graham will be felt far beyond Washington. His voice may now be silent, but the causes he championed—and the friendships he forged—will remain an enduring part of his legacy. May his memory be a blessing.

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