WHERE IS THE OUTCRY? 12/23/05

The apparent lack of public outcry from Young Israel branches, Rabbis and lay leaders to the Forward story, speaks volumes to the status of what was once a great and innovative synagogue group. When the Lanner affair hit the press, OU branches started to hold back dues in addition to making demands for mass firings and resignations.Of course we responded with the Joel Commission.
Here we see the disconnect between NCYI and its branches.Most branches outside of the NY area APPEAR TO BE UNAWARE of the story.
True the OU involved a sex scandal which is TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM A “GARDEN-VARIETY “ monetary scandal which unfortunately we have become accustomed to.
One would like to believe that in the world of organizational transparency, a full and public explanation would be forthcoming–certainly for the sake of KOVOD HATORAH. Any smell or scandal leads to a chilul hashem..

TIAs and Sharon ; TU and YU - 12/21/05

We are pleased that PM Sharon has left the hospital after his TIA (transient ischemic attack-or as they call it a “small stroke”)
TIA usually lasts for minutes and the medical teams at Hadassah are the best.However from a long –term political point of view despite major attempts to deal with the patients lifestyle and medical problems, such as obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, and control of diabetes, TIA is a serious warning sign.
One must assume that the medical team will examine the Carotids (arteries ) for obstruction and his cardiac state.Most patients are also placed on anti—platlets or anti-coagulation therapy.
Nevertheless one third of TIA patients will eventually go on to suffer a full stroke and many will have recurrent TIAs .
At the present the polls show little concern for this by Israelis, however we have a way to go before the elections
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It was great to see the Torah UMadda emblem on the podium in front of Sen. Hillary Clinton at the YU dinner.In addition an e-mail plea for fund similarly had our motto/emblem.
Sadly the YC Alumnii Association stationary and invitation for the sports dinner had only the flames.
We are making progress!

THE SHARON STROKE etc 12/18/05

The announcement within the hour of PM Sharon’s stroke , could represent a major earthquake for the Israeli body politic.We of course pray for a full and speedy recovery.
However, even if that occurs many voters will be reminded of his age and frailty as they go to the polls.Let us remember Kadimah is a one –man show.Without a vibrant Sharon it could all fall apart.
We know from experience that they rarely tell the truth about the initial facts of a world figures health crisis, and therefore new will have to be patient as things develop

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Those who advocate an immediate total withdrawal of American troops from Iraq,are reminded that we still have troops all over the world.This includes Japan, Korea,Europe and other parts of Asia, long after those wars concluded.As Sec Powell said today, there will be some troops around for a long time in Iraq .

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.It is sad to see how far behind Pennsylvania Sen Rick Santorum(R) is in the current polls.He is not only a great Senator, but a decent and warm human being who deserves our communities support.Norpac is raising funds for him.For those intererested(call Dr Ben Choake)

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Sen Menendez-- NCYI 12/15/05

The appointment of Cong Bob Menendez to fill the seat of Senator Corzine should be a plus for our community.While Corzine had a good record,Menendez has been an outspoken leader of the Pro-Israel Congressional leadership.
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The story in this weeks Forward on the National Council of Young Israel and their Nursing Homes comes as no suprise.I discuss in my book, that negotiations for a merger ( OU-NCYI ) came to a halt for a number of reasons.One of them was our desire to inspect the nursing home books.
If there is a strong and competent and leadership at NCYI they should demand an outside panel to investigate,publish the results and oversee any indicated changes.
It reminds me of our approach to the Lanner scandel

KADIMAH 11/27/05

In pure political terms PM Sharon has certainly pulled off the “play of the month.” If an election were held today, it appears that the momentum and excitement are on his side and he would be victorious.
Four months can be a lifetime in politics and history has shown that the initial buzz usually wears off in time. Sharon really doesn’t care if his party is around in four years. He is determined to be the PM who created the final boundaries of the State as well as a state of normalcy with its Palestinian neighbors.
The obvious problem is not in his intentions,which seem to encompass a united indivisible Jerusalem,and the major settlement blocs with Maale Adumim connected to Jerusalem (E-1).Rather it the fact that the Europeans ,and the Americans as well as the UN and surely the Arab world are not prepared to accept a Palestinian State without a divided Jerusalem. Nor do we see any diminution in incitement and terror attempts. The battle between Islam and the Palestinians with Israel is primarily one that deals not with territory, but rather is existential in nature. Nothing to date has changed that perception.
The reality appears that despite Mr Sharon’s tough talk and his relationship with President Bush,we see no evidence that when push comes to shove he is able to withstand American pressure.The recent Rice-Mofaz talks on the border crossings. found Israel yielding on major security issues. There is no reason to believe that even further major withdrawals from the settlements would soften world opposition to Israel on Jerusalem. In addition, while President Bush has articulated that the so-called “right of return” of Palestinians can only be to Palestine and not Israel, we must be mindful that probable final stage negotiations(if they ever occur-and there is disarmament of the terror groups) would more than likely take place under the aegis of a new American administration post Bush. Who would predict what new pressures would be placed on Israel by a new President.? American policy under every President has never accepted Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem (to wit the American consulate in Jerusalem for the arabs,and the embassy in Tel Aviv).
In the meantime, there is a new spirit in Labor and bedlam in Likud. It will certainly be an interesting period between now and the induction of a new government.

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I am totally confused as to the silence of Orthodox leaders to the talks and proclamations of Reform President Eric Yoffe

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I was asked why I was certain that WMD were in Syria when no one talks about it. I should have really said that prior to the American invasion there were reportedly massive truck movements from Baghdad to Damascus .Gold ,dollars, elements of the WMD research program were speculated on.
I asked Ambassador John Bolton at a small meeting in his Waldorf suite-before he became UN Ambassador whether the weapons we were looking for could be in Syria. ?
Since I received a non-committal answer, my personal suspicions were raised.
In truth I have no independent knowledge, and I misspoke.

WWW.YUCOMMENTATOR.COM 11/23/05

The latest edition of the Commentator is out. It contains two op-eds on Torah Umadda.One is by Yechiel Robinson and the other is the one I submitted a few weeks ago.

http://www.yucommentator.com/

IRAQ -ALITO and THE REFORM MOVEMENT; TU 11/21/05

It is sad to see the attacks on President Bush based upon false charges that we were lead into war under false pretenses. In fact President Clinton, the Congress, most of our allies and experts believed that Iraq maintained WMD in her arsenal. Personally I believe that these weapons are buried in the Bekka Valley in Syria..
Not that every administration decision was in retrospect correct. They misjudged the fighting ability of the Iraqi Army that simply disintegrated. Probably we should have maintained the Army for law and order.We did not properly foresee the insurgency.
Nevertheless the overall effects have been positive,and we are making progress. Two elections in Iraq, in addition to Libya giving up their nuclear programs are a direct result of the war. I don’t believe we will have a 100% friendly pro-American government in Iraq at the end of the process, but it is a start toward some form of democracy,Saddam is gone and there is no threat of WMD, now, or in the future..
Of course losing over 2000 GI’s is terrible, but war has its consequences. We lost over 4000 soldiers in one day at Iwo Jima.What American is not proud of that portrait of the flag raising-but it came at a price. Freedom always has a price .
Having served in Vietnam, I know full well the anguish of families who have lost loved ones. But again that is the burden that we bear to protect America.
The errors of failing to combat and understand Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism since our Embassy was captured by the Iranians under the impotency of Pres Carter has come home to haunt us.
We cannot afford to lose, for the effects of such a loss will be felt by each of us in this country.

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The more I read of the legal decisions of Judge Sam Alito Jr the happier I become with his choice. The efforts to portray him as an ideologue will surely fail.His appreciation of the right of religious expression and activities in the public arena are certainly important to our community. Sadly the Reform Movement has come out against his nomination.That alone is a reason to support him.
The Reform bienniel convention featured Eric Yoffe their President comparing the "religious right" of all faiths to the anti-gay policies of Hitler.He has forgotten that homosexuality is an "abomination" according to the Torah.While we must be tolerant of the individuals,we must never accept or condone their activities.
But then again I think ,of the old Reform meetings and graduations where they purposely served non-kosher,to illustrate that any commononality with Halachah and Jewish law on their part is purely coincidental.

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The decision to break up the status quo in Israel and move to new elections is probably too complicated to draw instant conclusions about the future .The role of Shimon Peres, and the battle for Likud leader in addition to the cast of desertions from Likud will have to play out. The possible merger of the NRP and the right wing parties could also have a significant effect, as would a possible return to a leadership role of Arye Deri of Shas. He is barred by the terms of his conviction from serving at this time in the Knesset.
It is hard to imagine a social-economic policy that Sharon could entice the new Labor leader Peretz with,to allow him to create a Sharon-Labor post-election coalition.
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Many people have pointed out to me the presence of Torah Umadda emblem on most Y.U. ads. This week however an ad in the Jewish Press for a Westinghouse Award had two sets of flames without TU.
By the administration not announcing a clear policy it reminds me of the Commentator editorial when I was a student
THE POLICY IS NOT ONE OF CONFUSION, RATHER CONFUSION IS THE POLICY

YU REJECTS STUDENT EFFORT TO FACILITATE PETITION DRIVE 11/11/05

Yechiel Robinson tried to send out a mass e-mail to YC students asking them to sign the TU petition.He was turned down by the office of Communications and Public Affairs ,after a meeting there with Ms Hedy Shulman.
Those that want to protest can e-mail ystud-owner@lists.yu.edu
We will await reaction to the Commentator articles before moving onto the next phase.Among the suggestions:
A web-site
Ads in the Jewish Week etc
Caps and T-shirts with Preserve TU
Sending e-mails to every graduate
More and more individuals are calling me and stopping me to give chizuk.
NOT ONE person has criticized our efforts to my face.

IS OUR CAMPAIGN "ILL INFORMED"?/ THE PERETZ VICTORY/ KUDOS TO NATHAN DIAMENT 11/9/05

The Nov 10 cover of the Baltimore Jewish Times is a update on President Richard Joel. He is quoted as saying that “why not use both slogans?” referring to the flames with “Wisdom through Knowledge” and Torah U Madda with the shield.
I have no problem with that approach were it to be applied consistently. Although I have pointed out the lack of distinctiveness of the flames and the total non-Jewish universal feel-good nature of the motto Wisdom---

THE PROBLEM IS THAT’S NOT WHAT IS CONSISTENTLY HAPPENING!
Page 10 of today’s Jewish Week has a ¼ page ad by YU honoring finalists in the Westinghouse competition==TWO FLAMES ; 0 for Torah U Madda
Interestingly immediately underneath this ad is a ¼ page ad for Hillel—SURPRISE-the flames are here too.( how similar!)

Page 30 an ad for the YU H.S. for Girls—ONE FLAME ---- 0- TU

Open up the YU web site and you are greeted with smiling students and the Flame but no TU. On the side is a box where you can find out about the Yeshiva College 75th Anniversary Dinner. In the box is a flame and no TU.

