As an American of Russian and Jewish descent who works at humanitarian non-governmental organizations, I frequently notice how my heritage and politics intersect. There are matters that concern me as a Jew – primarily the security of Israel. There are also issues that touch my Russian roots, like supporting the development of democracy in Russia and neighboring countries, and the problem of nuclear proliferation in that region. Finally, there are matters related to my daily work at humanitarian NGOs, where I work on issues like genocide prevention, conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy.

Is it possible that a person like me could find a presidential candidate who embodies all these values? Yes. I have found such a candidate in Barack Obama.

Obama is the best candidate on issues that are most important to American Jews. And not because he is “good for Israel,” but because his world view instills hope that security for Israel and the rest of the world can be effectively achieved.

Sen. Obama has always shown unwavering support for Israel. It was Obama who stood up for Israel’s right to self-defense during the war with Lebanon in 2006. It was Obama who supported the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act, which stated that Hamas must not receive aid until it recognizes Israel, rejects the use of violence and disarms. It was Obama who said, “We must support moderate Palestinians who seek peace and isolate Hamas and other extremists whose goal is the destruction of Israel.” Obama has just returned from his second trip to Israel and the surrounding region, which proves his interest in the problem of peace in the Middle East.

Sen. Obama’s policy regarding the threat Iran poses to Israel (and the United States) combines the right mixture of toughness and diplomacy. It was Obama who introduced a legislative initiative in 2007 on behalf of both parties that called on countries and corporations to cut ties with companies doing business with Iran (McCain did not sign this initiative). It was Obama who even earlier stated that “peace must be achieved by shutting down Iran’s uranium enrichment program and by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.” And it is Obama who has the best chance of drawing the Iranians into direct diplomacy, which should lead them off the dangerous path that they have chosen. McCain’s policy will only move us closer to a confrontation with Iran.

Obama has also taken a balanced approach to Russia, on the one hand persistently working towards the development of democracy and openness in Russian socio-political and economic life, while on the other hand ensuring that the United States and Russia are able to work on problems of mutual interest like Iran, terrorism and the environment. As a senator, Obama has worked successfully with colleagues like Richard Lugar (R-IN) on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and materials in former Soviet countries. He has stated that as president he would lead a global movement to ensure that all nuclear materials in vulnerable spots would be placed under control within four years. He has also said that doing this would be the most effective way to prevent terrorists from acquiring a bomb.

Obama will not push Russia out of the G-8. On the contrary, he will work with Russia and our European allies to find a way to leave behind the outdated policy of confrontation that was in place during the Cold War.

Sen. Obama has come out in support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both Ukraine and Georgia. His position is to encourage these independent countries to develop relationships with NATO and European bodies. He also supported the idea of stationing peacekeeping troops in Abkhazia.

Barack Obama offers a wide range of possibilities for a positive shift in foreign policy against a background of seven years of war and bankrupting diplomacy. I call on all Americans who believe in spreading democracy and protecting human rights, who yearn for a fairer and more secure world, and who think that peace in Israel and a good relationship with Russia are in our interest, to support Obama and his attempt to restore trust in America at this critical point in history.