Two events in the last 48 hours bring to the forefront once again the sad battle over pluralism. The Supreme Court of Israel ruled that persons converted in Reform and Conservative ceremonies outside of Israel, must be granted Jewish status under the Law of Return. The second is an attack upon Rabbi Berel Lazar one of Russia’s Chief Rabbis by the Reform Movement for an article that he wrote.
While I have not read Rabbi Lazar’s words published in Russian, the JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) story on this battle CLEARLY outlines an article which while not politically correct discusses the facts that there is very little similarity between Reform and the Torah that was given to us at Sinai.
The Reform Movement has removed itself from the umbrella of halacha from the day they were founded.
Today in America their inter-marriage rate is close to 50%.THEY HAVE EMBRACED SAME SEX MARRIAGES AND THE WORST OF ALL PATRILINEAL DESCENT
Their observance of mitzvoth is celebrated by their non–observance
SHABBAT,TFILLIN,FAMILY PURITY AND MIKVEH, KASHRUT are part of the laws and traditions they have thrown in the garbage.
Are they socially conscious people-who give charity-I assume many are. But every world religion deals with being a “good person”
How many of Maimonides ‘s 13 principles of our faith do they believe in?
Rabbi Lazar is correct in that the history of the earliest Reform Jews and their Temples is the sad tale of assimilation, inter-marriage and failure to reproduce Jews.
.
The very founding of the Orthodox Union in 1898 by Rabbi Dr Henry Pereira Mendes was to counter the then dominant Reform movement .He spoke with fervor against the Reform movement which he contended was trampling the central tenets of torah Judaism He also attacked the Conservative movement, and noted that the latter was following the footsteps of Reform in defiling the core beliefs of the Jewish faith, albeit in a more gradual and less open way
This has remained our position today .However, the attacks by Reform which were then limited to America, now include Russia and other areas of the world including Israel .Remember that until well after 1948 the Reform movement was anti-Zionist
I personally believe that their major push in Israel is to gain a political foothold aiming for governmental recognition, on par with the Chief Rabbinate.This would be followed by the introduction of same sex marriages and patrilineal descent (currently taboo in Israel for fear of upsetting Israelis) in order to show Americans that despite their American inter-marriage rate and strange customs the Israeli government has recognized them as a legitimate and equeal stream of Judiasm
In fact the court decision will not allow even one of the so called “converts” by the Reform clergy to be married halachically.Moreover it transfers to Israel the terrible dilemma that for many years we have suffered with in America, namely two separate nations and people who cannot marry each other-halachically In Israel they will be the Supreme Court mandated non-halachic Jews and here in the U.S. the products of patrileneal descent or the intermarriage with a gentile non- halachically converted e .
How tragic will be the results when the progeny of one of these non-halachic individuals will desire in 20 or 30 years to unsuccessfully marry a HALACHIC JEW according to the laws of Moses and Israel –IT WON’T BE ALLOWED- Shame on the perpetrators of these acts!
On June 17 1997 in testifying on these issues before a Knesset committee I emphasized that we never accused reform or conservative of not being Jews. Nevertheless they have made tragic mistakes
I pointed out that after four generations 200 Reform Jews approximately 50 remain Jewish. I begged the Knesset not to bring to Israel the great tragedies that plague America SECONDARY to our following Reform doctrine
The Israel Supreme Court has done just that
One final thought regarding political correctness. Jews in America are a minority and despite our deep theological differences must remain civil and as united as possible to fight for Israel, against Islamic fundamentalism, anti-Semitism and Jewish poverty. Therefore these battles that occur in Russia or Israel should remain there. Here in America we should admit that these are issues we can never agree on and concentrate on common problems that we can perhaps solve.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
THANK YOU and SOME THOUGHTS ON MAALEH ADUMIM 1/27/05
I appreciate the thoughtful anonymous comment regarding my views on the allocation of scarce health resources, especially the research dollars that go to AIDS. Based upon the relative mortality figures of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Alzheimer’s versus AIDS, and the fact that the latter is so often self-inflicted (secondary to an immoral life style that includes multiple partners, unprotected sex and drug usage), it is time to stop POLITICAL CORRECTNESS and reapportion those funds.
I also take note that JEWISHWHISTLEBLOWER.BLOGSPOT.COM picked up my comment on one or two meningitis cases following MEZIZAH B’PEH (oral suction of penile blood during a brit milah) that I was involved with during my medical career.
MAALEH ADUMIM
It is a known fact that politicians lie and embellish their words. This is a universal finding. Thus, when Prime Minister Sharon advertised that as a result of the now famous June 24 statement of President Bush, in addition to personal communications with the President that the three major settlement blocs would be saved, it seemed like great news that required some verification.
Yes, Gaza would have to be abandoned and some settlements in addition to the so-called illegal ones would be sacrificed, but let us look at the end result. Maaleh Adumim, Ariel, and the Gush blocs with 180-195,000 Israelis would now have their homes and cities recognized by the U.S. as part of Israel.
Suddenly the lingering doubts that some of us have expressed have become more vocal. I am reminded of the “promise“ that President Clinton made to Bibi regarding Jonathan Pollard. Did he or didn’t he? We will never know until the secret papers will be released at some very future time. Nevertheless, the impression for public consumption was surely a bonus for Bibi while it lasted.