Contrary to what President Joel calls an “ill-informed” campaign ,I believe we have sensitized the Administration to the issues. Unfortunately, up to now they are not following their own directives. and seem to be conducting a random insertion of TU, probably assuming the controversy will die down.
As I have previously noted ,it’s not over yet !
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It is quite interesting that polls in Israel seem to indicate that in the next general election should Sharon lead his party, the number two party would be a combined NRP-National Union right wing slate. Mr. Peretz who should be familiar to us as the originator of ill-timed general strikes is a classic left wing Socialist. I had the opportunity last year of bringing him before my group on our Israel mission. Should that occur ,combined with the weakness of the Bush team, and the incompetence of the Abbas PA, we should see less political/diplomatic pressure on Israel. A combined Likud-right wing coalition, should be able to finish the security fence, and complete the Maale Adumim -Jerusalem axis which is vital for security.

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Congratulations to Nathan Diament on being chosen as one of Americas top 50 Jews by the Forward newspaper. Having been chosen to the number two slot on that list during my OU Presidency, I am extremely proud of Nathan and the IPA for their work on behalf of the klal. His appointment, the creation of the IPA ,the opening of a Washington office and the College Congressional Internship Program are areas that form a major part of my administrations record.
It is a well deserved honor and it merely recognizes the outstanding job he is doing .

RETURN FROM THE AGENCY/TORAH UMADDA UPDATE11/8/05

I returned this morning from Israel, where I attended the Board of Governors meeting of the Jewish Agency. Over the next few days I will present in this space at least two reports on the meetings-the first a highly favorable one on the Unity Committee which oversees the Conversion issues as they inter-relate between the Army, the Conversion Institute, the Conversion Courts and the Jewish Agency-government role. Secondly I will talk about the diminishing fiscal support the Agency is receiving and its future, from my perspective.
Many individuals in Israel approached me to offer support on the Torah Umadda issue. One a leading member of the Federation world , a well known liberal,whose family are major YU supporters, and who was about two years behind me at Yeshiva College has always disagreed with me on political issues.On this however he stated “ I totally support you-It is as if Israel would ban Hatikvah as its anthem.”
But a positive thing has occurred in the last week or two,Y.U. mail and many ads for various divisions of YU now have the Torah Umadda emblem attached.On one mail solicitation my wife received the TORAH U MADDA emblem was even on the return envelope immediately adjacent to the return address.
However in the Nov 4th Jewish Week,despite three ads with both the flames and the emblem ,on page eight there is no Torah Umadda in the ad for the Boys H.S.:It does have two sets of flames!
It appears that there is no coherent policy in this regard, which I discuss in my future op-ed in the next Commentator.
Immediately before Yom Kippur ,I received a call from President Richard Joel asking to meet with me.We scheduled the meeting for Tues. Nov. 8. I felt I should not comment on it publicly until after the meeting. However today the meeting was postponed with no date set for a get-together.
If the Torah Umadda emblem stays and a coherent policy enunciated, then I have accomplished much..
In truth I do not know whether the emblem will be permanently and universally kept in its position of honor, nor even its current status in the Law and Medical schools, etc. In the meantime my op-ed which was written prior to Yom Tov is slated for the Commentator, which I assume will come out any day .
It appears that this is an evolving response on the part of the administration.

T-Um UPDATE/ ABBAS and MIERS 10/23/05

The RestoreTorah Umadda campaign is picking up steam. The NJ Voice and Opinion ran a large front page story that is mailed to 16,000 orthodox/traditional homes.This followed a front page 5 Towns Jewish Times article.In addition Commentator the Yeshiva College student paper had a page one story,and I have been invited to write an op-ed for the next edition.
Ira Rifkin of the Baltimore Jewish paper called erev Shabbat and he is writing a story for that paper and the Jerusalem Report.
In a few weeks when the students are back in school,and I return from the Jewish Agency meeting in Jerusalem we will evaluate where we are and plan for the future Thia could include a real web site dedicated to the issue that would invite students and faculty as well as alumni to participate. It has been suggested we start selling baseball caps (how ironic ) and sweatshirts with the RESTORE TORAH UMADDA label on it ..stay tuned.


Jeffrey Berkowitz who is a Special Asst to Pres Bush for Jewish Affairs, e-mailed me some commentary on the Bush-Abbas meeting.
It would appear that Abbas did get some leeway to allow Hamas into the political process,but the President was not in favor of this move,absent the surrender of all weapons and denouncing terrorism.No one believes Abbas can succeed He was strongly urged to exert leadership and that the incorporation of active terrorists into the political process is not really possible.
I have spoken to some Uzi Landau people prior to his US trip last week and they are exhibiting an increased confidence that he could beat Bibi.

It is sad to see Ms Miers floundering.As much as I favor having a conservative oriented philosophy,all of us should demand intellectual superiority for our High Court nominees.This is not a place for cronyism.Personally,the issues of affirmative action and assisted suicide as well as the influence of foreign courts are more important than Roe v Wade which is really settled law.At most the Court could be involved in late term abortions, and parental notification.It is hard to believe that the court would throw out our current laws. The nomination should be withdrawn and a well seasoned individual with a record to examine and defend should be appointed.

Gmar Tov /Thanks for your encouragement/ Condi is not a candidate

I wish to thank all those who have called me in support of the Torah U Madda campaign. The Yeshiva College Student newspaper had a major story as well as an op-ed and two letters to the editor on the topic. They have invited me to write an op-ed for the post –Succoth edition
Next week the Jewish Voice and Opinion in Englewood-Teaneck will have a page one story on this issue. In addition both E-mail response lines are growing with signatures
PRESERVE TORAHUMADDA@YAHOO.COM or

http://www.petitionline.com/yulogo/petition.html/

A gmar chatimah tovah to all of klal yisrael


One political thought before the fast
The talk of a Condi Rice Presidential race againt Hillary (or anyone else) IS NONSENSE
She would have to resign at least two years before ’08 to campaign. She has no political base and the White House has its own problems.
Except for Dwight Eisenhower we have never elected a non-politician as Chief Executive.
Sen Jon Kyl (R-Az) informed me that if he passes a physical exam Sen John McCain,will announce in “06. He is an old friend and Vietnam comrade. (he had a melanoma a few years ago )Don’t forget Gov Bush of Florida who speaks perfect Spanish.Also Juliani and Pataki.
From where I sit the Democratic nomination is Hillary’s to lose. I just invited her to join us Chol Hamoed Pesach to speak at the old Granit Hotel where I serve as a scholar-in-residence. No I’m not turning into a liberal Democrat, but she is still one of the most important figures in the US Senate

KUDOS to JULIUS BERMAN/ Our new nominee/Abbas to the White House 10/7/05

Over the last 10 days Yeshiva University has run a number of ads in the Jewish Week and Jewish Press.These include a picture of a group of Rabbi participants in Rabbi Branders new program, and an ad for a combined lecture in the Jewish Center by Rabbi J .J. Schachter .
In only one ad for RIETS was the Torah Umadda emblem present while all the rest had the non-sectarian flames. This is due to the insisistence of RIETS Board Chairman Julius Berman..He is to be commended for standing up for principle.
I urge the public to apply pressure on the Board Chairmen of the various divisions that deal with Torah issues. to stand up and show leadership.

MORRY WEISS
Chairman of the entire University

Joshua Muss
Chairman Yeshiva College

Marjorie Diener Blenden
Chairman Stern College for Women

Mordecai D. Katz
Chairman Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies

Moshel J Straus
Chairman Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration

Erica Jesselson
Chair YU MUSEUM (affiliate)

As well as the two High Schools.
Searching the web site today the only place one can see the old emblem is at the H.S. site.

Even if the Torah Umadda logo were put back into these schools advertisements, it in no way relieves the Yeshiva from restoring it to the University .
I again urge you to make the petition drive a success.

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I am deeply disappointed by the choice of Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court.With 55 Republicans and a mandate from the electorate during the last election, we get not a Scalia or a Thomas ,but a big question mark that smells from cronyism.
Her claim to fame is a conversion to religion , a $ 150 campaign check to Cong Henry Hydes campaign as well as her boyfriends assurances that she is really a conservative. How sad for America.I would rather a person with a record be voted down because of his/her views than settle for a non-personality with no record.

On that same track, I believe the President is making a mistake by inviting Mahmoud Abbas to the White House. Since meeting with the President, he has not carried out a single positive step toward peace. He has not put an end to incitement, or exhibited any control over Hamas,Islamic Jihad etc. As long as these groups are armed, and he has a no confidence vote around his neck from the PA Parliament,what is the purpose of propping up such a weak ineffectual leader?

Allow me to wish a GMAR CHATIMAH TOVA TO ALL

RESTORE "TORAH U MADDA " TO THE YU LOGO send your petition to PRESERVETORAHUMADDA @YAHOO.COM 9/27/05

THROUGHOUT MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (Journey Through the Minefields -from Vietnam to Washington-an Orthodox Surgeons Odyssey) I REFER TO MY DEVOTION TO THE PRINCIPLES OF TORAH U MADDA

Page 31 is a prime example which reads’ this weltanschauung (torah u ‘madda ) which is the trademark of Yeshiva University has been my guiding principle throughout my life”
Thus it came as a shock and a sense of deep disappointment to attend the Yeshiva College 75th Anniversary Dinner last week on the Intrepid and discover that the emblem of the Yeshiva with TORAH U’MADDA in Hebrew was no more.
I am deeply appreciative of the efforts of President Richard Joel to infuse new life into our Yeshiva with new programs and personnel.
His talks on Torah Umadda are moving because of his personal commitment They are usually delivered to hundreds (of often committed individuals). The Yeshiva logo however will be seen by tens of thousands { and could theoretically be our logo for the next 75 years }( I assume even after Presidents Joel’s tenure ) .The absence of TORAH UMADDA certainly sends a negative message (that may be unintended) regarding who we are and what are our roots.

In a personal sense it is as though after 50 years of wearing a yarmulke in my medical office, hospital, the White House and Congress as well as in the streets of Europe, China and every country I have visited, I now no longer wear it, because people already know who I am.

Could every Einstein Medical School or Cardoza Law School student feel that the emblem represented him or her ? Probably no more than the average Yale student identifies with the URIM V’TUMIM which Yale has never changed, as its emblem. But it was YESHIVA, UNDER TORAH AUSPICES that opened these schools, with kosher food, and no classes on Jewish Holidays etc . Jew or Gentile should be proud to attend a University steeped in a religious tradition .For what reason and for which individual or group should we change?

The graduate of any educational institution should be proud of their school and its logo.It is fun to wear them on clothing and reunions , and so on. For Yeshiva our logo represents our way of life and its removal represents a demoralizing curveball thrown to us by the Yeshiva we love.

We live in a world where our way of life is severely challenged. On the right we are attacked as the initiators of a watered down and unauthentic version of Torah Jewry They neither respect nor honor our Torah scholars living and dead. On the left within Edah and their cohorts we are the agents of ossification and they too attack (but more subtly), our religious leadership. Reform and Conservative bless us as a pox on all our houses. We are probably losing the battle to the right, but this move of deleting our insignia (and call to arms) borders on the sacrilegious, and sends a terrible public message
What is almost as amazing is how quietly and without fanfare the emblem change was apparently instituted. To my knowledge no big dinners, emblem unveilings. or announcements took place to herald the new logo. Perhaps I missed the telltale signs of the change.
My sister-in-law Judith Hartstein now tells me she noticed the change six months ago and called the Yeshiva. She was informed that TORAH UMADDA was not replaced but put into the background (like an asterisk in the latest YU publication-page 9 YU REVIEW fall 2005 received in my home by mail this weekend)
Commentator (Yeshiva College student newspaper) in an article last week seems to indicate they too were surprised. by the posting of a new motto and logo on the Yeshiva website. I have now spoken to about 40 alumni including members of the RIETS Board who knew nothing of the new logo. One individual told me he thought that RIETS through the efforts of its Chairman refused to accept the change. I will try to confirm that fact.

