One Hour Special with Professor Alan Dershowitz

Join me on April 31st on Jewish Life TV at 10pm for To Life L'Chaim. (Comcast 239, DirecTV 366, Atlantic Broadband 166. For a national list of stations see the JLTV.TV website.)

On the 31st To Life L'Chaim will air a one hour special edition. Today I was fortunate enough to do an extended interview with Professor Alan Dershowitz. We will air that interview for the first time on the 31st in an extended episode of To Life L'Chaim, 10-11pm. We discussed the recent elections in Israel and his reflections on American policy. Professor Dershowitz has been a life-long advocate for Israel as well as one of America's leading legal authorities. His comments are worthy of our attention and I hope you will share his insights with me. See you on the 31st and every Tuesday evening and, in the meantime, To Life L'Chaim.

Following the 10pm (edt) showing we will air the special during daytime programming on select dates. Those dates will be posted here when the times are confirmed.

Our Not-So-Secret Weapon

As we celebrate Israel’s birthday in this special issue, it is a perfect time to reflect on what Israel means to all of us. There is so much that we need to know to fully appreciate the miracle of modern Israel. Three generation of sabra’s have created a modern democracy from the ashes of destruction. Israel, while living in the daily shadow of lethal threats, has created an economy and workforce that leads the world in technology and innovation. Recent news coming out of Israel even tells us that Israel will soon achieve something even the United States has not done- thanks to recent oil and gas discoveries Israel will soon be energy independent. Not a bad record for a sixty-five year old work in progress!

All of these miracles have occurred for a nation that most observers wanted to wipe from the pages of history. No people could lose its land and then return to rebuild. No nation has faced genocide and returned stronger than ever. No nation but the Jews. Thanks to Israel the future of Jewish people looks brighter than ever. I believe that the future of Judaism is also looking brighter than ever thanks to Israel.

Yes, I know you might disagree- “Lots of Israelis aren’t even religious,” “Lots of Israelis are too orthodox,” “There is no middle ground in Israel, I feel out of place.” All these responses are true, I admit that. Israel is no utopia. Israeli society deal contains all the flaws of every other modern society. I also admit that sometimes Israeli and American Jews see things so differently that it is hard to even hold a conversation about religion, politics, war, and, yes, even peace.

With all these shortcomings and disagreements there is one thing that I know. For those of us who worry about the Jewish future, for those of us who want our children and grandchildren to live a full, proud Jewish life there is nothing that fills the Jewish heart with pride, hope, and self-respect like the land of Israel. We live in an age in which sociologists have predicted the disappearance of the American Jew. No not by an enemy without, but from the enemy within. The enemy of apathy. I believe those predictions are wrong but we all still wonder what we can do to insure that the coming generations will be proud to be Jewish and, more importantly, love being Jewish. We all know there are a million reasons that Jews find not to be involved in Jewish. What we need for the future is more reasons to be involved.

That’s where Israel comes in- for all her flaws Medinat Yisrael is still the catalyst that has saved Jewish souls. In an age of assimilation and apathy, at a moment in which too many young Jews are “falling between the cracks,” the experience of going to Israel is a life changing event. There are so many amazing programs for teens and college students. Each and every one of them offers a different take on Israel but what they all share is the unique experience of exposing young Jews to the concept of a Jewish nation. In a Jewish nation you are related to everyone, hopefully you can relate to everyone, and for the first time understand that being Jewish means being much more than an individual or member of a single family- it is being part of a people with a unique history and a unique future.

I think that historians will look back at the 21^st century and be amazed by what we will achieve as a people. They will also be at a loss to understand it. How could it be? What allowed the Jews to survive, to flourish, to write their own future? The answer to that question will, in no small way, be answered by our not-so-secret- weapon. We built the Jewish future based on the Jewish past and by our secret weapon- the Land of Israel.

 

In an Ideal World

Did Elijah show up at your Seder two weeks ago? Oh, yea, he forgot to come to mine too! Why do we open the door every year and wait for this perpetual no show? Why do we even care now that Passover is over and gone? Elijah is supposed to come to every Seder to bring good news- he comes to announce the Messiah is on his way! Hey, speaking of the Messiah, he seems to be a perpetual no show too! All of this Elijah and the Messiah talk centers around the Passover season because, according to Jewish tradition, Passover will be the time of redemption for the Jewish people and the entire world.

So here we are- we have celebrated Passover, invited Elijah, and waited for the Messiah for over 3000 years. We are still waiting and yet the coming of the Messiah is still an important part of Jewish theology. Why haven’t we abandoned all this Messiah talk after all this time? I think it is because we still believe that an ideal world is possible. We still believe that it is worth dreaming about a time in which all people can live in peace.