The comment of Sec Rice blasting the Maale Adumim project, the special emissaries who came to explore the issue, the alleged misquote of Ambassador Kurtzer and the President's Freudian comment about abandoning settlements are not the statements OR ACTIONS that bring reassurance. It is clear that the only reason why the Administration presently is as “diplomatic” as it is, surely is to protect the Prime Minister and prevent attacks on Sharon that could endanger disengagement. Remember once disengagement take place this summer, there is plenty of time to lower the boom on Israel in a heavy-handed attempt to stop construction.
Is it not wise to place disengagement on hold until the President clearly and unequivocally clears up American policy at the Texas ranch meeting with Sharon next month?
In the meantime, all of the Governments of Israel for the past 10 years or so deserve the blame for not pushing full steam ahead on this project. What were they waiting for? Arafat wanted Abu Dis as his Capital contiguous to the Temple Mount. Thank G-d for Ateret Kohanim that persisted in building RAS-A-LAMOUD which today stands as a blocking force. Together with the IYR DAVID project the face of Jerusalem has been changed.
Anyone who has visited or even driven by Maaleh Adumim realizes that this is a suburb of Jerusalem, and the security of Israel and the future of a Jewish Jerusalem depends upon the completion of this project. If there is a question by the Adminstration regarding Maaleh Adumim then the future U.S.- Israel relationship is in great doubt.
NO MATTER WHAT ADMINISTRATION PRESSURE OR PA CRITICISM THIS PROJECT MUST BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSIBLE TO CREATE THE FACTS ON THE GROUND. SIMILARLY, THE SECURITY FENCE MUST BE COMPLETED WITHOUT DELAY, FOR IT SURELY HAS SAVED MULTIPLE JEWISH LIVES .
I also take note that JEWISHWHISTLEBLOWER.BLOGSPOT.COM picked up my comment on one or two meningitis cases following MEZIZAH B’PEH (oral suction of penile blood during a brit milah) that I was involved with during my medical career.
MAALEH ADUMIM
It is a known fact that politicians lie and embellish their words. This is a universal finding. Thus, when Prime Minister Sharon advertised that as a result of the now famous June 24 statement of President Bush, in addition to personal communications with the President that the three major settlement blocs would be saved, it seemed like great news that required some verification.
Yes, Gaza would have to be abandoned and some settlements in addition to the so-called illegal ones would be sacrificed, but let us look at the end result. Maaleh Adumim, Ariel, and the Gush blocs with 180-195,000 Israelis would now have their homes and cities recognized by the U.S. as part of Israel.
Suddenly the lingering doubts that some of us have expressed have become more vocal. I am reminded of the “promise“ that President Clinton made to Bibi regarding Jonathan Pollard. Did he or didn’t he? We will never know until the secret papers will be released at some very future time. Nevertheless, the impression for public consumption was surely a bonus for Bibi while it lasted.
The comment of Sec Rice blasting the Maale Adumim project, the special emissaries who came to explore the issue, the alleged misquote of Ambassador Kurtzer and the President's Freudian comment about abandoning settlements are not the statements OR ACTIONS that bring reassurance. It is clear that the only reason why the Administration presently is as “diplomatic” as it is, surely is to protect the Prime Minister and prevent attacks on Sharon that could endanger disengagement. Remember once disengagement take place this summer, there is plenty of time to lower the boom on Israel in a heavy-handed attempt to stop construction.
Is it not wise to place disengagement on hold until the President clearly and unequivocally clears up American policy at the Texas ranch meeting with Sharon next month?
In the meantime, all of the Governments of Israel for the past 10 years or so deserve the blame for not pushing full steam ahead on this project. What were they waiting for? Arafat wanted Abu Dis as his Capital contiguous to the Temple Mount. Thank G-d for Ateret Kohanim that persisted in building RAS-A-LAMOUD which today stands as a blocking force. Together with the IYR DAVID project the face of Jerusalem has been changed.
Anyone who has visited or even driven by Maaleh Adumim realizes that this is a suburb of Jerusalem, and the security of Israel and the future of a Jewish Jerusalem depends upon the completion of this project. If there is a question by the Adminstration regarding Maaleh Adumim then the future U.S.- Israel relationship is in great doubt.
NO MATTER WHAT ADMINISTRATION PRESSURE OR PA CRITICISM THIS PROJECT MUST BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSIBLE TO CREATE THE FACTS ON THE GROUND. SIMILARLY, THE SECURITY FENCE MUST BE COMPLETED WITHOUT DELAY, FOR IT SURELY HAS SAVED MULTIPLE JEWISH LIVES .
Friday, March 25, 2005
TERRY SCHIAVO- SOME THOUGHTS 5/25/05
I have been trying to analyze my emotions during this entire Terry Schiavo case. As an orthodox Jew, physician and a member of the human race it is quite clear that we are dealing with a case of euthanasia which is totally contrary to Jewish law.
Put simply, who are we to determine the relative value of life. The implications of deciding that an individual will not be cured or productive represents a slippery slope easily applied to tens of thousands of disabled from newborn to senior citizen.