I consider myself part of a YESHIVA FAMILY .My father Z’L attended the High School, and worked in the YU Development Dept .I attended BTA,, and graduated YC in ’58. My wife Sheila graduated Stern in ‘62 and our three children went to the High Schools and graduated Stern and YC. As did my brothers, Sheila’s sisters and two of our in-law children .
I was a Master Builder (by contributing $ 18,000 ) and was honored at a YU Rockland County Breakfast. My mother years ago was similarly honored in her home community of Bayside , Queens. For almost six years I served on the Board of RIETS. Throughout my life at the OU and in my writings, my loyalty and devotion to our Yeshiva has been unquestioned. Of all the awards and honors I have received the one I cherish the most is the Bernard Revel Award from the Yeshiva College Alumni Association for Community Service.
Therefore the removal of Torah UMadda has special meaning to me,even as I understand many who believe that there are more important things in this world and at YU, to be involved in than a logo.
Contrary to the contention that the emblem was changed five times in 1945, 1961 1986 the HEBREW WORDS TORAH U’MADDA were clearly seen on the emblem. In 1961 the 75th anniversary was a special emblem, as was the 1986 100th anniversary. Yet the Hebrew was never changed and the emblem reverted back after the celebration.

Of course as Yechiel Robinson points out in his Commentater story on the change, it will be the faculty, students and the overall hashkafah that will ultimately determine whether we will desire to send our children and grandchildren to Yeshiva College or Stern. However our logo like our religious ceremonial accoutrements,. such as Tfillin, Sukah ,Mezuzah and Prayer to name a few, are more meaningful than any art department creation.
Yesterday morning at Daf Yomi I stared and stared at the YESHIVA COLLEGE baseball cap (on the table next to my gemmoroh) given to us as we left the Dinner. The two flames might be more modern or art deco than our old emblem. If the Hebrew words Torah U’Madda had been inscribed, one within each flame, I might have applauded. I did applaud the release after almost 50 years of Joel Schreiber’s beautiful GOLDEN DOMES a theme song he wrote in 1956 and which the Administration refused to accept. I remember it well since in that year Joel was V.P. of Student Council, and I was Sec- Treas.
However there is no Hebrew or any other Torah thought on the logo just a pareve non-denominational saying.
BRING WISDOM TO LIFE (--how inspiring! )

I showed my hat to my non-orthodox Talmud students in my weekly Good Samaritan Hospital class. Each one made approximately the same two comments
What in the world do the flames represent?
Doesn’t the flames logo look like our Catholic Hospitals very similar emblem?
Similarly the Commentator article points out the similarity to the 2005 Hillel logo.

Thus I have decided to start a campaign among alumni, students, parents and faculty of RIETS, YESHIVA COLLEGE, STERN, and the HIGH SCHOOLS as well as any other YU Institution, to petition President Richard Joel and the respective Boards –to reverse their decision and to restore the words TORAH U’MADDA in the University LOGO.


THE E-MAIL ADDRESS—FOR THE PETITIONS IS
PRESERVETORAHUMADDA@YAHOO.COM

I hope that those who agree with me, especially the Marshals at the dinner would contact their friends, neighbors, family, etc asking them to e-mail their petition with their name and year of graduation .If I reach 1000 or more petitioners we will try to deliver these petitions directly to President Joel, for whom I have great respect and admiration.
At the dinner, President Joel asked for our input and leadership. This is a great opportunity to tell our President what we think ,even if the change took place one or two years ago.

,SUGGESTED PETITION

MAIL TO PRESERVETORAHUMADDA@YAHOO.COM

Dear President Joel

As a supporter of Yeshiva , I humbly request that TORAH UMADDA in Hebrew be reinserted into the YU logo

Respectfully Yours

Name------------------------------------------ E_MAIL ADDRESS--------------------------------
Class of --------- School------------------------------------------------------
Address (optional) ---------------
Phone (optional) -------------------
I would like serve on the Committee to help publicize this petition drive and make it successful---NAME-------------------------------------------------
Call me home--------------------------------office--------------------cell-------------------

DISASTER RELIEF,MORE ON ROBERTS AND A NEW IDEA FOR PAST PRESIDENTS OF JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS 9/21/05

When I have an opportunity to see Senators Hillary Clinton and Jon Kyl this Sunday at the HUVPAC dinner I will try to interest them in my idea of the US building oil refineries and then selling them once operational.
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I am all for disaster relief, but oppose a blanket 20 billion dollar package without knowing who will administer, and set priorities and over what period of time will we spend such an amount( hopefully not in a few weeks! ) Etc?
How much are private Insurance companies paying/? Should these not be deducted from the totals?
How will they prevent people with debit cards from purchasing Gucci bags? (As happened 2 weeks ago)
Is it not time to reassess all the pork in the Highway bill and other federal programs that could be used in these difficult times?
Perhaps there should be an across the board 1% cutback on all federal spending except social security and federal salaries for a six month period?
I am sure the OMB and other agencies could come up with better suggestions, but the bottom line is that the New Deal ended with Roosevelt and fiscal integrity, tax reductions and local responsibilities are what conservatives ran on in recent elections.

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I have always respected Senator Leahy as an independent honest public servant. Similarly
I have known Senator Harry Reid since his days in Congress as an open and fair minded individual. Thus I am disappointed that the latter will vote against Judge Roberts, bowing to pressure from women and civil rights groups. At the same time, Sen. Leahy’s public announcement is even more courageous in light of Reid’s’ pending vote.
My friend Senator Reid forgets that elections have consequences and Judge Roberts was a judicial choice that should have sailed through like previous Democratic nominees such as the very liberal Thurgood Marshall or Sandra Day O’Conner .
I wonder if the President surmises that outside of a Liberal nominee,Reid will oppose any choice.

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Last night I attended a dinner for Ateret Cohanim-The Jerusalem Reclamation Project. As I note in my autobiography I was involved with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the American administration on the issue of Ras Alamoud which today is a Jewish housing project
I met an old friend Howard Teich .He is a well known Jewish activist with a tremendous amount of insight into our community. He raised a most interesting concept that he has considered for some time to help bring together all the factions of the Jewish Community absent party or organizational label. He is concerned with a lack of unity and I believe JEWISH LEADERSHIP.
His idea is to have an organization consisting of the former Presidents of the major Jewish Organizations ,These individuals have a tremendous amount of talent and much brainpower as well as experience. Many have been, shunted aside when their terms of office expired.
Since they don’t represent an organization, perhaps their approach to issues would be less parochial. But yet their long term contacts and prestige would come into good stead should substantial unifying issues be raised and successfully agreed upon in the hope of getting the organizations to sign on.If successful they would have a strong moral voice. .
The Bush I and Clinton effort is such an example
SOUNDS GOOD, BUT IS IT REALISTIC?

POST KATRINA AND ASSORTED THOUGHTS-9/13/05

For the second time in four months I participated in a SIYUM SEFER TORAH the completion of writing a Torah scroll and its presentation to a worthy organization in Israel.. In May our Talmud class presented a scroll to the Israeli Navy. This past week our friends Adele and Jules Brody invited their friends to the Amit School in Sderot ,a school of 650 high School students for a moving and emotional ceremony.

What was most exciting about the school was the number of Ethiopian and Russian students who have been taken in to receive a broad secular and religious education. They come primarily from poor homes.

The Sderot community has been repeatedly attacked by Palestinian Kassam rockets, and now with Gaza Judenrein, they are on the front line.
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It is sad to see the headlines in the NY Times on Tues talking about the Palestinians who REVELED in the former Gaza settlements, as though they had a party.

In Times Square on New Years eve a million people REVEL – in Gaza there was arson ,mayhem and anarchy all supported by Hamas and the acquiescence and participation of the PA.

With the lack of control at the Egyptian border and in Gaza the future for the “ rule of Law “ is bleak. Abbas is weak and it is time to realize that fact, which will not change.
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The Roberts confirmation hearings are truly a sham. After watching a good part of three days, I know---
He is bright , handsome, collected and has beautiful eyes
Senators love to talk
Judge Roberts masterfully employed the JUDICIAL FIFTH AMENDMENT in refusing to reveal his thoughts on issues that might come before him—and which the Senators knew in advance he would employ. It was interesting to hear quotes and recordings of Senators Biden and Kennedy at the time of the Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsberg hearings, telling the nominees not to reveal any opinions regarding issues that might come before the Court. Elections have consequences, and the Bush victory turned the tables on the Democrats.
Aside from his comments on the use of precedents from foreign courts which was appreciated, little new was obtained from Judge Roberts.
As a non-lawyer I appreciated his declaration of “respect “ for precedents but not actually declaring that depending upon the FACTS in a future case , the Court's decision might be altered even in the face of such precedents.
In sum the Senators never laid a glove on him.
While his confirmation appears certain, the real battle begins when the President announces his second nomination.
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There is enough blame for every level of government to share in the Katrina and post-hurricane fiasco
Primarily the New Orleans Mayor bears the greatest burden for not arranging to use the school buses to evacuate the poor and disabled 48 hours before Katrina hit. The failure of local and State authorities to allow the Salvation Army and the Red Cross into the Convention Center and stadium is unforgivable.
The President has to answer for packing FEMA with political hacks who were in above their heads.
Congress and the Administration have to answer for refusing to allocate needed funds requested by the Army Corps of Engineers to once and for all repair the levees and use modern techniques as was done in Holland to avoid such a catastrophe.
The Mayor and La. Gov failed to heed the National Weather Service warnings regarding a CATEGORY V hurricane.
FEMA is to blame for holding up scarce volunteer services as they insisted that the volunters undergo Community Relations and Sexual awareness courses( as part of Political Correctness) for a few days as people died.
America has much to be ashamed of for the abject poverty in the inner city. But we have learned nothing since Patrick Moynihan’s famous paper on the lack of stable two family parent structure in the Black Community. Until that problem is addressed, together with greater education, and the development of role models in the family structure we are destined to be two peoples.

Finally the generosity of the American people and the world community is a wonderful thing to behold. As after 9/11 we will rebuild and come out a stronger nation.

The entire catastrophe again highlights the need for new oil refineries in this country, and I again refer to my suggestion of a few weeks ago to have our government build them and auction them off after becoming successful.

A FEW THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS 8/29/05

As I leave today for a wedding in Israel, I thought I would try to outline a few of the very dangerous pitfalls that lie ahead.

Will Mr.Abbas for the first time undertake to disarm terrorists groups? If not he will surely fail.

Will the PA and its leaders continue to threaten war if Israel proceeds with the building around Maale Adumim ? If they do it will become self-fulfilling.

Will Hamas be a serious and even majority party in the upcoming PA elections? If so it is a non-starter for the “ road-map”.

Will the terrorist groups start a major resurgence of terror, if they believe that this is in their best interests? If so how long will it take Israeli troops to be back in Gaza?