It seems like peace has always been a pipedream and war has been the reality. As Jews we have never given up on the possibility of peace. That is the job of the Messiah- to usher in a time of peace, a time described as a time during which “the lamb will lay down with the lion and none shall be afraid.”

The last few days have shown us just how far we still are from that ideal world- new attacks in Israel have put us on edge, North Korea’s insane saber rattling bewilders us, and war is still waged around the world. It seems like it never ends. I wonder if a study of human history could discover a single year in which there was not a war somewhere on this small planet. Probably not.

Perhaps that is the best reason of all to open the door for Elijah- maybe we should make it a daily practice. The consequence of modern technology is the possibility of modern warfare. We now have to think in global terms- a war in one place can have tragic “fallout” for the entire planet. We no longer worry about the death of individuals or even nations. Now we worry about the destruction of our entire world as we know it.

We have often been described as a stubborn people. That is often meant as an insult but I would like to think of it as a compliment. We are stubborn- despite the history of the human race we still believe an ideal world is a possibility. We have waited a long time with disappointment but have been too “stubborn” to give up the dream. Elijah still keeps forgetting to come with his announcement but we still keep opening the door and waiting.

Like many of you I often turn the news off- too much bad news, too many crazy people in the world, too many people who place no value on human life. How can we react otherwise? The Jewish reaction is to keep the door open- as long as the door is open we can still dream of an ideal world.

• Jews and Christians: Working For Israel

   

  The South Florida Jewish community has good reason to take pride in the accomplishments of our congregations and institutions. We are one of the largest Jewish communities in America with leadership that often sets the standard for communities around the country. I recently sat down with Eric Stillman, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of Broward County to discuss an important project that he has supported both personally and professionally. I share this column with my readers to make them aware of important, ground-breaking work in Jewish- Christian dialogue that touches each of our lives and promotes the safety and security of Medinat Yisrael.

  Q: Eric, you have been involved in Jewish- Christian dialogue for the past two years. How did you get involved in this project?

  A: The then Israel Counsel  General, Ofer Bavly, suggested that Pastor Mario Bramnik and I work together  to explore ways in which the Christian community and the Broward Pastors Network could work with Federation to develop pro-Israel programming in Broward county. I then understood that this joint effort was very important to the government of Israel. It proved that we were all on the same page about Israel advocacy. Over the past two years I have come to understand that we have much in common and share many of the same goals. Having had the opportunity to get to know many pastors and leaders of organizations like Christians United For Israel, I have come to appreciate a very fundamental truth: this Christian community does not want to convert Jews to Christianity. They support the State of Israel and the Jewish people because they believe that it is time to make amends for historical acts of Christian Anti-Semitism. They believe that they should embrace the Jewish people and embrace Israel as the Jewish homeland.

  Q: After your meetings with Consul Bavly and your discovery that Jews and Christians could create a powerful platform to support Israel did you find the community accepting of this new partnership or suspicious? Did the community understand how important this partnership was to the Israeli government?

  A: Many members of the community and the Federation leadership immediately saw the potential this initiative had- they encouraged others to support the work. I believe the leadership of our community understands that the Christian community’s support for us and for Israel is sincere and unconditional. I am happy to say that one of the outgrowths of our joint work for Israel has been the breaking down of many walls of mistrust and created opportunities for Jews and Christians to be open with each other.

  Q: What have you personally come away with through the process of building this partnership for Israel?

  A: I have learned that there are many members of the Christian community who understand our fear and skepticism about working together. They understand that there is good reason that many Jews see the cross as a weapon that has been used against us for centuries. I have come to understand that they truly want to create a bond with the Jewish community and, if you will, to make amends for “the sins of the fathers.”

  Q: How do you think this new kind of dialogue will affect Jewish attitudes about Christian support for Israel and a new beginning in interfaith communication? Can the progress made of the institutional level be translated into something tangible in the broader Jewish community?

  A: It’s not just the large scale events that get the message out- when rabbis and pastors speak to their congregations they can bring the message of Jews and Christians working together for Israel to their congregants. I have tried to do so by speaking about the subject at meetings and making the dialogue the subject of my weekly articles to the community. By talking openly we bring the message that this is important to us. Many people have told me that our programs have opened their eyes to many new ideas. They never knew or understood that the Christian community could be so supportive in helping us advocate for Israel.

  Q: Do you think that the ground-breaking work that you and others have been doing here in Broward county will serve as a model for other communities?

  A: Our efforts have been noticed by other federations and national organizations and we have received many inquiries about ways in which our achievements can be duplicated. I believe that other communities will start to emulate what we are doing. Our work is being replicated already and all of us stand ready to help other communities embrace this opportunity.

  Q:  Having spent so much time in the building of these new bridges to help Israel, where do you think these bridges lead for the American-Jewish community?