One thing makes this case quite clear namely the absence of BRAIN DEATH. The sine queue non that indicates that a respirator may be discontinued is brain death. The findings of a totally flat EEG, THE FAILURE TO PERFUSE THE BRAIN ON CEREBRAL ANGIOGRAPHY, IN A TOTALLY NON-REACTIVE PATIENT are consistent with that diagnosis. The more modern techniques are nuclear flow studies to prove the absence of brain stem function such as pupillary (light reaction ), breathing etc. It is the absence of brain stem reflexes that differentiate brain death from brain injury.
BRAIN DAMAGED is not brain dead and is serious but may be compatible with life. Terry Schiavo WAS NOT BRAIN DEAD .
I am reminded of the Reform Rabbi while on a mission we took to the FSU informed me that he was a scholar in Jewish medical ethics, and had even published a responsa. I was quite shocked in view of his lack of observance of torah etc., and therefore pressed him for an example.
“Take a non-responsive individual on a feeding tube with no hope of cure’, he said, “one may take out the patients heart for a transplant.“ The reasoning he added was clear. “The purpose of life is to do mitzvoth (613 commandments) and since this person was unable to perform any mitzvoth, the patient was considered dead.” I decided to humor him and asked him to provide me with a copy of his response, so that I could give it to my personal Rabbi who was, like him, a professor in medical ethics. ”Who is your Rabbi?“ he asked. I answered, “Rabbi Moses D. Tendler, a Rosh Yeshiva, scientist and noted ethicist.” “Oh!" he answered. “He has already seen my response,…….and called me a MURDERER.”
INDEED!
Is this not Terry Schiavo? One week ago before she was dehydrated could we have removed her heart, lungs, liver, etc. for organ donations?
As an aside, Rabbi Moses Tendler who is not only my Rabbi, but my Professor of Genetics while at Yeshiva College has been outspoken and courageous in his insistence that oral suction of blood (mezizsh B’peh ) is not an integral part of the halachah of circumcision and for the safety of the child should have a plastic pipette used for suction. I myself when in practice saw one or two (I am not certain) cases of meningitis after mezuzah b’peh. The emotional attacks upon him have no place in serious discussions on human life.
So if the path is so clear why do I have such mixed feelings? Surely the circus media with so many crazies makes me uneasy. Perhaps it’s because as we get older we put ourselves in the place of Ms. Schiavo and we pray we will not have to suffer at the end of our days. Yes, we have faith in the Almighty, but yet no one wants to be a burden or a “vegetable.”
Thus, it is important that each of us has a health Care proxy/living will designating a competent individual who can make the difficult decisions with the guidance of proper and knowledgeable Torah authorities ,when we do not have that mental ability.
It is one situation for a 95 year old individual who tells his family that if he has a cardiac arrest he does not wish to be placed on a respirator (DNR) or have other extraordinary procedures performed, versus having placed the person on the respirator, and one week later trying to remove it (forbidden by halachah in a non brain dead individual).
The complex issues of stem cell research,,abortion, euthanasia, cloning, etc. are here to stay on the front pages of our society. The private rights of the patient to make decisions affecting their OWN life versus society, science, ethics, morality and halachah represent a growing area that will require calm and learned leadership from our religious teachers and the medical profession without the political circus that is currently underway.
NONE OF THIS MUST TAKE AWAY FROM OUR SENSITIVITY OF THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY, WITHOUT SUFFERING. There is a point in the life of terminal patients when the answer is a HOSPICE and not more surgery or experimental drugs. THE GOAL MUST BE DIGNITY AND COMFORT. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE WITHOLDING NORMAL HYDRATION AND ALIMENTATION.
Put simply, who are we to determine the relative value of life. The implications of deciding that an individual will not be cured or productive represents a slippery slope easily applied to tens of thousands of disabled from newborn to senior citizen.
One thing makes this case quite clear namely the absence of BRAIN DEATH. The sine queue non that indicates that a respirator may be discontinued is brain death. The findings of a totally flat EEG, THE FAILURE TO PERFUSE THE BRAIN ON CEREBRAL ANGIOGRAPHY, IN A TOTALLY NON-REACTIVE PATIENT are consistent with that diagnosis. The more modern techniques are nuclear flow studies to prove the absence of brain stem function such as pupillary (light reaction ), breathing etc. It is the absence of brain stem reflexes that differentiate brain death from brain injury.
BRAIN DAMAGED is not brain dead and is serious but may be compatible with life. Terry Schiavo WAS NOT BRAIN DEAD .
I am reminded of the Reform Rabbi while on a mission we took to the FSU informed me that he was a scholar in Jewish medical ethics, and had even published a responsa. I was quite shocked in view of his lack of observance of torah etc., and therefore pressed him for an example.
“Take a non-responsive individual on a feeding tube with no hope of cure’, he said, “one may take out the patients heart for a transplant.“ The reasoning he added was clear. “The purpose of life is to do mitzvoth (613 commandments) and since this person was unable to perform any mitzvoth, the patient was considered dead.” I decided to humor him and asked him to provide me with a copy of his response, so that I could give it to my personal Rabbi who was, like him, a professor in medical ethics. ”Who is your Rabbi?“ he asked. I answered, “Rabbi Moses D. Tendler, a Rosh Yeshiva, scientist and noted ethicist.” “Oh!" he answered. “He has already seen my response,…….and called me a MURDERER.”