Will PM Sharon all for early elections? And will he start a new party if he loses the Likud primary? Will Uzi Landau split the anti-Sharon vote?

will the US place an inordinate amount of pressure on Sharon for further concessions?
Will the Europeans, the UN and the US insist that the PA incitement of the Palestinian population against Israel and Jews cease (especially in textbooks, etc)? If not there is no hope for peace.

Will this morning’s suicide attack be followed by condemnation and arrests by Abbas or by PA doubletalk and congratulations to the “martyrs?

These are difficult times and each of us will and should have our own questions. The one question I see no answer to is-Where are the visible tangible result of all the organizations that were to teach tolerance and comity between the orthodox and secular? From my vantage point the demonization of orthodox, especially Religious Zionists was at fever pitch.

The nation really needs a Refuah !

FOUR QUESTIONS 8/19/05

FOUR QUESTIONS

1— When Palestinian terrorists were holed up in the Church of the Nativity, Israeli soldiers refused to enter a House of prayer. A long siege that resulted in a negotiated conclusion was achieved.Why is a synagogue a lesser place of sanctuary and holiness?
(Suggested to me by Harvey Wolinitz’s son-in-law)

2--When Mr. Wolfensohn of the World Bank requested millions of dollars from American Jews to purchase the computer programs for the Gaza greenhouses, why didn’t he turn to Saudi Arabia for help? Don’t they have a role in the PEACE PROCESS? Or the oil companies whose hourly excess profits could have financed the entire project? Don’t they have a stake in Mid-East stability and economic vitality?

3—Since we are told that over and above oil / gas shortages from supply and demand problems, we have a need for refineries (we have not built any in 30 or 40 years) why doesn’t the US Government build some in the proper areas, and once they are close to being profitable (which will be almost immediately) auction them off to the highest bidders ?

4—Why has FOX CABLENEWS, MSNBC and now CNN lowered their standards to present nitely ( 9-11 PM ) updates from Aruba on the Natalie Holloway disappearance?

Give us a break!!!

How come we never hear anything about her private intimate life both before and during her Aruba trip? What was the class doing there? Where are the chaperones? And what was she doing out at that hour with strange beach characters?

THE ROCKLAND JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL 8/15/05

I am deeply honored by the editorial in today’s Gannett Rockland Journal News ,which praises the Talmud class that I am privileged to teach at Good Samaritan Hospital each week. Obviously without the friendship and loyalty of my colleagues over these 17 years, it could not have taken place.

Although I knew nothing about this editorial until this morning, it does fit in with yesterdays blog regarding programs that even individuals can undertake to increase Judaic knowledge among our friends and associates.

As an aside I was thrilled when this past Friday one of our regular students brought his 17 year old grandson to the class ,which to me was of special significance..

A TISHA B'AV BLOG-SADNESS 8/14/05

The solemnity of this day ( Tisha B’Av ) is more intense and conveys a deeper sense of significance than any I have experienced in my adult life. As I sat on the floor of the synagogue last nite and this morning chanting the Lamentations and listening to the reading of EICHA , my thoughts were not confined to the twin destructions of the Temples in Jerusalem, but of a panoramic view of the State of World Jewry.

Of course the most immediate scene in my overview are thousands of Jewish soldiers prepared to forcibly remove their fellow countrymen from settlements and homes they have lived in ,with the encouragement of the government for close to four decades. Never before in history (to my knowledge), has a victor in a defensive war returned land (and a potential seaport and airport to the aggressor [and LOSER] ) in the absence of a formal treaty or understanding regarding peace and cordial relations.

Not only that, but both government and private think tanks are unanimous that the result will yield only chaos and anarchy with no sign of PA stability. The only solution says even these critics is more and more and more Israeli concessions and even then they admit violence and terrorism will be the response of Hamas et al.

But on this day my thoughts and pain goes much deeper. I go back to the end of the six Day War and the capture and re-unification of Jerusalem. What would have happened if the Temple Mount was razed, in preparation for the building of the next Temple? What would have been had access been limited to the Temple Mount?
Yes the Arab and Muslim world would have gone wild. But could they do anything beyond that which they have done since 1948 in their attempts to destroy the State of Israel and to vilify Jews and Zionism (= Racism) would their hate be any greater than it is today toward Jews and Israel? Would they raise the price of oil or withhold supplies? They did that already. Would they pass a few more anti-Israel UN resolutions?

Yes I know this was actually discussed and the Rabbis felt the resultant successful world pressure for Israel to rebuild the mosques would be a great travesty—so they handed over the keys to the Jew-haters

But, Just suppose that the Rabbis were wrong in their political judgement.It would not be the first time as we saw during the holocaust. Revered Rabbis, teachers and role models came to the wrong decisions regarding an exodus from Europe when it was still possible

Americans including Jews are giving their lives so a “free Iraq” can write into their proposed constitution that anyone can be a citizen except a JEW.

Did the World cry out when Arafat despite his promise to President Clinton destroyed the Holy Burial place of Yosef (Joseph ) ?

Does the world utter one comment when Mr Abbas ,his team and his predecessors proclaim that never was a Jewish presence on the Har Habayith ( Temple Mount)?Does the Christian world even wonder where did Jesus function if there was no Bet Hamikdash and from where were the great Judaic religious articles now stored in the Vatican basement taken from if there was no Jewish Temple?

Let no one think I am a religious zealot. But rather I am a torah observant individual who three time a day at the conclusion of the main prayer (shmoneh Esreh) prays (as does every observant Jew) for the speedy rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem in our time.-even as I support the State of Israel and its democratic institutions (even if faulted),

But my thoughts today center not so much on those who seek to destroy us but on my fellow Jews. How has it come to pass that today the majority of my co-religionists look at this sweltering day as a beach or tennis opportunity and never heard of Tisha B’av.?
Why do the majority of my fellow Jews have so little understanding of Jewish history and spirituality, that they are devoid of attachment to the significance of the loss of our temple? I could pose dozens of such poignant questions that speak to total assimilation and ignorance of our heritage and our traditions.

Tisha B’Av speaks to our rejection of Jewish heritage and teachings. But our modern situation speaks to a torah community that has almost a total disconnect with non-observant communities and individuals. This is not restricted to the United States but surely in Israel as well.

Where are the foundations, federation programs, formal educational institutions, national synagogue groups, Rabbinic organizations and Chief Rabbis who are prepared to develop internet ,audio-visual programs and so on ,on a grand scale that can begin to address this problem? Even individuals and synagogues must pause to consider how they can face this problem. ,with small and individualized programs.

In a future blog I will describe a program that theoretically can change the face of synagogues in Israel.

I have no easy answers, only sadness in my heart. Sadly I know that those who are being evacuated under duress will return after the next war. Remember the children of the GUSH who returned decades after their parents were slaughtered by Arab terrorists. Hamas and their colleagues will never rest as long as there is a Jewish State. While I hope and pray for peace we must be vigilant that Israel will not repeat its grievous errors after they win the next war.

ORIENT HOUSE RE-OPENED 8/10/05

If the news from DEBKA .COM is correct , then for the first time in four years the Palestinian Authority has quietly re-opened Orient House as PA Headquarters in Jerusalem. To the PA this is a symbol of their claim to Jerusalem as the capitol of a Palestinian State.
I recall sitting outside the compound that was protected by PA security, and was an independent island of autonomy within Jerusalem. The PA motto of “today Gaza and tomorrow Jerusalem “is serious. Prior to the closure of Orient House by Sharon there were satellite PA mini-ministries throughout Jerusalem .These ranged from Health to Security and Social Services.
If the Prime Minister is truly committed to a unified indivisible Jerusalem as the Capitol of the State of Israel, he should without delay and WITHOUT CONSULTING the State Department close them down.
If he does not, it will only be a matter of time that Abbas will move in and foreign delegations will visit him not in Ramallah, but ORIENT HOUSE, in PALESTINIAN JERUSALEM

BIBI'S RESIGNATION 8/4/05

The resignation today of Finance Minister Bibi Netanyahu while commendable is very late in the process. It is hard to have confidence in him as a consistent leader, for it appears that each step of the way his actions appear to represent a measured approach as to what is best for Bibi and not the State of Israel.

No one can deny his dynamism. Taken together with his made-for-TV looks and speech, he surely could win an election among the Jews of NY. Whether he will convince Likud primary voters that he will be better than Sharon remains to be seen. However, his presence outside the Government may stiffen Sharon as he faces the onslaught of the American Administration for greater concessions.

It is possible that this resignation will energize the anti-disengagement forces. Perhaps more importantly, will be whether Netanyahu will convince the other Likud members of the Cabinet to likewise leave. If they do and Uzi Landau will join forces with Bibi, then perhaps the elections can be moved up to early 2006 and a united Likud and then electorate will fall in behind Bibi’s leadership.

In the meantime those who had hoped long ago for this move, anxiously pray that their faith will be rewarded. By the way, a natural ally of Bibi should be Natan Sharansky who long ago spoke of the insanity of disengagement without any reciprocal Palestinian concessions.

BOLTON,CONDY RICE AND SHARON-SOME THOUGHTS 8/1/05

It was certainly fair game for Democrats to attack John Bolton during the nomination process, though I objected to the failure to grant him an up or down vote. Sen. Chris Dodd however has gone over the line when he attacked now Ambassador Bolton after the President’s appointment.
True Bolton goes to the UN with sure public knowledge that he has the full confidence of our President and his State Dept., nevertheless the partisan attack on him were uncalled for and is a blow to any semblance of a bi-partisan foreign policy.

I fear for the fallout when the Roberts nomination comes up!

Today in the gym a classmate of mine going back to elementary and high school asked me why I never went into politics? After seeing the brutal character attacks on outstanding public servants up for judicial nominations etc., I wonder why so many competent people are still willing to go into public service?

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If the reports are even partially correct, then the bullying by Sec. of State Condaleeza Rice during her recent Israel trip is unacceptable and not seen in quite a few Administrations.

Israel is not a vassal state and at the end of the day security issues must be decided in Jerusalem and not Foggy Bottom. The pressure to force Israel to rearm the PA is totally out of line.

Abbas has shown no inclination to disarm the terror groups, or halt incitement. Despite the fact that Israel also fears to see Abbas toppled it cannot commit national suicide to make Ms. Rice happy.

Israeli intelligence believes that what Abbas lacks is the will and the commitment, and not the firepower.

Though this is surely a friendly President, our support is not an open ended invitation to pressure Israel on security issues.

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I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED AND UPSET WITH SOME ACTIONS OF THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT IN PREVENTING LEGITIMATE DISSENT BY THOSE WHO OPPOSE DISENGAGEMENT.

What the government is doing in targeting individuals with yarmulkes or orange clothing (as documented by the letter sent to the Prime Minister by OU President Steve Savitsky) violates all tenets of civil rights. It is encouraging a kulturkampf from which the nation will not soon recover.

Read the op-eds of Haaretz to see the vile and hate spewed against the religious Zionist communities.

The right to protest peacefully and the right to wear political or religious garb that is not an incitement is fundamental to a free society. If and when PROTESTERS cross the red line then those individuals who do so, must bear criminal or civil responsibility. However to prevent citizens from demonstrating or from wearing clothing that symbolizes a movement, because it might lead to their crossing that line is undemocratic.

A BYGONE ERA 7/28/05

From time to time my grandchildren ask my mother who just celebrated her 94th birthday if she could remember a time when there were no TV’s or computers.?They listen incredulously as we talk about radio as our prime source of home entertainment in addition to records and reading.