  A: We are healing the wounds that are deeply felt in the Jewish community. If we have personally experienced Anti-Semitism or heard the experiences of others we can heal those wounds by sharing our feelings with Christians who are genuinely aware of that pain and want to share a new kind of future with the Jewish community. It is important to know that we have Christian neighbors who are on our side and have our back for our right to live as Jews and for Israel to exist as the Jewish homeland.

   

   

  
  

The Circle of Lies

The vote at the UN to grant “Palestine” the status of an observer state is, at the end of the day, meaningless. It does not create a “state” that did not exist before- it is only a political gesture. If anything it is more a step toward the greatest irony that the world could see- the creation of a brand new terrorist state. “Palestine” does not meet any of the requirements of International law to even be considered a candidate for statehood. While that is the reality we can’t ignore the symbolic value of the UN move. The vote does bring the Palestinians one more rung up the ladder of politics (and world sympathy.)

The vital issue that seems to bother no one at the UN is the very request to be considered for statehood puts the Palestinians in breach of the Oslo accords. It was in Oslo that the question of statehood was discussed between Israel and the Palestinians and they signed an accord stating that future statehood questions would be negotiated. Once again we see the real truth about negotiating with the Palestinians. Once again it is a one sided affair- Israel gives and gets nothing in return. That would be reason enough to disdain the recent vote and the UN in general. I don’t know why we continue to spend millions of dollars to host an organization that does not really promote peace or justice. I for one would be glad to let the UN relocate.

In addition to these points I wish all the wise people of the UN would consider this question: while the UN can take all the votes it wants to, will there ever, could there ever, be a Palestinian state? Does that seem like a strange question? Consider the historical truth- there has never been a Palestinian people, there has never been an identifiable national body representing the majority of “citizens.” Even now many critics of the two-state solution are not against the idea of two states. They are simply realizing the fact that there is no comprehensive body that speaks for the Palestinians. The “Authority” represents only a minority of the population. Hamas should never be considered a legitimate body to deal with international issues and, in certain pockets, there are still local leaders who command their own private armies. If the UN wants to wave a magic wand to create a state who do they expect to pop out of the magician’s hat as the leadership? At this point the only thing statehood would grant the Palestinians would be the status to have their own civil war.

The circle of lies continues at the UN. The fact that this body of “international fellowship and justice” continues to entertain and actively support Palestinian statehood only proves that it has no real interest in a lasting and just peace. By putting Israel in a corner from which there is no escape the UN only shows that it agrees with the Palestinians- peace in the Middle East means a Middle East without Israel.

 

The Peace Dance

For the last two weeks our attention has focused on Israel. Images of explosions, young soldiers, and rockets flying through the air have formed the collage of news coming out of Israel. For those of us with friends and families in Israel these have been tense days of constant phone calls and e-mails as we keep asking the rhetorical question: “are you ok?” Maybe we have also paused to wonder the consequences for ourselves: “what will happen if a wider war starts?” If these are questions that we ask with a voice of fear and uncertainty, I would ask you to try to imagine the mood in Israel. Unable to send young children to school, worrying  if older children will be part of a ground campaign into Gaza, or maybe just waiting anxiously for the next siren blast. Between the siren and the sound of the missile hitting must be an unbearable few seconds that seem like a lifetime.

It goes without saying that the worst fear is giving in to fear. Can any of us imagine the bravery it takes to get up in the morning and try to pursue a “normal day” under such circumstances? How many of us could answer that challenge? I remind you, if it need be said at all, that the only thing that keeps Israelis going is their resolve to live in a Jewish homeland. A determination to a cause that is even more precious than life itself- the future of Medina Yisrael. I am afraid that our own commitments to the Jewish future looks very pale when compared to the bravery of an average Israeli who is just trying to get through another day with the hope that it will be one day closer to a ceasefire if not to a real, lasting peace.

When all is said and done what is it that we ask? Just a place to live in security. Just a small piece of land to which we have, as a people, been connected to for the past four thousand years. In the struggle of these past two weeks we can never forget that.  As I write this column Hillary Clinton is in Israel, there is a “secret” envoy from Israel who has gone to Egypt for talks, there have been “ceasefires” that did not last. There has also been a lot of second guessing about why the battle escalates. In the end all of this talk and the attending effort boil down to one question- who really wants peace and who really wants war. Israel wants peace. The Palestinians want Israel. It really is that simple. There is no room for self doubt or ambiguity. Hamas is a group of terrorists fighting to destroy Israel. There is no chance for peace as long as Arab children are taught to murder Jews. There is no peace unless two parties can agree. The Peace Dance is bound to fail under the present circumstances – it takes two to tango and every day the Palestinians make it clearer that they have no desire to be a partner.