INDEED!
Is this not Terry Schiavo? One week ago before she was dehydrated could we have removed her heart, lungs, liver, etc. for organ donations?
As an aside, Rabbi Moses Tendler who is not only my Rabbi, but my Professor of Genetics while at Yeshiva College has been outspoken and courageous in his insistence that oral suction of blood (mezizsh B’peh ) is not an integral part of the halachah of circumcision and for the safety of the child should have a plastic pipette used for suction. I myself when in practice saw one or two (I am not certain) cases of meningitis after mezuzah b’peh. The emotional attacks upon him have no place in serious discussions on human life.
So if the path is so clear why do I have such mixed feelings? Surely the circus media with so many crazies makes me uneasy. Perhaps it’s because as we get older we put ourselves in the place of Ms. Schiavo and we pray we will not have to suffer at the end of our days. Yes, we have faith in the Almighty, but yet no one wants to be a burden or a “vegetable.”
Thus, it is important that each of us has a health Care proxy/living will designating a competent individual who can make the difficult decisions with the guidance of proper and knowledgeable Torah authorities ,when we do not have that mental ability.
It is one situation for a 95 year old individual who tells his family that if he has a cardiac arrest he does not wish to be placed on a respirator (DNR) or have other extraordinary procedures performed, versus having placed the person on the respirator, and one week later trying to remove it (forbidden by halachah in a non brain dead individual).
The complex issues of stem cell research,,abortion, euthanasia, cloning, etc. are here to stay on the front pages of our society. The private rights of the patient to make decisions affecting their OWN life versus society, science, ethics, morality and halachah represent a growing area that will require calm and learned leadership from our religious teachers and the medical profession without the political circus that is currently underway.
NONE OF THIS MUST TAKE AWAY FROM OUR SENSITIVITY OF THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY, WITHOUT SUFFERING. There is a point in the life of terminal patients when the answer is a HOSPICE and not more surgery or experimental drugs. THE GOAL MUST BE DIGNITY AND COMFORT. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE WITHOLDING NORMAL HYDRATION AND ALIMENTATION.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
new appointments 3/19/05
The appointment of John Bolton to be our UN Ambassador is a welcome move. He is tough and articulate and will send the correct message to the entire world that even the UN has to have accountability. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times at Conference of Presidents meetings and on one occasion recently was part of a small group who met with him in his suite at the Waldorf during a UN General Assembly meeting where many Heads of State attended. My impression of him is highly positive, and his outspokenness will hopefully resemble the Pat Moynihan representation at the UN.
We wish Asst. Sec. of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz much Mazal in his new position as head of the World Bank. His departure will be a loss for Sec. Rumsfeld, and our country. He will be sorely missed. It is part of the break-up of the team at the Pentagon, that has brought an American turnaround in our world posture in the battle against Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.
We were sorry to see that Asst Sec Dov Zackheim likewise left the Pentagon leadership team to return to the private sector. However, the DOD’s loss is our gain, as he now serves on the IPA (Institute for Public Affairs of the OU) Executive Committee. It is certainly valuable to hear his thoughts and input on public policy issues.
We can only hope that the rumors one reads about from time to time about Rumsfeld retiring are not true. His clear vision on security issues has been right on target. Even though the post invasion policies in Iraq did not live up to the accuracies and planning acumen that we noted in our victory in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld has distinguished himself as having an understanding of America’s military needs in the decades ahead. Beyond that, he has the repect of the President and the majority of Congress.
We wish Asst. Sec. of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz much Mazal in his new position as head of the World Bank. His departure will be a loss for Sec. Rumsfeld, and our country. He will be sorely missed. It is part of the break-up of the team at the Pentagon, that has brought an American turnaround in our world posture in the battle against Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.
We were sorry to see that Asst Sec Dov Zackheim likewise left the Pentagon leadership team to return to the private sector. However, the DOD’s loss is our gain, as he now serves on the IPA (Institute for Public Affairs of the OU) Executive Committee. It is certainly valuable to hear his thoughts and input on public policy issues.
We can only hope that the rumors one reads about from time to time about Rumsfeld retiring are not true. His clear vision on security issues has been right on target. Even though the post invasion policies in Iraq did not live up to the accuracies and planning acumen that we noted in our victory in Afghanistan and Iraq, Rumsfeld has distinguished himself as having an understanding of America’s military needs in the decades ahead. Beyond that, he has the repect of the President and the majority of Congress.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
AID UPDATE 3/17/05
THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE 200 MILLION DOLLAR PORTION OF THE AID TO THE PALESTINIANS. THEY HAVE TAKEN FIVE MILLION OF THAT AND DEDICATED IT TO ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT. SECONDLY, THEY REMOVED THE RIGHT OF THE PRESIDENT TO WAIVE ANY RESTRICTIONS (IE. VIOLENCE, TERRORISM, INCITEMENT, ETC.). THIS WAIVER IN EFFECT NORMALLY EMASCULATES THE BILL. NOW THERE WILL BE GREATER OVERSIGHT ASSURING THAT THE PA IS LIVING UP TO ITS OBLIGATIONS.