Before long young people will ask was there a different lifestyle before security concerns mandated body and bag searches in airports and subways.?In Israel opening the trunk of your car before you enter a garage is SOP ,and is now being used in the US.

So it was a breath of fresh air to attend the Tanglewood concerts of the Boston Pops in an outdoor setting. The atmosphere was relaxed, with families bringing in large baskets that contained wine,drinks,cheese with cutting knives and sitting in the great lawn prior to the concert. Parking was across the road, and aside from a few deputies directing traffic decorum was maintained by a myriad of senior citizen ushers who pointed you to your section and seat. The 15,000 people who came to enjoy an evening of music were not disappointed. Indeed the problems of a world gone mad seemed far-far away.

Sadly this portrait of America at its very best represents an era that will soon be forgotten. Why Tanglewood has such faith in the human environment I don’t know. I pray they don’t have to change.

.For us we can only hope that the war on terror will be victorious to the point that we will feel comfortable enough to relax our terror alerts and enjoy our lives without body scans and searches.

A POLITICAL HOME RUN 7/24/05

It was described as the PLAY OF THE WEEK. Indeed the Presidents nomination of Judge John Roberts was a masterful touch. He defied those who advocated political correctness (a woman or a minority member) as well as keeping away from a highly visible controversial conservative. He settled for intellect and integrity thus disarming the hordes geared for ideological battle.
With the Nation so clearly divided on social and cultural (in addition to security) issues it is the Presidents prerogative to choose a nominee. Those who believe he would appoint a liberal, are smoking too much funny stuff. Those who want a Justice nominee who is neutral on the major issues of the day would wind up with mediocrity on the Bench..
Instead of collecting millions to fight a losing battle against any Bush nominee, people from the Move-on.org etc, should concentrate on winning elections. Until they do our nation has spoken-a conservative Administration and Congress and with it a conservative Court nominee. And a wonderful nominee he is.
However, the President must not stop=next week he should appoint John Bolton to the UN slot for an interim appointment. We have previously discussed the urgent need to do so
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Congratulations are in order for the IPA of the Orthodox Union who played a major role in preventing Daylight Savings Time from being instituted for two additional months in order to save Energy. This change would have caused great difficulty for orthodox individuals who at certain periods and locations such as Detroit would have been unable to pray in the morning before leaving for work, due to the absence of light.
With the leadership of Sen. Craig and Cong Upton and Markey a compromise passed the Energy Comm. that would add only one week in the fall and 3 weeks in the spring to DST starting in 2007 after a period of study.
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Senator John Kyl ( R ) of Arizona and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton have agreed to be the guest speakers at the HUVPAC (Hudson Valley Political Action Comm. ) dinner Sept 25 at the Atrium in Monsey. Phyllis Wind will be one of the two honorees.
Sen. Clinton was to have been the speaker last year at our dinner where I was the honoree; however the Presidents surgery caused her to cancel.
Since its inception in 1982 HUVPAC has welcomed to its Annual Dinner Senators from both sides of the aisle and from opposing political philosophies .Call the Pac office for reservations 845-364-9375

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S AFRICAN AID 7/11/05

I have been to S Africa and had the opportunity to witness abject poverty up close in Soweto and other shanty villages. I have also included a small chapter in my auto-biography on this problem

Yes the world must invest billions to get to the roots of this problem. However using a rigid formula for the contributions by the US (0.7 % of GDP) will not solve the problems. It is not a feasible amount and the American people will not support it,in view of our war on terrorism and Iraq,and our budget defecit.

Primarily any massive contributions at this point while corruption (governmental and institutional )in Africa is the norm , is like throwing good money after bad. Until corruption is under control and there is strict accountability we should not throw our money away. The former Rhodesia is a perfect example of a country that has lost its bearings

Secondly is the ability of African governments to absorb such huge amounts of cash and products. Until the Europeans, primarily the French and Germans end their massive farm subsidies, African produce etc has no opportunity to reach the markets on a level playing field.Nor are there the trained specialists and economists that can succefully take the requested tens of billions requested from our country and make a viable and successful program. An examination of previously appropriated economic funds and materiel to these area will document many failures. Based upon other such programs (as oil for food ) perhaps one should examine the Swiss Bank accounts for some unused or unaccounted for funds.

President Bush has been extremely generous with our aid commitment. The problem is, and will be, our tremendous defense budget that is used to protect the free world. Our budget for military matters is greater than the combined military expenditures of all of NATO combined. Our superpower status should enable the rich countries of the world to pick up a greater portion of the economic tab, as we play our role as superpower and their protectors.

BUSH, SHARON AND DISENGAGEMENT 7/4/05 A HAPPY FOURTH

President Bush has been right all along that the war on terrorism must be seen to its conclusion .The free world will never be safe until Al –Quida and other terror networks are incapacitated and destroyed. That includes Iraq, the current center of terror activities.

Thus it is sad to see the administration remain publicly silent regarding the lack of progress by the PA and Mr Abbas on disarming Hamas,Al-Aksa Brigade and Islamic Jihad. That there have been no recent suicide bombings in Israel is only due to great intelligence and police efforts by the IDF.Certainly it is not for a lack of trying by the above elements. The number of youths caught attempting to infiltrate with weapons and bombs remains high, as does the rocket attacks on Gush Katif and its neighbors . Public reports of stockpiling of new and more sophisticated weaponry by the Palestinians represent a real danger to Israel in the post-disengagement period.

One month ago the second stop on our groups trip to Israel was the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba.We witnessed not only its high quality of modern medicine, but its outreach to the Bedouin and Palestinian communities. Thus it was such a horrendous but yet poignant lesson regarding the face of the enemy. A young woman entering Israel for a clinic appointment after long and successful surgical care, was found with a bomb destined for her doctors and the hospital that saved her life.What gratitude !

The Abbas formula seems to be invite terror groups to join his “unity coalition “,while he talks the “one gun “ nonsense. Indeed he has not retrieved ONE GUN from these groups. The number of smuggling tunnels remains high and probably growing,

We were told that the President stressed these issues to Mr Abbas in their private meeting, however there appears little likelihood that Abbas will change his nature. He is weak, and surrounded by political enemies who are Arafat loyalists .It is not in the cards that he can deliver on his promises.

Sitting in America and observing the daily events, it appears to me to be Oslo revisited. Violence on the part of the Palestinians, a disclaimer by Arafat that he doesn’t control the”bad guys’ and if only he had his own state ,army, airport etc he would be in control. The Israelis for there part absorb the rocket attacks until they must respond, and then often bombing empty buildings with a prior warning .They blame the settlers and their right wing allies for incitement as they yield more territory under American persuasion receiving nothing in return. Peres, Barak, Sharon and Netanyahu all actors in the same repetitive series of scenarios

Talking of Bibi his vow to absent himself from the Knesset vote this Wed. is pure show business,as is Mr Sharon’s vow to fire him if he is absent. Mr. Netanyahu had a chance to prevent disengagement, and his affirmative vote was key to is passage. Will Likud and other voters detect any sincerity or national purpose for his absence on Wed?.

At the end of the day how many people doubt that Israel will be forced to respond to violence and terror by attacking or re-entering Gaza ?

We do not need a new EU initiative on the Middle East . We do need the PA to carry out its obligations for a disarmed populace, the rule of law, and the acceptance of Israel with an end to incitement .We need them to stop talking and preaching the “right of return” and a divided Jerusalem. We need them to stop preaching that Jewish Holy sites are fictitious.

While I have never favored disengagement, if anyone represents my point of view in the Israeli leadership it is Natan Sharansky.IT COULD BE,that for military ,strategic and the long term survival of Israel as a Jewish State with a Jewish majority that Gaza with its 1.5 million Palestinians must be sacrificed. However, it cannot occur without exacting the type of guarantees and concessions from the PA and the US that is totally absent. This is a withdrawal as a reward for terror- no matter what today’s polls show, or the accompanying rhetoric.

The actions of the irresponsible groups of youths that spill oil, and pour nails on major highways is a turn-off for most Israelis and counter-productive. .Rav Motte Alon is correct ,there is a proper way to oppose. Yes to marches, demonstations, newspaper ads, house to house canvassing and the ballot box. No one has the right to endanger lives of innocent travelers by spilling oil on the road of a major highway.

Many of us from time to time have been disturbed by a parade or a demonstration that brought traffic to a halt, Regardless of the cause most of us are unhappy because we are coming to or from work,tired, frustrated -and we become angry. The actions of these youths is surely responsible for a spike in public acceptance or support for disengagement .

I also oppose the actions of medical colleagues and friends who propose to build a field hospital in the Gush Katif area in Aug. It can only be an incitement to violence. A Jew must not strike another Jew. One may oppose this disengagement with all ones heart and soul ,but the stability of democracy and a viable state demands that laws, passed by the Cabinet and Knesset ,and reviewed by the Courts must be obeyed.

. Absent that we have anarchy .Public utterance to “depose” the PM is evil. Which we dare not contemplate. Surely we suffered post –Rabin.

One must pray for cool heads and strong backbones on the part of Israeli leadership. America and President Bush are great friends but the interests of Israel supercede total obedience to them

The completion of the Maale Adumim-Jerusalem ring, the building of needed facilities for family and communal growth in the Gush and Ariel areas as well as the completion of the security fence must be completed at a rapid pace without public announcements or fanfare.

Although Gush Katif is teaching us that “FACTS” on the ground may not be the last word, the people and the State of Israel will not be able to tolerate such a trauma and tragedy each time the White House or the Sec. of State snap their fingers.

We in the pro-Israel community in the US must maintain our support for the medina while pushing Congress and the Administration to realize in words and actions that the interests of the US in the war on terror, and the battle to spread democracy and freedom lies with tiny Israel (and not Mr Abbas and his henchmen) and a strong Israel with Jerusalem as its undivided and eternal capitol.

THE BATTLE HAS JUST BEGUN

BOLTON DESERVES AN UP OR DOWN VOTE 6/22/05

Two weeks ago while in Washington, I asked an old friend, a liberal Democratic Senator from the Northwest, whether John Bolton will be confirmed? He answered, “yes, eventually.”

The leadership of his party is making a great error, if they believe that Americans beyond their party base are supportive of their tactics. The U.N. is a sick organization and we, not only as the only superpower in the UN, but more importantly as its prime financial provider must provide the tough leadership necessary for a turn-around.

I challenge the Democrats to tell us which of their colleagues is without a temper or has never rebuked an underling or colleague? Toughness, intelligence, integrity a clear vision of our national needs, a proven record and most importantly the confidence of our President are the key ingredients for our UN representative and that describes John Bolton.

I close my eyes and see a tough Adlai Stevenson standing up to the Russians in the Security Council. I recall vividly the video of Patrick Moynihan hugging Chaim Herzog the Israeli UN delegate after the “Zionism is Racism “ vote was lost . Moynihan can be seen clearly saying to Herzog “let them go F—K themselves." And I remember Jean Kirkpatrick taking no nonsense from our adversaries.

John Bolton is in that tradition. I have had the honor of meeting him when he appeared before the Presidents Conference. The last time was in his suite at the Waldorf during a UN meeting. He is tough, competent and to the point. There is no doubt that he understands the War on Terrorism and his views have certainly made him a target of the Presidents opponents.