Just Another Brick In the Wall




The case of Anat Hoffman: arrested at the Kotel for saying the Shema out loud. Arrested for being a Jew who wants to pray at our holiest site. Arrested for being a woman in a man’s world. I have a great respect for all Jews and I respect their right to worship as they wish. From Orthodox to Reform, Jews have many different ways to serve God. What is most important is that we share the same goals- to do Mitzvot and to better the world. As someone who chose to be Jewish I have always cherished the idea that as a religious community we have more in common than the things that divide us into the various modern denominations.

In the last week many people have spoken out against the unfair treatment women receive when they pray at the Kotel. Like many things, this situation will never be resolved until the State of Israel recognizes the pluralistic nature of modern Jewish religious life. That will never happen until there is a coalition government that does not need the support of the religious parties. One of the paradoxes of the State of Israel is that all Jews are welcome but, because of politics, not all kinds of Judaism are welcome.

The arrest of Anat Hoffman is an embarrassment to me. It also makes me feel like a hypocrite- after all the complaining that all of us do about the way Islam treats women as second class people look what we have done. No, I am not comparing the Israeli Rabbinate to Mullahs- Islam could learn from us for a thousand years and still not catch up- but I am comparing the situation that leads to needless unequal treatment. No, Anat Hoffman will not be flogged or put in prison but she did have to agree to stay away from the Kotel for 30 days. Why should any Jew be denied the right to worship there?

Anat Hoffman and the group known as “Women of the Wall” are making an important statement: the Israeli Rabbinate cannot ignore the religious rights of women nor can they exist in a vacuum that ignores the religious sentiments of Diaspora Jewry. Maybe the most positive lesson that we can glean from this situation is to appreciate and praise an overlooked segment of the Israeli population. Perhaps the greatest spiritual heroes are those individuals who, though not Orthodox, choose to live in Israel because of their religious convictions. Conservative and Reform Jews who make aliyah often do so with the “religious” deck stacked against them. Their services will be held in schools and rooms, their “rabbis” will not be sanctioned to perform many life cycle events, yet they go to Israel to fulfill the Mitzvah of Aliyah. Anat Hoffman and many such men and women are the true heroes- fighting to make Medinat Yisrael a place for all Jews.

The War On Information

As we spent the last couple of weeks pre-occupied with the High Holidays and Sukkot the world has kept on turning. The protests and violence in the Muslim world have continued. America has even prepared for the UN visit of Iran’s President. The furor over the now infamous YouTube movie still has all of us wondering what will be next.

 It was against the background of these events that I noted a news item coming out of Iran. The Iranian government has announced plans to block parts (or all) of the internet. Soon, it seems, Iranians will only be able to access on-line information that their government has approved. The expectation seems to be that the Iranian government will create an “Iran-net” that will filter what can be seen and read on-line.

Do you remember the theory of the “big lie?” Repeat something often enough and it will be believed. How about keeping people shut off from the world and only letting them know what you want them to believe? If Iran blocks the internet Iranians will have no (legal) way to get information. Not only is this an injustice to the population but it makes the Iranian government that much more dangerous. Iranians will not be able to access real news, they will not be able to use social media, and a war against Israel and the West will be that much easier to justify. An uninformed citizenry is a threat to the entire Middle East. Any voice of protest or resistance to the Ayatollah’s rule will have even less chance of mobilizing a democratic movement.

Ignorance is the most effective tool to build hatred. For my readers who are not so computer savvy let me make a comparison: our government outlaws TV and newspapers, your information is limited to word-of-mouth rumors and whatever “news and views” the government chooses to give you. What kind of a society do you think that would create? That is the kind of society that Iranians will face without the internet.

The violence that continues to unfold around the Muslim world is the product of a mob mentality. When thousands of people gather and are motivated by rumors, lies, and fanaticism it can only result in an anger that can be directed by those who want to use the mob to their own ends. Participants become willing to commit any act of anger because they are part of a “mob” that takes on a life of its own. One of the few forces that can combat this mob mentality is information.  It is only when people can hear all sides of a story or situation that they can make a real judgment. I believe there are many people in the Muslim world who are willing to hear the voice of truth and reason. Right now they are helpless and unable to spread their message.

We have seen (as if we needed proof) that it takes very little to set the Muslim world on fire. Any excuse will do. Iran remains a real threat to the world- even other Muslim nations could be the target of Iranian aggression. Having just finished the Holiday season it may be a little chutzpadik to say, but I sure hope that HaShem heard all our prayers for peace. I can’t think of a time when such requests were so needed.

