Rahm Emanuel--Beyond Rust-Proofing Brakes (Updated 2)

Judging by the 132 hits in Google for <"rahm emanuel" rust-proofing> it seems that it is well known that

During the 1991 Gulf War, Emanuel was a civilian volunteer in Israel, rust-proofing brakes on an army base in northern Israel.

Of course, that was 18 years ago. Now that Emanuel has accepted the position of Obama's Chief of Staff, the question now--about this Chicago-born son of a former member of the Irgun--is what influence, if any, he may have in an Obama Presidency when it comes to policy towards Israel.

Those Jews who find good reason to be wary of where Obama really stands on Israel will grasp at any reason to be hopeful.

UPDATE: A more recent example of Emanuel standing up for Israel is a letter he sent with fellow Congressmen to President Bush in March 2006: Democrats Raise Concern About UAE Boycott of Israel, Relationship with Hamas. [Hat tip: Elder of Ziyon]

According to Thursday's Arutz Sheva, Emanuel was active in the Oslo negotiations and 'choreographed' the Rabin-Arafat handshake:

"It was an emotional moment for him," according to public relations consultant Richard Mintz, who worked with Emanuel. "He would like nothing more than to participate in another peace agreement signing."

Let's just hope Emanuel is not overeager.

UPDATE 2: This comment by Jonah Goldberg surprised me:

The Jewish angle completely escaped me, and I have to wonder whether it escaped Obama as well. I certainly think that if Emmanuel were an Epsicopalian but in all other ways the same guy, Obama would still want him. But, it's an interesting point.

Granted that Rahm Emanuel's reputation as a pit bull was the main reason Obama picked him to be his Chief of Staff, but how could Obama not be aware that Emanuel is Jewish and is supportive of Israel? 

Then again, how could Obama say there are 57 states in the US...?

Technorati Tag: Israel and Obama and Rahm Emanuel.