THAT THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT APPROVE OF THESE TWO PROVISIONS I UNDERSTAND. HOWEVER, WHEN PEACE NOW ETC. OPPOSE IT YOU REALIZE IT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD SUPPORT. AIPAC WISELY ENDORSED THESE ACTIONS.
OUR TASK NOW IS TO MOBILIZE THE SENATE TO MAINTAIN THESE POINTS IN THE FINAL BILL AND NOT REMOVE THEM IN CONFERENCE (SHOULD THE SENATE NOT INCLUDE IT IN THEIR VERSION OF THE BILL).
COME ON JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS LET US HEAR FROM YOU PUBLICLY AND IMMEDIATELY!
THAT THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT APPROVE OF THESE TWO PROVISIONS I UNDERSTAND. HOWEVER, WHEN PEACE NOW ETC. OPPOSE IT YOU REALIZE IT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD SUPPORT. AIPAC WISELY ENDORSED THESE ACTIONS.
OUR TASK NOW IS TO MOBILIZE THE SENATE TO MAINTAIN THESE POINTS IN THE FINAL BILL AND NOT REMOVE THEM IN CONFERENCE (SHOULD THE SENATE NOT INCLUDE IT IN THEIR VERSION OF THE BILL).
COME ON JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS LET US HEAR FROM YOU PUBLICLY AND IMMEDIATELY!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
PA AID VS DISENGAGEMENT 3/15/05
I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT THERE SHOULD BE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN OUR PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE DISENGAGEMENT PLAN VERSUS THE 350 MILLION DOLLARS THAT THE PRESIDENT WISHES US TO GIVE TO THE PA.
I DO NOT WISH TO SUGGEST THAT I SUPPORT MAKING THE GAZA JUDENREIN, NOR AM I CONVINCED THAT SHARON HAS TRULY THOUGHT OUT THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES INCLUDING NEW AND MORE DEADLY ROCKET ATTACKS WITHIN THE ISRAELI HEARTLAND. WE STILL OBSERVE VIOLENCE AND PREPARATION FOR TERRORISM. INCITEMENT IN ARABIC IS STLL EVIDENT, AND ARAFAT’S RHETORIC IS STILL THE NORM .I SEE WAR, NOT PEACE AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
HOWEVER, EVEN IF YOU TAKE EVERY ARGUMENT MOST OF WHICH WE AND MANY COMMENTATORS HAVE ENUMERATED OVER THESE PAST FEW MONTHS,AT THE END OF THE DAY THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL,WITH ITS CABINET , KNESSET ,COURT SYSTEM,MILITARY AND SUPREME COURT AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL MUST REMAIN THE FINAL AND ONLY ARBITERS AND JUDGES IN THIS REGARD.
OTHER THAN THE UNIQUE STATUS OF JERUSALEM WHICH NO POLITICAL POWER ON EARTH CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THE JEWISH PEOPLE,WE EACH CAN HAVE OUR OWN IDEAS AND THOUGHTS.WE DARE NOT INTERFERE WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS WITHIN ISRAEL.
AS LONG AS WE LIVE IN THE U.S.., PAY TAXES HERE AND HAVE OUR CHILDREN IN COLLEGE WHILE ISRAELI YOUTH SERVE IN THE ARMY.,THE BALL IS NOT IN OUR COURT( UNLESS WE WISH TO MAKE ALIYA.)
IT MAKES WONDERFUL HEADLINES TO SIT IN THE U.S. AND ATTACK DISENGAGEMENT.IT TAKES FORTITUDE AND MATURITY WITH A GREAT DEAL OF SELF CONTROL TO QUIETLY MAKE OUR VIEWS KNOWN TO THE ISRAELI LEADERSHIP WHILE DIPLOMATICALLY POINTING OUT TO AMERICAN LEADERS THE PITFALLS,WITHOUT ATTACKING THE LEADERSHIP OF ISRAEL
OF COURSE NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WHO CANNOT SUPPORT DISENGAGEMENT HAVE A RIGHT TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTES IN THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS AND TO ISSUE A STATEMENT OF EXPLANATION.WITHOUT LOBBYING FURTHER ON THE ISSUE. WE PAY A PRICE FOR AT LEAST THE APPEARANCE OF UNITY BY THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY
OF COURSE IT IS SAD TO SEE ISRAELI DIPLOMATS MOBILIZING SUPPORT ON THE FAR LEFT IN THIS COUNTRY FOR DISENGAGEMENT.THIS IS A HAND THAT WILL TURN AROUND AND BITE ISRAEL AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.THEY WOULD THINK NO MORE THAN TWO SECOND BEFORE URGING THE PRESIDENT TO PRESSURE ISRAEL THE MOMENT THEY FEEL ISRAEL IS NOT GIVING EVERYTHING BACK TO ABBAS..BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GET INTO BED WITH.
NOT SO IN THE CASE FOR LOBBYING AGAINST AND FIGHTING THE EMERGENCY AND REGULAR APPROPRIATION OF 350 MILLION DOLLARS IN PA AID.THIS IS AMERICAN MONEY, AND WE AS AMERICAN CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT AND THE OBLIGATION TO MONITOR SUCH FOREIGN POLICY EXPENDITURES .IF ISRAEL WANTS TO GIVE THE PA AN ADDITIONAL 350 MILLION DOLLARS,THAT IS THEIR RIGHT,ALTHOUGH WE WOULD HAVE TO SHAKE OUR HEADS IN DISBELIEF NEVERTHELESS THAT WOULD BE THEIR DECISION.