 

 

Iran: The Need for Consensus

The mostly hotly debated issue in the American-Israeli relationship is one that affects both countries like never before: the threat of a nuclear armed Iran. Yes, the threat to Israel is more direct, but we all understand that Iran is a threat to America as well. If you need to be told this you must be living in a cave- we are all too aware of this issue to ignore it. The real issue is that we all (Israelis, Americans, and politicians from both countries) still have yet to reach a consensus on action. I write this now as a simple call- we need to decide what to do and we need to do it now! In the Jewish community there are, of course, hawks and doves. The fire of public debate was recently turned up in a TV interview that Alan Dershowitz gave. Dershowitz was asked to comment on the situation and used his remarks to criticize the position of “doves” like J Street. (J Street is a liberal advocacy group that favors negotiation on all land for peace and defense issues over military options. For a better understanding of the J Street position read A New Voice For Israel by Jeremy Ben-Ami.) Dershowitz said that J Street has been trying to get the White House to take military action off the list of possible American policies toward Iran. Dershowitz said “J Street will have blood on its hands if it continues this policy of undercutting the Obama administration when the Obama administration has said in no uncertain terms: it is willing to use military action against Iran if Iran is about to develop nuclear weapons… J Street is neither pro-Israel or pro peace.” Dershowitz said that it is vital that Iran believes that America will take action. This is very strong language and shows that American Jewry is divided on the proper course of action. I only wish the situation in Israel was not just as bad. Both Michael Oren and PM Netanyahu have recently stated that a unilateral attack on Iran by Israel would be “worth it” even if it only brought a delay to nuclear development in Iran. That contrasts vividly with a recent statement by Peres that claimed that such an attack would be a mistake. I have no doubt that public opinion in Israel is just as divided as the opinion of her leaders. As I said, we need to reach a consensus- it may soon be too late to do anything- nobody really knows. What we do know is that Iranian leaders continue to make the daily call for the destruction of Israel and they continue to say that America shall be the target of their weapons as well. Debate is great and everyone is welcome to express their opinion but the time comes for agreement and action. We are running out of time with each passing day. We, Israelis and Americans, need to set a course for our safety. Diplomacy is always better than war but diplomacy needs a partner. Saving lives is always better than taking lives but the most important life to save is your own.

Passover and Israel's Security

A Roman official named Marcus Ambivius was prefect of Judea (what the Romans called Israel) from 9- 12 CE. As the resident ruler representing the Roman Emperor, Ambivius kept a record of what he saw the Jews of Jerusalem doing. His words concerning Passover are very telling. After reporting on what happened in the Temple for the holiday, the way in which the sacrifices were brought, and the various activities of the Priests, Ambivius comments on an unusual custom in Jerusalem. He reports that during Passover no one in Jerusalem closed or locked their doors at night. He explains that the Jews had this custom “out of respect for the many strangers who had come to celebrate Pesach” and “as a sign that the Jews depended on Divine protection during this time.” This custom reflects the Biblical text that speaks of Passover as “leyal shmurim,” a night of Divine protection. The Torah records that as the Jews left Egypt they were so secure that not even a dog barked at them. The observations made by Ambivius make it clear that our ancestors felt secure and safe as the celebrated Passover- so much so that they had no need to attend to the normal safeguards. What a way to experience the Holiday of Freedom- to feel completely free and secure from all enemies and confident to welcome anyone through your open door. I bring this ancient Roman record of Jewish life to your attention to contrast it with today. Those who are celebrating Passover in Jerusalem at this very moment should feel just as safe as their ancestors did. All of us, however, know that this is not the case. Just a few short days ago the “Global March on Jerusalem” threatens to send thousands to protest the “Judaization” of Jerusalem. Luckily, that “March” proved to be nothing but the basis for it remains in the minds of many- that Israel has no right to make Jerusalem a “Jewish” city! How absurd! Jerusalem was King David’s royal city and has since then remained the capital of Israel. To deny that is to deny history. Such deniers only have in mind the destruction of Israel by denying any legitimate historical ties between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. It is no wonder that Jews can not celebrate Passover in Jerusalem with the same confidence as our ancestors. Israel is in the midst of a complete assault on her existence and can not find comfort in a “Leyal Shmurim.” There is, however, one small step that would help. This step has, so far, been denied. That step is for America to affirm that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Only a few days ago that question was posed to the administration and the response was that “recognizing Jerusalem would prejudice the outcome of current negotiations.” For those of you who don’t speak political double-talk that means that the administration will not affirm that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. That is not acceptable to me. At this time of freedom I would ask you to invest five minutes in the future of Israel- call or write your elected officials and remind them that Jerusalem has always been the capital of Israel and will always remain so.