The battle over judicial nominations has brought the issue of the filibuster to the forefront. Federal and Supreme Court nominees who serve for a life-time tenure at least highlight the issues of Conservative vs. Liberal philosophies. The Bolton nomination is an attack on our foreign policy and the right of the President to choose his team and his approach to the world. As the victor in our elections, that is his right and his candidate deserves an up or down vote.

It is time for that vote. President Bush should not hesitate one millisecond to act and use his recess appointment powers if the Senate continues to obstruct the needs of our country.

MR. PERES IS AT AGAIN 6/19/05

It is always interesting to observe Shimon Peres, attempt to weave a repetition of Oslo into the current disengagement planning. His upcoming trip to meet Egyptian officials is an attempt to undermine Mr. Sharon who looks upon the upcoming disengagement as a necessary tactical move and unrelated to the Road Map. The Prime Minister believes that absent an end to incitement, the dismantling of terrorists groups, the institution of the rule of law etc, there can be no progress toward the Road Map.

Mr. Peres seems to fall closer to the Egyptian governments point of view that disengagement must be accompanied by major Israeli concessions regarding Egyptian troops in the Sinai, the granting of air and sea sovereignty for the PA in Gaza with a port and airport, and the immediate progress to the road map talks which would include a contiguity between Gaza and the PA in the West Bank. Implicit is the further immediate Israeli “disengagements ‘from West Bank settlements. His theme is that unlike the Prime minister this is not the end of a process (of giving back settlements), but is only the first step.

In addition Mr. Peres allegedly is in favor of arming the PA in order for them to police their territories .The Prime Minister not only is not prepared to commit himself to immediate road map talks, he equally is reticent about the concept of “contiguity “ preferring to think about a rail line as a connecting link.

In any case it is sad that we have not learned the proper lessons from the spilled blood of Israelis. When Mr. Peres in another life arranged for PA sharpshooters to be trained by the CIA ,Jewish blood flowed. If the disengagement occurs, there must be a demilitarized PA entity. without air rights. The PA currently has enough firepower to do the job of disarming Hamas and Islamic Jihad..IT IS THE WILL THAT IS LACKING..

Inviting Egypt for a greater role in the Philadelphia corridor and the Sinai is an unwise slippery slope that will prove disastrous for the Israelis.

Despite his age Mr. Peres has all his faculties and he brings his considerable world prestige to bear on his aim to destroy the settlements, divide Jerusalem and turn the clock back to pre 1967. The voters of Israel have rejected his concept of transforming Israel (from a Jewish State to a “Hong Kong “) each time, but like an Ever-Ready battery he keeps ticking. Sadly he occupies the number three position in the government and Mr. Sharon has himself to blame for depending so much of his policy on this sly politician.

JERUSALEM, OUR ETERNAL CAPITAL 6/9/05

This weeks celebration of Yom Yerushalayim ( Jerusalem Solidarity Day ) brings forth much emotion within me .The famous 1967 words of General Motte Gur “HAR HABAYIT BEYADEYNU “ the ancient and holy site of the Temple Mount is in our hands still rings out each year as we celebrate.

Yet coupled with this joy is a sense of trepidation and concern. The sovereignty and absolute sense of ownership that so many of us have believed in, since that glorious day at the conclusion of the six Day War is under attack.

That Mr Abbas publicly attacks us, I am hardly shocked. However when Mr. Peres publicly states that Israel should never have annexed the old city and MK Tommy Lapid calls for an Arab assistant--Mayor, in Jerusalem not because there is someone worthy to support the State, but because he is an Arab then we are in trouble.

For many years I have made the issue of the American Embassy in Tel Aviv a personal one. Each candidate for President I asked the same question, and falsely received an assurance that their election would bring about a change. Even Sec of State Condaleeza Rice prior to then Gov. Bush’s’ election assured me that we could trust him on this issue.

When Pres Clinton was in office I raised the Embassy issue at a large White House meeting of the Pres Conference, reading back to him his own statements on the subject. As I relate in my book, he differentiated between the promises of a candidate and that of a sitting President subject to competing interests.

Sadly over the many years I have been told repeatedly by members of the Congress that quietly Israeli officials never felt this was a key issue. In essence they have undermined their American supporters

Yesterday HUVPAC made its annual mission to the Capitol..Sen Sam Brownback ( R-Kansas) brought to our attention the fact that he recently introduced SR (Senate Resolution )14

SR 14 states among other things, that not later than 180 days before the US recognizes a Palestinian State, we must move our Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
While I found some interest among Senators in supporting this, some demurred because they felt we are so close to peace in light of the Israeli withdrawal ( they are wrong) that we should not muddy the waters so to speak ( I disagree )
One Democratic Senator believed that this is part of a born-again fundamentalist move in order to convert Jews.

In any case those of us who love Jerusalem, and believe it is our eternal capital should take heed .Our enemies and even some who should be among our supporters seek to divide the city and give away our holy places to those whose battle with us is not over boundaries but our very existence as a people living in a Jewish State.


CHAG SAMEACH- A HAPPY SHAVUOTH TO ALL

The German reality 6/4/05

From the day that I was able to understand the tragedies of the Holocaust, I never ever considered the possibility of visiting Germany. Moreover I avoided the purchase of autos and medical equipment that originate there. Even in regard to reparations I had ambivalent feelings, and understood the minority who felt strongly about normalizing Jewish/Israeli-German relations.
As a member of the Jewish Agency (Sochnut) I was witness to much recent discussion regarding the 100-120,000 halachic Jews who are living in Germany in addition to a similar number of FSU immigrants who are not halachically accepted by the Khillah (community) Taken together with the close military/political/economic ties I felt that it was time to visit and observe for myself.
I have already described our shiur’s visit to Israel with our donation of a torah scroll to the IDF Navy. From there we went to Moscow, which I shall subsequently report on
Allow me to start at the end. On Shabbat,I walked to the Orthodox synagogue which was located four blocks from our hotel. I wore a large blue and white kipah srugah (knitted skullcap). Though I passed hundreds on the street,as well as huge groups sitting at sidewalk cafes, I did not detect a single double-take or untoward reaction. There were about 300 worshippers at the synagogue Sat morning, a little less Fri and Sat evenings. Many were Russians who obviously did not know how to pray or read Hebrew. They had a wonderful young Cantor originally from Israel. The security was similar to that present in synagogues around the world.
The kosher restaurant was crowded each evening we were there, although for Shabbat lunch it was more relaxed and not as hectic. I was told that a second dairy kosher establishment had just opened.
Throughout our short visit to Berlin we were impressed time and again with the importance the City, Federal government and as far as we could tell the people ,placed on these sites. Clearly they were coming to grips with the holocaust tragedy, but also of the role of their parents and grandparents. in this period.
In front of homes where Jews once lived, there were bronze sidewalk plaques imbedded in the pavement with their names and disposition. In the formerly Jewish neighborhood, large pictures and signs were placed on light poles etc, each one representing the edict of the Nazis against the Jews, such as Jews cannot sit on the park bench. On many of the bus shelters there was an entire story in picture and prose dedicated to holocaust era events-such as the Wansee Conferenc, where Eichmann plotted to kill 12 million world Jews, or the story of Adolph Eichmannn .
We were fortunate the much publicized Holocaust Memorial opened the week we were there and thus had an opportunity to spend a few hours there. The Holocaust museum, the Reform Temple, the Jewish cemetery, the Olympic Stadium where Jesse Owens ran, the Brandenburg Gate ,the Wanssee center and the Potsdam Center (where Truman, Stalin and Churchill met at the end of the war), and so many other sites that are being built regarding Nazism, brutality and mans inhumanity to his fellowman all speak to the feelings of a new German generation .
As we sat the first evening in the kosher restaurant,located on the second floor of the Jewish Community Center, a train passed by on an overhead El that could be clearly seen through the open windows. Earlier in the day we had gone to a memorial for Berlin Jews at a railroad depot from whence they were deported to the Camps. Many in our group commented on the eerie feeling that the passing passenger train elicited within our thoughts. Yet we realized that was in the past, never to forget, yet praying for a saner tomorrow.
The hi-level visits in the past two weeks by Foreign Minister Shalom, and President Katsav are further proof of this trend. Interestingly World Mizrachi (Religious Zionists )have 23 shlichim ( representatives )in Germany to service the community.
None of this is to suggest that we ever forget. Nor should we be naive and believe that it could not happen in other countries and regions. However the German response under the circumstances is admirable as far a short visit can determine

THE FRENCH EU DEFEAT 5/29/05

The defeat today of the EU constitution in France and its impending defeat in Holland later this week is welcome news.
The French goal of attempting to create an alternate center of world power is but a back-handed slap at the U.S. In the immediate future the result will be a lowering of the value of the Euro .But more importantly anything that disrupts the cohesiveness and power of the EU should lessen the ability of that group to pressure Israel in the peace process. It will also divert their attention inwardly as they ponder their future and even the future of its unitary monetary policy . Thus they will exhibit less bravado and power to negatively influence events in Israel.
The Europeans have many economic and social problems. These include high unemployment, a low birthrate with an inability to guarantee the stability of their welfare systems without immigration from N Africa. The Islamization of Europe that ensues yields crime, and a lack of integration of these millions of refugees. These problems plus a lack of contact between the average European and the Central EU structure, on top of resentment against the Chirac Government all speak to the underlying problems in Europe.

A MEMORABLE SEFER TORAH PRESENTATION 5/26/05

It has been an exciting two weeks for me and the group of physicians, spouses and friends who joined our mission.
During my adult years I have taken part in many presentations of a sefer Torah to an organization, synagogue or community These have always been exciting and uplifting experiences. However very few ceremonies in my life compare to the spiritual highs of the Ashdod Naval base Hachnasat Sefer Torah (presentation of a torah scroll) ceremony.
When our Talmud study group in Good Samaritan Hospital, in Suffern N.Y. decided to raise funds for a Torah, they invited their colleagues to join, and be a part of this great mitzvah.
Thus a large segment of the Jewish physicians of Good Sam participated. The cover of the Torah.(mentle) had each contributors name embroidered on the back ,in addition to that of the Community Synagogue of Monsey and World Mizrachi who gave us assistance in our project.
On the first morning that our group spent in Israel, we started the Rosh Chodesh (new moon) day by attending morning services at a new hesder yeshiva (Yeshiva Hagevoah Tel Aviv Maaleh Eliyahu)That morning they celebrated a bar mitzvah of a non-orthodox neighborhood youth .
. Back at the hotel, our group was honored to welcome Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau shlitah of Tel Aviv (and former Israeli Chief Rabbi ) In his wonderfully powerful and charismatic talk,he proceeded to inspire our group as befits the double celebration of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut.Perhaps more importantly he prepared us emotionally and spiritually for the upcoming naval ceremony.
At the actual ceremony at the Ashdod Naval Base,close to 200 male and female soldiers and sailors danced and kissed the Torah with such enthusiasm and love that tears came to our eyes as our pride and joy reached an unbelievable high..We all realized that we were witnessing a phenomonom.
Young Israelis almost all of them non-orthodox smiling and overjoyed with spontaneity they each had the opportunity to walk under the huge rolling 20 foot high crown and canopy(chupah) accompanied by a sound truck while holding the Torah, surrounded by the dancing of our group and their colleagues What was remarkable was that this dancing which lasted almost two hours was joined in by all who were on the base from the most junior recruit to the Commander with the rank of Naval Captain
A surprise guest was Rabbi Zev Leff formerly of Miami and a strong supporter of the OU and NCSY who was invited by one of the Commanders on the base who live in his community of Kfar Matisyahu. Both Rabbi Leff who is an old friend and I spoke .
I pointed out that the portion of the Torah that week was EMOR whose first sentence is an admonition to the priests to prepare their children for the duties of the priesthood, as a protective reminder that only vigilance and piety to our traditions and laws will be the source of our survival. The Torah is our lifeline to protect the spiritual continuity of the Jewish people. How appropriate it was for our group to present a Torah to the Navy whose responsibility it is to guard our physical well-being from those who would seek to destroy Israel by using the surrounding bodies of water This gift speaks to our commitment to support the religious, spiritual and physical security of our brethren and our homeland
Since that event each and every member of our group cannot stop discussing its impact on them.
In a few days as the jet lag disappears I intend to discuss lessons I have learned from the Moscow-Berlin portion of our trip