AS LONG AS WE SEE NO END OF CORRUPTION AND INCITEMENT AND NO DISARMING OF HAMAS AND ISLAMIC JIHAD THEN IT IS ALL AS THE TALMUD CALLS IT AN ASMACTAH MERE TALK TO SMOOTH OUR SUSPICIONS OR IN OTHER WORDS PA PUFFERY. I COMMEND THE ZOA FOR A TERRIFIC SET OF ADS ON THIS ISUE.
I ONLY RAISE ONE TACTICAL ISSUE, NAMELY WOULD IT NOT BE EASIER FOR CONGRESS TO PASS THE BILL,BUT PLACE THE FUNDING INTO ESCROW PENDING CERTIFICATION THAT THE PA HAS MET STRICT CRITERIA, INSTEAD OF HAVING CONGRESS VOTING AGAINST THE PRESIDENT WHICH THEY HATE TO DO . IT IS THE SAME DISAGREEMENT I HAD WITH ZOA DURING THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE FACILITATION ACT AFTER OSLO.
I DO NOT WISH TO SUGGEST THAT I SUPPORT MAKING THE GAZA JUDENREIN, NOR AM I CONVINCED THAT SHARON HAS TRULY THOUGHT OUT THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES INCLUDING NEW AND MORE DEADLY ROCKET ATTACKS WITHIN THE ISRAELI HEARTLAND. WE STILL OBSERVE VIOLENCE AND PREPARATION FOR TERRORISM. INCITEMENT IN ARABIC IS STLL EVIDENT, AND ARAFAT’S RHETORIC IS STILL THE NORM .I SEE WAR, NOT PEACE AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
HOWEVER, EVEN IF YOU TAKE EVERY ARGUMENT MOST OF WHICH WE AND MANY COMMENTATORS HAVE ENUMERATED OVER THESE PAST FEW MONTHS,AT THE END OF THE DAY THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL,WITH ITS CABINET , KNESSET ,COURT SYSTEM,MILITARY AND SUPREME COURT AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL MUST REMAIN THE FINAL AND ONLY ARBITERS AND JUDGES IN THIS REGARD.
OTHER THAN THE UNIQUE STATUS OF JERUSALEM WHICH NO POLITICAL POWER ON EARTH CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THE JEWISH PEOPLE,WE EACH CAN HAVE OUR OWN IDEAS AND THOUGHTS.WE DARE NOT INTERFERE WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS WITHIN ISRAEL.
AS LONG AS WE LIVE IN THE U.S.., PAY TAXES HERE AND HAVE OUR CHILDREN IN COLLEGE WHILE ISRAELI YOUTH SERVE IN THE ARMY.,THE BALL IS NOT IN OUR COURT( UNLESS WE WISH TO MAKE ALIYA.)
IT MAKES WONDERFUL HEADLINES TO SIT IN THE U.S. AND ATTACK DISENGAGEMENT.IT TAKES FORTITUDE AND MATURITY WITH A GREAT DEAL OF SELF CONTROL TO QUIETLY MAKE OUR VIEWS KNOWN TO THE ISRAELI LEADERSHIP WHILE DIPLOMATICALLY POINTING OUT TO AMERICAN LEADERS THE PITFALLS,WITHOUT ATTACKING THE LEADERSHIP OF ISRAEL
OF COURSE NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WHO CANNOT SUPPORT DISENGAGEMENT HAVE A RIGHT TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTES IN THE CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS AND TO ISSUE A STATEMENT OF EXPLANATION.WITHOUT LOBBYING FURTHER ON THE ISSUE. WE PAY A PRICE FOR AT LEAST THE APPEARANCE OF UNITY BY THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY
OF COURSE IT IS SAD TO SEE ISRAELI DIPLOMATS MOBILIZING SUPPORT ON THE FAR LEFT IN THIS COUNTRY FOR DISENGAGEMENT.THIS IS A HAND THAT WILL TURN AROUND AND BITE ISRAEL AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.THEY WOULD THINK NO MORE THAN TWO SECOND BEFORE URGING THE PRESIDENT TO PRESSURE ISRAEL THE MOMENT THEY FEEL ISRAEL IS NOT GIVING EVERYTHING BACK TO ABBAS..BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GET INTO BED WITH.
NOT SO IN THE CASE FOR LOBBYING AGAINST AND FIGHTING THE EMERGENCY AND REGULAR APPROPRIATION OF 350 MILLION DOLLARS IN PA AID.THIS IS AMERICAN MONEY, AND WE AS AMERICAN CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT AND THE OBLIGATION TO MONITOR SUCH FOREIGN POLICY EXPENDITURES .IF ISRAEL WANTS TO GIVE THE PA AN ADDITIONAL 350 MILLION DOLLARS,THAT IS THEIR RIGHT,ALTHOUGH WE WOULD HAVE TO SHAKE OUR HEADS IN DISBELIEF NEVERTHELESS THAT WOULD BE THEIR DECISION.