Of Readers and Responsibility


A recent editorial in The Atlanta Jewish Times caused a storm of public reaction. The paper’s owner and chief-editor, Andrew Adler, wrote a piece concerning the possible policies that Israel could pursue against a nuclear-armed Iran. Among the possible reactions that Adler posited was the idea that Israel should assassinate President Obama. Adler has since resigned and is looking to sell the paper. Adler’s remarks caused a crisis in Atlanta- the Federation and other community agencies distanced themselves from the paper, a stand that they said that they would maintain until his resignation. Beyond this, the entire American Jewish community was embarrassed by these comments and now has to do damage control. As a journalist Adler embarrassed himself and the entire community. While he said that his comments were meant “to get reaction” from his readers, his comments about assassinating the president were irresponsible and, in a word, stupid. A journalist cannot write something like that and think that he is just eliciting reaction. As a journalist and as a Jew I am embarrassed by this episode. Reflecting on Adler’s poor judgment and irresponsible words made me reflect on my own role as a writer and community leader.

As a writer for this paper I feel a double sense of responsibility. As the rabbi of the Sunrise Jewish Center I am always mindful that my comments reflect on my congregation. Whether I am speaking from the pulpit or writing in this paper, I know that my words will be taken as more than just the opinion of one person. As a writer for this paper I am always mindful of the responsibility that I have to the readership and to the community. The Jewish Journal produces 160,000 copies every week. We have readers throughout all of South Florida. That means that the opinions and stories that appear here reach a large community. All of us who are involved with the paper must always realize the impact that our words and ideas can have. As a writer I don’t feel that I have to write something that everyone likes or agrees with but I do have to write an accurate and responsible accounting of my ideas. In the age of internet communication the truth is that anyone can write anything and put it out there for the world. On the internet true and false become relative. It seems like the crazier the idea the more attention it gets! I don’t know what you call that but it is not responsible journalism. The other side of that coin is a community based paper like the Jewish Journal or any other community based Jewish paper. Far from being anonymous like the internet, a community paper represents a specific readership. That is why every journalist needs to be very careful with every story.

It seems obvious that Mr. Adler forgot about his readership and decided to concentrate on the “shock value” of his message. Perhaps he was thinking that an outrageous statement can be good if it sparks a healthy public debate. Whatever the intention was it certainly backfired. A good column should spark debate and the exchange of ideas without a “hook” that creates a crisis. I am always very gratified when someone comes up to me and engages me about something that I wrote. That means they read it! That means they thought about it! A journalist should never, however, be tempted to write something just for a reaction- as we see that can lead to a very bad outcome. I take very seriously the trust that all of my readers put in me by reading my columns and I know that the entire staff at the Journal does as well.

All communication is based on trust- you wouldn’t talk to someone if you felt you could not believe him. You would not read an article that you knew contained less than the truth. That is why I must emphasis the responsibility of speaking (or writing) in the public forum. Mr. Adler’s article was a tragic mistake that touched many lives and hurt a community. The Atlanta Jewish Times will, I am sure, bounce back under new leadership. The damage done is another story. Words, once written or said, remain no matter how many times you apologize. It is the task of anyone who would speak on behalf of the community to always remember the trust the community puts in him or her.


This op-ed appeared in The South Florida Jewish Journal, February 1, 2012

What can I do?
Do you ever ask yourself that question? I seem to be finding myself asking that a lot lately. It is usually in the context of “I am just one person, so what can I do?” While there are many issues that might make me stand in front of the mirror asking that question, one seems to be recurring often- what can I do to help protect Israel from the lies and assaults from her enemies? I am too old to serve in the IDF and I am too far away to do anything that seems “tangible.” Yes, I write columns and speak to people but there must be something else! A brand new campaign to help Israel is being kicked off this year. It is tangible and it can help!
“Buy Israel Week” is an event that is meant to help bring awareness that I (and we) can do something to help- to buy Israeli products and ask our retailers to stock them. “Buy Israel Week” is the brainchild of Manhattan marketing executive Frances Zelazny. I had the opportunity to speak to her last week and gained a new understanding of “put your money where your mouth is.” We all know that there is a general assault on all things Israel. We tend to think only of the military or political assaults but there is a concerted effort to boycott Israeli products and bring pressure on retailers not to stock products of any kind from Israel.
Those who support the Palestinians portray Israel as “the aggressor.” They use economic tools such as boycotts and protests in order to hurt Israel’s ability to export products. What can we do? The simple act of buying and using Israeli products allows us to “push back”- to respond that we support Israel. If you use a cell phone, you are using technology developed in Israel. If you get sick and need state of the art treatment, you will probably need a medical protocol that was developed in Israel. So why not enjoy cheese or wine or cosmetics or a thousand other products that are made in Israel?
It may seem trivial- what difference could buying a few groceries make in the face of the great struggles facing Medinat Yisrael? A shopping bag full of Israeli items is a bag full of the Jewish future! Wow, how is that for a bargain! When we ask ourselves “what can I do?” we are admitting defeat. We are admitting that we can’t influence the world around us, but we can. We can all do a little and the accumulative result is enormous. Visit “buyisraelweek.com” and get the full story.
“Buy Israel Week” is going to be an annual event. It is also an effort that we can support every time we buy the things that we need in our homes. It seems so easy and it is. It is one more way that you can support the present and the future of Israel.