A CLARIFICATION 5/7/05

I WOULD LIKE TO REITERATE,I AM NOT ADVOCATING A DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE PRIME MINISTER.I WAS POINTING OUT THAT IN MY OPINION THE DECISION TO HAVE SUCH A RALLY IN NY WAS NOT WELL THOUGHT OUT
I LEAVE WITH MY SHIUR TO ISRAEL MOSCOW AND BERLIN AND WILL RESUME THE BLOG IN 2 WEEKS.,

A N.Y..RALLY FOR ISRAEL? DISENGAGEMENT? 5/5/05

IT IS DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN
I LIVED THROUGHT THE 1995 NY PRESIDENTS CONFERENCE RALLY THAT WAS BILLED AS A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE THEN STRICKEN PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL YITZCHOK RABIN ,AH
.THE ISSUE S WERE A DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN THOSE WHO WANTED A RALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE” PEACE PROCESS” AND THOSE WHO WANTED TO SUPPORT THE STATE AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL AND THE “PURSUIT OF PEACE” (NOT THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS PURSUIT OF PEACE) (I HAVE A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THAT BATTLE IN MY BOOK)
THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE PRESIDENTS CONFERENCE THAT THEY WILL SPONSOR A NY RALLY ON MAY 22 IS VERY REMINISCENT OF THE ABOVE BATTLE..
IS THE RALLY T TO SUPPORT THE GAZA PULLOUT AND THE PRIME MINISTERS PLANS OR IS IT TO SIMPLY EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE AS THE PRIME MINISTER, MR SHARON WILL BE TRAVELING TO THE AIPAC CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON ?
IN EITHER CASE I BELIEVE THAT THE CHANCES OF THIS RALLY TAKING PLACE ARE PROBLEMATIC
· WHILE IT WILL NOT BE DIFFICULT TO GET 1500 INVITED LEADERS TO NY TO SUPPORT DISENGAGEMENT, NEW YORK COULD EASILY PRODUCE 20-50,000 PROTESTERS AGAINST DISENGAGEMENT ON SHORT NOTICE..
· IF ZOA, YOUNG ISRAEL, OTHER RIGHT WING GROUPS, PLUS THE LONE RANGERS OF JEWISH ACTIVISM BRING OUT THE TROOPS THEY WILL BE JOINED BY THOUSANDS OF YESHIVA STUDENTS. EVEN THE ORTHODOX UNION WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER ABANDONING ITS “POLICY” OF “NO POLICY” IF THE ANTI-RALLY WERE DONE RESPECTFULLY.
· SHOULD THESE OPPONENTS MAKE PUBLIC CALLS FOR A DEMONSTRATION THE LEFT WING MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE WHO BELIEVE THAT AMERICAN JEWRY SUPPORTS DISENGAGEMENT ARE IN FOR A BIG SURPRISE THEIR SUPPORTERS DO NOT HAVE THE FIRE IN THE BELLY THAT THE ORTHODOX AND NEO-CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITIES HAVE.
· NO WAY IN MY OPINION COULD THE LEFTIES BRING OUT THE MASSES ON SHORT NOTICE TO COUNTER THR RIGHT. BUT WITH OR WITHOUT A COUNTER/COUNTER DEMONSTRATION IT WILL BE A MESS.
· SHOULD SUCH AN ANTI DISENGAGEMENT RALLY START TO PERCOLATE IT IS PROBABLE THAT ISRAELI SECURITY WILL NOT ALLOW SHARON TO COME-IF THAT WAS THE INTENTION, AND EVENTUALLY THE RALLY WILL BE CALLED OFF OR MOVED TO WASHINGTON ETC
SHOULD SUCH A RALLY FLOP IT WOULD BE A MAJOR EMBARRASSMENT TO SHARON AND THE LEFT WING
LET US REMEMBER IF THE RALLY IS SIMPLY TO SUPPORT ISRAEL, NEW YORK HAS A MAJOR ISRAEL DAY PARADE COMING UP AND DOESN’T NEED ANOTHER SUCH RALLY
RIGHT WING OR MODERATE GROUPS WHO SUPPORT THE RALLY SHOULD NOT FOOL THEMSELVES AS TO ITS PURPOSE.
IT IS ALL EXCITING AND HIGH POLITICAL DRAMA AND WE HAVE NOT HEARD THE END OF IT YET

A NEW AIPAC PRESIDENT, AND BOMB SALES 5/3/05

I WAS SO PLEASED TO LEARN THAT MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE HOWARD “TZVI “ FRIEDMAN HAS BEEN ELECTED AS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF AIPAC.
TZVI, A RESIDENT OF BALTIMORE, IS THE ORGANIZATIONS FIRST ORTHODOX PRESIDENT. A WARM AND FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL, HE IS AN OUTSTANDING BAAL TZEDAKAH (PHILANTHROPIST) HIS CAUSES ARE MANY AND ECLECTIC. AS A LEADER OF THE BALTIMORE FEDERATION, HE DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF ON MANY FRONTS.
I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO CONVINCE HIM TO HEAD UP NCSY WHEN I SERVED AS ORTHODOX UNION PRESIDENT.THERE IS HARDLY A YESHIVA OR CHARITY THAT HE DOES NOT TAKE A LEADING ROLE IN. SUPPORTING
HIS RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FROM BOTH PARTIES IS LEGENDARY AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN HE HAS RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE IN ORDER TO STRENGHTHEN THE U.S-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP
I WISH HIM AND HIS WIFE CHAYA MUCH SUCCES ON THIS VENTURE-OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD BE PROUD.


BOMB SALES TO ISRAEL

WE SHOULD APPLAUD THE SALE BY THE US OF BUNKER BUSTING BOMBS TO ISRAEL.THESE SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED 2000 POUND BOMBS CAN BURROW DEEP INTO THE GROUND AND 20 FEET BELOW DESTROY CONCRETE WALLS.
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS A MESSAGE TO IRAN. ABSENT AN AGREEMENT THAT WOULD HALT URANIUM ENRICHMENT,AND ,IF IT APPEARS THEY ARE GETTING CLOSE TO A NUCLEAR DEVICE WITH A DELIVERY SYSTEM THEN THE US WILL APPROVE OF ISRAEL TAKING DEFINITIVE PRO-ACTIVE STEPS AS IT DID IN IRAQ TO DESTROY THE OSARIK REACTOR.
THIS SALE WILL REQUIRE CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL,AND WE WILL NEED AIPAC’S LEADERSHIP IN THIS REGARD.THIS IS BUT ONE REASON THAT THE SUCCESS OF AIPAC IS VITAL TO EACH ONE OF US,

CHAG KASHER VSAMEACH 4/21/05

TO ALL MY READERS A CHAG KASHER VESAMEACH-WILL RETURN AFTER THE HOLIDAY

THE GAY PRIDE PARADE IN JERUSALEM 4/19/05

MARC STERN OF THE AMERICAN JEWISH CONGRESS HAS WRITTEN A MOST INTERESTING ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY AND THE GROWING SOCIETAL ACCEPTANCE OF HOMOSEXUALITY

.IN THE CURRENT ISSUE OF TRADITION MAGAZINE HE POINTS OUT THAT WHILE WE CAN PROTEST. TO THE FULL CAPACITY OF OUR LUNGS, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT WE HAVE LOST THE PUBLIC RELATIONS BATTLE.THIS IS EVEN AS WE STRIVE TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY NOT FROM HOMOSEXUALS, BUT FROM ITS ACCEPTANCE AS A LEGITIMATE ALTERNATIVE TO A HETEROSEXUAL LIFE WITH A MOTHER AND FATHER FAMILY UNIT.

NEVERTHELESS EVEN AS WE ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT EACH HUMAN BEING WITH DIGNITY, OUR CAVEAT IS THAT HOW THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN THE PRIVACY OF THEIR HOMES IS NOT OUR CONCERN.HOWEVER, WHEN THEY SEEK TO INDOCTRINATE US OR SEEK TO LOBBY FOR SPECIAL PRIVILEGE OR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD RECOGNIZE THEIR WAY OF LIFE AS A MORAL EQIVALENCE TO HETEROSEXUALITY THEN WE MUST PROTEST.

HOMOSEXUALS ARE ENTITLED TO THE FULL PROTECTION OF THE LAW AS CITIZENS.BUT DO NOT DESERVE SPECIAL PROTECTION ABOVE ALL OTHER CITIZENS OR GROUPS

THUS WHEN THEY TAKE THEIR AGENDA AND PLAN A GAY PRIDE PARADE IN AUGUST IN THE HOLY CITY OF JERUSALEM I FIND THIS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE…I WOULD DARE THEM TO MARCH IN ST. PETERS SQUARE

TO COME TO A CITY THAT IS THE SEAT OF RELIGIOUS LIFE IN ISRAEL AND TO MARCH WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PROCLAIMING THEIR PRIDE IN THEIR ALTERNATE LIFE STYLE, IS NAUSEATING AND PROVOCATIVE.

THE RARE COALITION OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS (JEWS, MUSLIMS ,EASTERN ORTHODOX AND CATHOLIC) THAT OPPOSE SUCH A HIDEOUS MARCH SPEAKS TO THE COMMON ACEPTANCE OF THE NOAHTIDE LAWS BY THE NON –JEWS AND OF THE TORAH BY OUR RABBIS WHICH CALLS HOMOSEXUALITY A “ TOAVA ‘AN ABOMINATION. THERE ARE NO IFS, BUTS OR MAYBES.

NO ORGANIZED RELIGION CAN APPROVE OF HOMOSEXUALITY EVEN AS IT MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SHOW UNDERSTANDING,COMPASSION ,SUPPORT, AND HELP FOR THE INDIVIDUAL HOMOSEXUAL

THE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THIS PARADE BY CONSERVATIVE, REFORM AND RECONSTRUCTIONIST “RELIGIOUS “LEADERS IN ISRAEL WHILE SHOCKING IS NOT UNEXPECTED.
AS IN THE CONVERSION THE ISSUE IN NOT WHO IS A JEW---WE KNOW WHO IS A JEW. IT IS WHO A RABBI?