AS LONG AS WE SEE NO END OF CORRUPTION AND INCITEMENT AND NO DISARMING OF HAMAS AND ISLAMIC JIHAD THEN IT IS ALL AS THE TALMUD CALLS IT AN ASMACTAH MERE TALK TO SMOOTH OUR SUSPICIONS OR IN OTHER WORDS PA PUFFERY. I COMMEND THE ZOA FOR A TERRIFIC SET OF ADS ON THIS ISUE.
I ONLY RAISE ONE TACTICAL ISSUE, NAMELY WOULD IT NOT BE EASIER FOR CONGRESS TO PASS THE BILL,BUT PLACE THE FUNDING INTO ESCROW PENDING CERTIFICATION THAT THE PA HAS MET STRICT CRITERIA, INSTEAD OF HAVING CONGRESS VOTING AGAINST THE PRESIDENT WHICH THEY HATE TO DO . IT IS THE SAME DISAGREEMENT I HAD WITH ZOA DURING THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE FACILITATION ACT AFTER OSLO.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
IDF CONVERSION PROGRAM 3/6/05
We have many examples in the United States that speak to cooperation between the religious streams in non-theological areas. AIPAC comes to mind as does the JCRC, Soviet Jewry, etc.
The best example in Israel is the Unity Committee of the Jewish Agency. We previously wrote about the positive results in the conversion dilemma. As we noted, approximately 3oo,ooo of recent olim from the FSU are not halachic Jews according to all streams.
While it would be wonderful to be able to convert the entire group in a halachic manner, it is really not possible. Firstly many have no desire to do so. A few came to Israel to continue worshipping in the Russian Orthodox faith, which has seen a major increase in worshippers, as a result. Others believe that they were singled out in the FSU as ”JIDS” based on a nationalistic or ethnic classification, and therefore there is no need to convert since they believe the world already recognizes them as Jews. Finally it is clear that in democratic Israel, you need not be a Jew to prosper in society.
Therefore, the emphasis correctly has been on the younger olim who are still in the childbearing age. When the older non–converts pass away in 20-40 years they will not have reproduced and will thus reduce the extent of the problem.
The great equalizer in Israeli life is the Army which drafts both young males and females. Since one quarter of inductees are immigrants, and one quarter of them are not Jewish, there are currently 7,500 soldiers who are not recognized as Jews.
There are a number of IDF programs SPONSORED BY THE MILITARY and concluding with their own conversion courts. These include:
· YUVAL – DESIGNED FOR SOLDIERS IN THE BEGINNING OF THEIR SERVICE. THIS IS A 16 WEEK COURSE THAT INCLUDES SOME BASIC TRAINING
· NATIV – A SEVEN WEEK COURSE FOLLOWED BY 2 SEPARATE ONE WEEK COURSES
· IN 2004 FIVE NATIV COURSES GRADUATED 1500 SOLDIERS.
· IN 2005 IT IS EXPECTED THAT 24OO SOLDIERS WILL GRADUATE
· OPEN NATIV –A SPECIAL PROGRAM FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM.
IMPORTANTLY 80% OF THE STUDENTS ARE NON-JEWISH AND THE REMAINDER ARE JEWS SEPARATED FROM THEIR TRADITIONS BY 80 YEARS OF SOVIET RULE. This is necessary so that the course does not get a stigma among young soldiers as being “for the goyim“ and discouraging attendance.
TWO WEEKS AGO WHEN I WAS IN ISRAEL, THE 669TH SOLDIER WAS CONVERTED FROM THE NATIV PROGRAM (669 in gematria is AM YISRAEL CHAI).
Starting with 0 army conversions in 2001, the rate is slowly rising and 426 were converted in 2004. Importantly, 155 males and 514 females were converted. It is obvious how important this is.
The first army education course had 36 soldiers, while the upcoming one will have 600.
The leadership in the chain of command on this issue has been truly phenomenal, all the way up to the Prime Ministers Office. The goal of the Unity committee is to reach as close to 100% as possible, understanding that it will probably be closer to 80% which, if achieved, would be a great milestone
The issue of civilian conversion is much more complex and involves politics, and the competing interests of the streams. Hopefully it will warrant a separate report.
The best example in Israel is the Unity Committee of the Jewish Agency. We previously wrote about the positive results in the conversion dilemma. As we noted, approximately 3oo,ooo of recent olim from the FSU are not halachic Jews according to all streams.
While it would be wonderful to be able to convert the entire group in a halachic manner, it is really not possible. Firstly many have no desire to do so. A few came to Israel to continue worshipping in the Russian Orthodox faith, which has seen a major increase in worshippers, as a result. Others believe that they were singled out in the FSU as ”JIDS” based on a nationalistic or ethnic classification, and therefore there is no need to convert since they believe the world already recognizes them as Jews. Finally it is clear that in democratic Israel, you need not be a Jew to prosper in society.
Therefore, the emphasis correctly has been on the younger olim who are still in the childbearing age. When the older non–converts pass away in 20-40 years they will not have reproduced and will thus reduce the extent of the problem.
The great equalizer in Israeli life is the Army which drafts both young males and females. Since one quarter of inductees are immigrants, and one quarter of them are not Jewish, there are currently 7,500 soldiers who are not recognized as Jews.