This article appeared in the South Florida Jewish Journal and the Atlanta Jewish Times.

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the Boca Ration Federation to see how it raises funds for Jewish services,
and we take a trip to CD Heaven inour "Eye on Jewish Business" segment.

L'Chaim.155 12/20/11 - Michael Andron discusses Kodesh.org, an organization
devoted to personal and spiritual growth and mind-body effectiveness
training, and Harry Silverman talks about Synagogue Solutions.

L'Chaim.156 12/17/11 - Senior speed dating where seniors come to meet other
seniors in a very unique enrivronment, and Scott Brockman talks about Hillel.

Watch on these South Florida stations. Remember JLTV airs throughout the US and Canada- to find your local listing go to JLTV.tv. Thanks to all of you who watch and support the show!

A Chilling Spring

Since my last column many people have talked to me about the release of Gilad Shalit. As we all know, two Jews equals three opinions! It has been amazing to hear just how divided people are. Both here and in Israel people are concerned about the bigger issue of prisoner trades. Will it help or will it only embolden Israel’s enemies? It is certainly too soon to know but I think we can put that issue in a larger context. While Gilad’s return home was occupying much of Jewish news two other very ominous events occurred. Voters in Tunisia gave power to an Islamist party and the newly victorious Libyan interim government announced that it would seek to change Libyan law to a model closer to Sharia law. Increasingly, this is becoming the fruit of the “Arab spring” and I have to tell you that it is leaving me with a real chill!
We have been told over and over that the continuing wave of Arab democracy would bring new hope for the Mid-East. I do not believe that is true. This continuing “democratic” wave is only creating new dangers to Israel and the West. As each new country “falls” and supporters of Sharia rule are able to come to power there is less and less chance for peace. I don’t understand why people are willing to die in the struggle against a tyrant and then chose a new tyrant to take his place. That may sound harsh or perhaps like I haven’t given these new rulers a chance to show what they will do but the facts speak for themselves. Those countries that embrace and propagate Sharia are the countries that are the most radical.
It is this same radicalism that threatens to bring new war to the Middle East and new terror to the West. If you look at recent events in Egypt it is clear that the animus that overthrew the government was almost instantly turned against Israel and America. It is very easy to see this becoming the trend in the new “democratic” Arab world. What of Iran? The longer we choose to do nothing to deter Iran the braver the rest of the Arab world will become. Again, all of this will be fueled by a theology and legal system that seeks to bring Muslim dominance. Much of the stability in the Arab world (for better or worse) was fostered by governments that embraced a secular model of life. These governments forced this stability by abusing their own people and now that accumulated hatred is turned against other enemies. The Arab spring is proving to be a very chilling experience.

The Victory of Ignorance



It seems like every time I look at a paper or read news on –line someone else is declaring a boycott of Israeli products or selling off their investments in Israel. It has become so common it doesn’t even draw my attention- just another day in the battle to demonize Israel. You read all the claims, “apartheid state,” “invaders,” “Nazis,” “oppressors.” Sometimes the rhetoric is so predictable and rehearsed I have to laugh! It is, of course, no laughing matter. There is a well orchestrated effort to make Israel out to be some demonic cross between Nazi Germany and Apartheid South Africa (with a little old-fashioned imperialism thrown in for good measure. This kind of hatred starts at the UN and seeps down to the most trivial of organizations. (Hey, think it’s time to throw the UN out of New York?)
We can’t do anything about those who hate Israel because it is a Jewish state- Moslem nations would hate Israel no matter where it was located. That is not going to change. What I refuse to accept is the kind of Israel bashing that is fostered by social causes and college campuses. It has become very chic to champion the cause of the “poor Palestinians” without any knowledge of the real facts. Young people are being fed lies about Israel without any ability to discern between lies and truth. It confounds me that institutions of “higher learning” have no problem allowing their faculties to spread lies and total falsehoods for the sake of their personal politics. That makes these institutions breeding grounds for anti-Israel causes. Worse than this, it makes these institutions breeding grounds for ignorance rather than learning.
It is very easy- take a bunch of young people who have seen little of the world (many of whom probably couldn’t find Israel on a map,) then use your “authority” and “learned opinion” as a professor to present a one-sided set of lies to people who know no better. “Presto” you create a “students against Israel” brigade! The only problem is that this entire construct is based on lies told to and believed by the ignorant.
The final battle in the war against ignorance will be waged on the world stage. As you know there is an up-coming vote in the UN to create a Palestinian state. Such a move has no basis in reality nor does it address any of the realities of the Middle East. It is nothing but a step to destroy Israel and her sovereignty among the nations. It would be a strategic victory for those who hate Israel and bring them one huge step closer to their goal- the destruction of Israel. It is unfortunate that this victory would be urged on by those who are ignorant, ill-informed, and totally deceived about Israel. We all know that the world (and our children and grandchildren) are being lied to- we must not allow ignorance and hatred to achieve their final victory.

