Though united in a tradition thousands of years old, the two found reason to bicker.
On one side was Andrew Lachman, president of the Los Angeles Chapter of Democrats for Israel. On the other stood Larry Greenfield, California regional director of the Republican Jewish Coalition. For two hours Tuesday night, the two debated issues ranging from the war in Iraq to domestic policies, all taken from a Jewish perspective, in front of an audience of about 20 in Taper Hall.
The event was sponsored by USC College Democrats and USC College Republicans, as well as Jewish groups on campus including Hillel, the Casden Institute and Hebrew Union College and organizers said the evening was conceived as a "friendly debate" for one of USC's more prominent populations.
Lachman and Greenfield are no strangers to debates; they have held them in Los Angeles for years since before the 2004 election.
While the language was biting at times, both Lachman and Greenfield agreed on the importance of Israel's security. They differed, however, on whether this could be accomplished through the War on Terror or through peace negotiations.
"Republicans have never had their rhetoric match their actions," Lachman said.
"I must note that most of what he just said comes from his own website," Greenfield retorted.
Jews nationwide are traditionally known to be liberal in their politics. Three-quarters of Jews favored Kerry over Bush in the 2004 election. The Middle East issue, however, makes the demographic group's
political fabric more complicated.
"On one hand they are liberal, but on the other they are sensitive to anti-Semitism," said Omri Ceren, a graduate student studying rhetoric and political communication. "Many are anti-war but are disgusted at anti-war rallies that blame the war on them."
From the Jewish perspective at USC, much of the issue hits a home that is thousands of miles away.
"The big issue, talking to my fellow Jewish friends, is bringing stability to Israel," said Abby Korchak, a senior majoring in political science who had previously lived in Israel. "We're looking for presidential candidates on both sides who have goals about creating peace in the Middle East."
After September 11, the Jewish political perspective was redefined. With the newly initiated War on Terror and Republicans solidifying their pro-Israel stance, the issue became muddy again.
"I would like to know why the large percentage of the Jewish population continues to vote Democratic even though Republicans have a better stance on Israel," said Marshall Kelner, a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism who attended the event.
Korchak said she supports Rudy Giuliani in the upcoming primary election. Giuliani and Hillary Clinton are widely considered front runners for the Jewish and national vote.
"Hillary has a lot of Jews who remember and are still fond of Bill. Jews are also happy with Giuliani and his response after the attacks, especially his visit to Israel," Korchak said.
The vote might be especially important in states such as California, which alongside Florida and New York has some of the largest Jewish populations in the country. All three have their primary set for "Super Tuesday" on Feb. 5.
In their continuing debates, the debaters hope for dialogue.
"My plea is to have really good conversation," Greenfield said.