There are a number of IDF programs SPONSORED BY THE MILITARY and concluding with their own conversion courts. These include:
· YUVAL – DESIGNED FOR SOLDIERS IN THE BEGINNING OF THEIR SERVICE. THIS IS A 16 WEEK COURSE THAT INCLUDES SOME BASIC TRAINING
· NATIV – A SEVEN WEEK COURSE FOLLOWED BY 2 SEPARATE ONE WEEK COURSES
· IN 2004 FIVE NATIV COURSES GRADUATED 1500 SOLDIERS.
· IN 2005 IT IS EXPECTED THAT 24OO SOLDIERS WILL GRADUATE
· OPEN NATIV –A SPECIAL PROGRAM FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM.
IMPORTANTLY 80% OF THE STUDENTS ARE NON-JEWISH AND THE REMAINDER ARE JEWS SEPARATED FROM THEIR TRADITIONS BY 80 YEARS OF SOVIET RULE. This is necessary so that the course does not get a stigma among young soldiers as being “for the goyim“ and discouraging attendance.
TWO WEEKS AGO WHEN I WAS IN ISRAEL, THE 669TH SOLDIER WAS CONVERTED FROM THE NATIV PROGRAM (669 in gematria is AM YISRAEL CHAI).
Starting with 0 army conversions in 2001, the rate is slowly rising and 426 were converted in 2004. Importantly, 155 males and 514 females were converted. It is obvious how important this is.
The first army education course had 36 soldiers, while the upcoming one will have 600.
The leadership in the chain of command on this issue has been truly phenomenal, all the way up to the Prime Ministers Office. The goal of the Unity committee is to reach as close to 100% as possible, understanding that it will probably be closer to 80% which, if achieved, would be a great milestone
The issue of civilian conversion is much more complex and involves politics, and the competing interests of the streams. Hopefully it will warrant a separate report.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Emergency aid for the PA ? 3/2/05
THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION REQUEST FOR 200 MILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY AID TO THE PA IN ADDITION TO THE 150 MILLION ALREADY REQUESTED SHOULD NOT BE APPROVED IN A KNEE-JERK MANNER.
SADLY, DESPITE THE WONDERFUL STATEMENTS OF SEC OF STATE RICE, WE SEE NO COMMITMENT BY THE PA TO DISARM TERRORIST GROUPS AT THIS TIME.
IF ONE PERUSES THE ISRAELI PRESS WE CONTINUE TO SEE ATTEMPTS, ALBEIT UNSUCCESSFUL, TO ATTACK THE CIVILIAN POPULATION OF ISRAEL ON A DAILY BASIS. ONLY SHARP POLICE AND IDF ACTIONS HAVE PREVENTED MASS CASUALTIES.
THIS REQUEST FOR FUNDS IS REMINISCENT OF MEPFA (Middle East Peace Facilitation Act) following Oslo. I recall testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee against that appropriation. For that request not only had no guarantees, but was being accompanied by the intifada.
Today we hear a lot of pleasant talk, but real action on the ground is missing. We all know how the post Oslo funding was wasted. Can’t we ever learn?
Aside from all the well known arguments against such a disbursement at this particular moment (before we see an end to corruption and terrorism) there is one other thought.
Saudi Arabia kissing cousins of the Palestinians is said to have earned about 38 billion dollars as a windfall secondary to the rise in oil prices. I don’t know if this figure is anywhere near accurate, however we can be sure that the HOUSE OF SAUD could easily give their mishpacha a half billion dollars and not notice it.
Let's allow the Saudis to make a major contribution, as we monitor the progress on the corruption/terrorism/governance axis. If the PA makes real progress then we will have an objective reason to commit our funds.
SADLY, DESPITE THE WONDERFUL STATEMENTS OF SEC OF STATE RICE, WE SEE NO COMMITMENT BY THE PA TO DISARM TERRORIST GROUPS AT THIS TIME.
IF ONE PERUSES THE ISRAELI PRESS WE CONTINUE TO SEE ATTEMPTS, ALBEIT UNSUCCESSFUL, TO ATTACK THE CIVILIAN POPULATION OF ISRAEL ON A DAILY BASIS. ONLY SHARP POLICE AND IDF ACTIONS HAVE PREVENTED MASS CASUALTIES.
THIS REQUEST FOR FUNDS IS REMINISCENT OF MEPFA (Middle East Peace Facilitation Act) following Oslo. I recall testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee against that appropriation. For that request not only had no guarantees, but was being accompanied by the intifada.
Today we hear a lot of pleasant talk, but real action on the ground is missing. We all know how the post Oslo funding was wasted. Can’t we ever learn?
Aside from all the well known arguments against such a disbursement at this particular moment (before we see an end to corruption and terrorism) there is one other thought.
Saudi Arabia kissing cousins of the Palestinians is said to have earned about 38 billion dollars as a windfall secondary to the rise in oil prices. I don’t know if this figure is anywhere near accurate, however we can be sure that the HOUSE OF SAUD could easily give their mishpacha a half billion dollars and not notice it.
Let's allow the Saudis to make a major contribution, as we monitor the progress on the corruption/terrorism/governance axis. If the PA makes real progress then we will have an objective reason to commit our funds.
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