I Was So Wrong


Last week I wrote a piece asking you to watch political events in Europe. I warned that the EU’s support of Palestinian statehood was a threat to the safety and existence of Israel. Well, I was so wrong—forget Europe. The most dangerous threat to Israel is in this country and he lives in the White House. Today, as I write, the news just broke- President Obama has called for Israel to return to the 1967 borders for the sake of “making peace in the mid-east.” If there was ever any doubt in your mind I hope you now have heard the message loud and clear—Barak Obama is no friend to Israel or the Jewish people of America.

Many Jewish voters have held on to the illusion of the Obama smoke-and-mirrors doubletalk. I can only hope that our community now admits the truth. America has no coherent foreign policy and certainly no logical policy regarding peace between Israel and the Arab world. Once again, Obama has sold out the safety of the Jewish State for the sake of his false beliefs that he can become the “savior” of the Arab world.

If we try to follow the twisted logic of the current administration this call for Israel’s retreat is in answer to the “Arab spring,” the false belief that the unrest in the Arab world will result in the establishment of moderate democracies. The problem is that there is no evidence to assure us that this will happen. The opposite is true- the rumblings from the Moslem Brotherhood shows that even the peace accord with Egypt may be discarded by a new Egyptian government. Syria is in crisis, Lebanon is increasingly under the thumb of Iran, and the nuclear threat to Israel remains. How can any of these developments be a basis for Israel to make itself more vulnerable than ever? It seems our president has much more faith in the future of the Arab world than most of us do. Well, maybe not faith, just wishful thinking.

Look at a map made before 1967. Try to remember what Israel looked like then. Now, imagine trying to protect that much-reduced little piece of land. Can it be any surprise that Israel has already rejected the Obama dictate? Why is our president so arrogant? How could he have the nerve to make such an outrageous statement the day before he was to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu? If I were the Prime Minister I would take great pleasure in not showing up for that meeting. Yes, if I sound bitter I am. If you voted for Obama I can only hope you come to your senses soon. In the meantime, enjoy the view from under the bus!

Eyes On Europe

With the Arab world in turmoil it is hard to keep up with the news. There are so many developments and such violence in countries that most of us could not find on a map. Yes, we may not be sure where those places are but we know that events there are important. At the same time we wonder about Libya,  then we hear more and more about Bin Laden’s death. So many events to monitor!

In my last article I asked for your attention concerning the up-coming move in the UN- to “vote” a Palestinian state into existence as a step toward bring peace to the region. I warned you to watch this unfold- it is nothing but a back door attack on Israel’s very existence. Recent events seem to confirm my fears. In a recent interview Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to the UN said, “The recognition of a Palestinian state is an option that we are thinking about with our European partners.” This is no surprise coming from France. It troubles me more because the ambassador seems to indicate that he is speaking on behalf of the European Union.  There is one exception to the wholesale European sellout— Angela Merkel has made it clear that Germany is against the recognition of a Palestinian state. In a statement to the newspapers she said that she intends to encourage Mahmoud Abbas not to seek such recognition.

I am happy that Israel has at least one ally in Europe but I am also struck by the irony! Germany has long been a good trade partner with Israel. If you have visited Israel you may have noticed how many German products are available there and you know how young Germans love to visit Israel. Yes, maybe it is the way that Germans cope with their guilt, but relations with Germany have been good for Israel.

I bring this to your attention because it is a time in which Germany’s support for Israel is stronger than ever but it is also the time in which Neo-Nazis are gaining more political influence than ever before. The last few weeks I have been watching the news coming out of a small village, Jamel Germany. It has become the hometown of the neo-Nazi movement complete with bonfires attended by hundreds who proclaim their allegiance to Hitler. On the way into town you pass road signs telling the direction to other cities including Braunan am Inn, Hitler’s birth place. While the National Democratic Party (the political arm of the neo-Nazis) preaches hatred for all foreigners, their hatred for Jews is not disguised in any way.

I bring you this story just to remind you that the nations of Europe have many problems- both social and economic- many of them are more than willing to advocate for a Palestinian state out of self-interest.  I appreciate that the vast majority of German citizens are remaining to true to the lessons of history.  Keep your eyes on Europe.