Meghan McCain’s Unwavering Support for Israel Amidst Rising Challenges

In a candid conversation with Fox News Digital before receiving the prestigious “Champion of Israel” award from the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), Meghan McCain expressed her firm belief that “the U.S.-Israel alliance is incredibly strong” despite growing antisemitism across America and mounting political pressures. Speaking at Manhattan’s Cipriani Wall Street during the AFMDA New York City gala, McCain offered a nuanced perspective on the current political landscape surrounding Israel. She observed that issues concerning the U.S.-Israel relationship have become increasingly partisan, particularly on the left, while acknowledging that some pro-Israel Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer appear to be “hedging in different places.” During her acceptance speech, McCain didn’t hold back when criticizing New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has faced criticism for his previous acceptance of antisemitic rhetoric such as “globalize the intifada.” Her blunt characterization of Mamdani as “an animal” drew applause from attendees, as she urged them to “pray for this city” should he be elected.

McCain’s criticism wasn’t limited to one side of the political spectrum. She openly acknowledged and condemned anti-Israel elements on both the left and right, calling on the audience to “fight together to combat this destructive message of the radical left and within my own party on the alt-right.” Despite these challenges, McCain expressed optimism about the strength of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly citing former President Trump’s “wholehearted support of Israel” as one of the reasons she supported his presidency. In her view, the relationship between the two nations remains ironclad because of their “shared values and shared political interests and shared global interests.” McCain emphasized her belief that most Americans understand that “the interests of Israel and the interests of the United States of America are shared, especially in our fight against Islamic extremism,” suggesting that this common ground transcends partisan divides.

The conversation took a somber turn when McCain addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk, whom she described as “a steadfast supporter of Israel.” She expressed her dissatisfaction with the response from Democratic leaders, specifically calling out Representative Ilhan Omar’s comments following Kirk’s death as “hideous.” Speaking directly to the audience of first responders and their supporters, McCain drew a powerful contrast between those who save lives because of their beliefs and those who end them. “Where what you do here is about saving lives, the other side has nothing to offer but destruction,” she stated. She warned that there are people worldwide, including within the United States, who “do not want to participate in debate” or “be proven wrong,” and who will “try to destroy you by any means necessary and dance in celebration when you fall” if you stand for values like “the right of Israel to defend itself against its enemies.”

In her acceptance speech, McCain delivered a passionate defense of the U.S.-Israel alliance and her personal unwavering support for the Jewish state. “No matter how much of the world — motivated by moral cowardice, material interest, or the sublimated antisemitism that still stalks the globe — turns away from Israel, I will not. I will never. And I speak for millions and millions of Americans who feel exactly the same,” she declared to enthusiastic applause. McCain attributed her strong pro-Israel stance to the influence of her father, the late Senator John McCain, and his deep friendship with the late Senator Joe Lieberman. She explained that this relationship “exposed me to Jewish life, thought, and practice from a young age,” laying the foundation for her current convictions. She and her husband, Ben Domenech, share the belief “that Israel’s cause is right, Israel’s fight is noble, and Israel’s means are just” – a sentiment she believes resonates with many Americans.

The significance of McCain’s remarks was amplified by the context of the organization honoring her. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross, handles a broader range of responsibilities including disaster relief and blood services. The organization was thrust into unprecedented challenges on October 7, 2023, when it managed over 21,600 emergency calls – five times more than on an average Saturday. In response to the attack, MDA dispatched 1,430 ambulances and intensive care units, hundreds of emergency motorcycles, three helicopters, command and control vehicles, and 24 mass casualty response vehicles equipped to deploy mobile treatment sites. The human cost has been devastating, with 38 MDA personnel losing their lives since the Israel-Hamas war began. Their sacrifice underscored the gravity of McCain’s message about the importance of supporting Israel in its current struggle.

McCain concluded her powerful address with a stark warning that transcended political boundaries – Israel’s fight is America’s fight. “If Israel were to lose its war — God forbid — the armies of darkness would march toward us here in America, too,” she cautioned. This final message encapsulated her core argument: that supporting Israel isn’t merely a matter of foreign policy or partisan politics but a fundamental defense of shared values and security interests. In receiving the “Champion of Israel” award, McCain positioned herself not just as a political commentator but as a voice for a significant portion of Americans who see Israel’s security as inextricably linked to America’s own. Her unflinching stance, delivered in the heart of New York City amidst rising antisemitism and political pressures, represented a call for Americans to recognize what she views as the essential nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship – a partnership built on common values, shared threats, and mutual interests that transcend the political divisions of the moment.