AN INDIVIDUAL WHO VIOLATES THE SABBATH, THE LAWS OF KASHRUTH AND TFILLIN , PUBLICLY PERFORMS SAME-SEX UNIONS AND ENDORSES HOMOSEXUALITY AS AN ACEPTED “RELIGIOUS CEREMONY” I ASK CAN WE CALL THIS PERSON A RABBI ?

THESE LEADERS TALK ABOUT COMPASSION AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES IN OUR TORAH, HOWEVER THEY TOTALLY NEGLECT THE ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY AS A PRINCIPLE OF FAITH.
THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR OWN RELIGION WITH THEIR OWN LAWS, BUT JUDIASM IT IS NOT

WHAT RELIGION DOES IT CORRESPOND TO? WHAT IS THEIR SIMILARITY TO THE 13 PRINCIPLES OF MAIMONEDES OR THE 613 MITZVOTH?

IT IS EASY FOR COMEDIANS AND LIBERALS TO ATTACK RELIGIOUS LEADERS WHO UNITE “FOR HATE AND BIGOTRY.” TO THE CONTRARY THESE UNITED FORCES SPEAK TO A COMMON MORALITY BASED UPON THE TORAH.. JUST A REMINDER TO THE PARADE SUPPORTERS IT IS FOR THE SIN OF HOMOSEXUALITTY (AMONG OTHERS) THAT SODOM WAS DESTROYED.
. MARC STERN IS CORRECT – THE PUBLIC IS NOT REALLY EXCITED EXCEPT PERHAPS TO OPPOSE SAME SEX MARRIAGES.
NEVERTHELESS TO UPHOLD THE DIGNITY OF JERUSALEM WE SHOULD NOT BE SILENT.

DELAY, BOLTON AND THE "NUCLEAR OPTION" 4/17/05

I LOVE POLITICS AND ENJOY THE TENSIONS AND DRAMA OF THE ELECTIONS SEASON. OUR CAMPAIGNS HAVE BECOME SO DIRTY AND INTENSE AS WELL AS PROLONGED THAT A POST ELECTION RESPITE FROM PURE PARTISANSHIP IS WELCOME.

To me, the worst parts of the pre-election bickering are the TALKING HEADS ON CABLE TELEVISION. They have become EXTREMELY familiar to us and their prejudice and points of view lack spontaneity or sincerity. It is a price we pay for 24 hour cable news coverage that has to keep the audience entertained with controversy, real or contrived.

Thus, it is sad to see the tremendous hatred that has enveloped Capitol Hill as evidenced by three concurrent partisan battles so soon after our national elections (in which it appeared that the American people spoke decisively).

The attacks on Tom Delay are part of an organized effort to bring down the most effective leader that the Republicans can muster.

Firstly, on the issues of the trips abroad, I am aware that a high percentage of The Congress takes similar trips. It is not unusual for interest groups to set up non-profit organizations that have as one of its purposes the ability to invite Members of Congress and their staffs to take foreign trips to areas that interest the sponsoring body. IT IS NOT ILLEGAL and is a common practice. If the Congress would make it illegal that would be a different matter. Let the Democrats issue a list of each member of Congress who takes such a trip. I think we would be shocked at the high numbers of members involved.

Regarding salaries given by his campaign committee to his wife, here too, it is a matter of what they did for the money. If they were given a no-show or fictitious position, that would be illegal. However, if they (the wife and other family members) are talented and experienced campaign strategists or fund raisers, this again is a practice used by many campaigns and is not illegal.

At the end of the day, it will be the voters of his district that will determine as to whether he crossed the line of ethical behavior.

INDEED THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DELAY IS ORGANIZED NOT SO MUCH BY HOUSE DEMOCRATS, BUT BY GEORGE SOROS, THE N.Y. TIMES AND OTHER LEFT WING ORGANIZATIONS WHO CANNOT BELIEVE THEY LOST TWO PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS IN A ROW. AFTER ALL, THEY THINK, “HOW STUPID CAN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BE?”

FOR THE PRESENT, DELAY HAS THE CONFIDENCE OF HIS PARTY AS A GREAT LEADER.

TO US IN THE PRO-ISRAEL COMMUNITY HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE OUR LOYALTY, RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR HIS WILLINGNESS TO STAND UP AGAINST PALESTINIAN TERRORISM AND ON BEHALF OF A SECURE AND PROSPEROUS ISRAEL, EVEN IF IT MEANS BUCKING HIS PRESIDENT AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT. HE HAS GREATER INSIGHT INTO THE DANGERS THAT A PALESTINIAN STATE PRESENTS TO ISRAEL THAN 95% OF JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS (IN AND OUT OF THE CONFERENCE).

WE WISH HIM WELL AND PRAY FOR HIS SUCCESS AGAINST THOSE WHO, FOR PARTISANSHIP, SEEK TO DESTROY HIM.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST JOHN BOLTON SIMILARLY IS AN ATTEMPT BY DEMCRATS TO EMBARESS AND STYMIE THE PRESIDENT ON HIS CHOICE OF NOMINEES.
Bolton, an outspoken neo-conservative is a great friend of our community, who has spoken out against multi-nationalism when the vital national security interests of the United States are at stake. I believe that he will serve in the mold of Jeanne Kirpatrick and Pat Moynihan. He should be confirmed immediately .

Finally is the question of the so-called nuclear option whereby the ability to end a filibuster would be limited in the case of judicial nominees to a majority vote. In truth, I am not familiar with the ten nominees the President wishes confirmed. I do believe that each of them is entitled to an up or down vote. While the filibuster is an important legislative tool for the minority party, it should not be used in areas where precedent has prevented both parties from using it (to block judicial nominees).

Hopefully a compromise can be worked out. But, if not, then the Republicans must bite the bullet. Six months ago I urged Senator Pete Santorum in a private discussion, to have Sen. Frist and the leadership keep the Senate in session through Thanksgiving and the Holidays, day and night to force a vote on these nominees. The American people indeed have told the President that we have confidence in his judicial nominees-LET THE SENATE ACT.

THE LOST ORTHODOX VOICE 4/10/05

Last week the respected political columnist for the Jewish Week Jim Besser called me for an interview on the TOPIC OF the Orthodox Community and its response or lack of response to unfolding events in Israel. Subsequent to our discussion I have tried to clarify my thinking on these issues. .
The overwhelming majority of my co-religionists are deeply troubled with disengagement. Their feelings are based upon theological grounds, security issues and pragmatic political concerns.
Our community is divided between those who have no hesitation to criticize publicly the Israeli government.( Of course this is not limited to orthodox individuals.) and those while unhappy do not agree with such public criticism. I include myself in that group. A small minority favor disengagement as it now is constituted (TO BE HONEST, I DON’T THINK I HAVE MET MORE THAN ONE OR TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY)
A major problem is that as the activists march in Gush Katif for a worthy cause, basically it is too late. It is after the barn door was opened and the animals have fled. The Democracy of Israel, with all of its fundamental faults and pimples has spoken. If the Supreme Court does not reverse the orders, then the decision of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Knesset will stand, whether a small group of American Jews like it or not. The next battle is tomorrow in Texas.
Moreover confusing right –wing rhetoric emphasizing the theological somehow may have turned off a large number of potential supporters who are looking for a MODERATE BRAND OF RIGHT OF CENTER POLITICAL LEADERSHIP.
The tire burnings at intersections and talk of civil war or soldiers not returning to duty after Pesach,is a big turnoff even if it is not coming from American right-wingers.
Of course the talk by the left of a military coup is outrageous and should be treated by the authorities for what it is,INCINDIARY and LIBELOUS. It should be prosecuted as PURE INCITEMENT.
ON THE ONE HAND THE Presidents Conference must by its nature support the government. An organization comprising the far left and the far right, the reform and the orthodox, the religious and the secular cannot do otherwise.
· But I see a great void and a total lack of leadership that would espouse a MODERATE RIGHT OF CENTER philosophy. Let me be more specific
· while I oppose American Jews being involved in criticizing the Israeli government,as an American I have no such hesitations regarding our (American ) foreign policy
· Such leadership should be speaking out publicly by statements, newspaper ads, op-eds, phone calls, E-mail s etc with the following themes

· MR PRESIDENT WE LOVE YOU,BUT MAALE ADUMIM IS PART OF JERUSALEM-NO PRESSURE ON ISRAEL

· MR PRESIDENT, EVERY SINGLE MILITARY ANALYST BELIEVES THAT A FEW MONTHS AFTER DISENGAGEMENT TERRORIST WHO ARE NOW RESUPPLYING WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN=

· MR PRESIDENT GO VISIT MAALE ADUMIM ETC-IT IS NOT A SETTLEMENT

· MR PRESIDENT, PLEASE CLARIFY YOUR STATEMENTS OF JUNE 24-LET US DO AWAY WITH AMBIGUITY-IS THERE AN UNDERSTANDING ON THE GUSH, ARIEL AND MAALE ADUMIM OR NOT? DO YOU AGREE WITH CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTIONS THAT STATE THAT JERUSALEM IS THE UNDIVIDED ETERNAL CAPITOL OF ISRAEL OR NOT? ARE YOU PREPARED TO CARRY OUT YOUR PROMISE OF FOUR YEARS AGO TO MOVE THE U.S. EMBASSY TO JERSALEM, OR NOT?
· MR PRESIDENT WHY SHOULD ISRAEL WITHDRAW ONE INCH WHEN THE TERRORIST GROUPS HAVE NOT BEEN DISARMED AND THE PRIME MINISTER MR ABU ALAI , IN AN ARAFAT-MANNER IS UNDERMING ABU MAZEN ON EVERY SINGLE ISSUE ?

· TO THE SENATE WE SAY DO NOT REINSERT THE POWER OF A PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER IN AN AID BILL FOR THE PA

EVERYDAY WE SHOULD HIT HOME THE VIOLATIONS AND SECURITY ISSUES OF THE PA AND ITS SUBSDIARIES.

BEFORE MR SHARON MEETS THE PRESIDENT WE SHOULD HAVE HAD FULL PAGE ADS CONSISTING OF THE ABOVE
The battle within Jewish organizational life as to how far we can go in criticizing Israel should not make us ==IMPOTENT on a DAILY basis.

.What we need now is strong vocal mature and above all SOPHISICATED leadership in our community. AND SADLY I DO NOT SEE IT YET! We have to realize that certain segments of the Orthodox community either never “GET INVOLVED” or are committed to the far right. This should not impede undertaking what we have to do.

One last point:
Face to face discussions with the Administration and Israeli leadership are extremely important, but it is not a substitute for putting public pressure on the President and the Senate. Yes we can ask tough questions in private and we sometimes feel we are privy to privileged information., as a result of such closed door discussions, .However we must not hesitate to voice our strong feelings publicly ,even if it is Presidential Pressure we are concerned with

We must reach out to the Fundamentalist Christian world. Their support is vital .We must emphasize to them that we are not satisfied with Presidential pressure on Israel in regard to settlements, indeed THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE BATTLE FOR JERUSALEM

Ii is a time for BUILDING political coalitions before we find that Yussie Beilin becomes the only voice that Americans will read in the N.Y. Times (and not ours.) We Jews are sometimes our own worst enemy.
Despite all the financial, military and political help Israel gets from the U.S. it must NOT act like a vassal state .Its survival depends upon an independent road when its existence is in question.