It is a different kind of mindset that runs to the trouble when most would run away. It is the mindset that most police officers and firefighters have. Anthony Weiner exhibited some of this spirit last week when he announced that he will journey to Israel for a six-day fact-finding mission. 

Amid the bombs and chaos erupting at Israel’s northern border, the Brooklyn/Queens Democratic representative and recent mayoral contender vowed to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, visit bombed villages and injured soldiers, and report back to the city at-large just what he saw.

"Americans should not be deterred from visiting Israel," said Weiner, just before embarking on the trip, on which he was joined by Manhattan Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "This is a time of need for our ally."

During his mayoral campaign last year, Weiner was very cavalier about his Jewish heritage. He brought his mother to campaign events with him, evoking the stereotypical image of a nice Jewish boy who loves his mother. He famously included his bar mitzvah photo in one of his campaign mailings. And he made sure to explain to audience after audience, always with good humor, just how a Jew named Weiner could have such an un-Jewish first name like Anthony.

But upon his return to American soil, that good-natured humor that permeates everything Weiner does was stripped away. In Israel’s time of need, Weiner reveals himself to be a very serious man, speaking in stern tones about security in our time and his will to do all he can to defend Israel from its neighbors.

“It was not a happy experience, but I’m glad I went,” said Weiner on his return. He spoke of the need to protect the Middle East’s only true democracy, how a rocket attack in the north of Israel resonates through the entire country due to its small size (think New Jersey), and cast his doubt on the sincerity of the terrorist-group Hezbollah and whether they will ever truly embrace the cease-fire agreement that has been brokered for the region.

“I’m skeptical that any [United Nations] agreement that seeks to hold Hezbollah accountable will work, when it is their stated intention to destroy Israel,” said Weiner. “I find it hard to believe that any diplomatic document will disabuse them of that notion.”

Since the fighting in Israel and Lebanon broke out over a month ago, Weiner has not only stepped up his involvement on the front lines in Israel, but has been doing everything he can at home to protect the city’s numerous Jewish organizations and synagogues from falling victim to terrorism here. He recently held a security forum for Jewish leaders in Brooklyn, and has been pushing hard for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to allocate more funding to protect religious institutions, especially in light of last month’s shooting spree outside a Seattle Jewish Center that left one man dead and five others injured.

Weiner is rallying the troops and rattling the cages in Washington, as well. Just prior to his own visit, Weiner led a group of his colleagues in demanding that House Speaker Dennis Hastert send a large, bipartisan House delegation to Israel on an official mission to show support for the embattled nation. “Congress should send a clear message to the world: the United States will stand by its allies in their time of need,” wrote Weiner in his letter to Hastert. And Weiner has also been harshly critical of the United Nations and their apparent inability to stand up against terrorism, calling the world body “worthless” and the task of fighting terrorism beyond its reach.

For Americans looking to help Israel, Weiner thinks it is important to see Israel for themselves. Like those who came to New York in the days following 9-11, tourism dollars for Israel will help rebuild their economy so ravaged by disaster. Such a display of solidarity to Israeli citizens is a plus as well. “I go once a year,” said Weiner, who on this visit unlike any other visit, had to include a stop at the front lines of a raging war. 

Weiner is solidly liberal. He is rated as one of the most liberal Democrats in Congress by the non-partisan National Journal, and he wears his low rating from the National Rifle Association as a badge of honor. But when you listen to his voice, it is clear that Weiner’s staunch support of Israel is no political ploy. Rather, Weiner exhibits a sincerity on the issue that might seem foreign to a jaded political observer. Like many Americans, Weiner sees Israel’s fight as America’s fight. And should Israel fall, dark days could loom for America.