On The Other Hand

Israel’s Grave Mistake

November 11, 2008

The Supreme Court of Israel just made a very bad decision, one that seems very difficult to understand. It is now allowing the building of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance. The problem is that three-acre sight in Independence Park includes a Muslim cemetery that dates back 300 to 400 years. The cemetery fell into disuse after Israel gained statehood in 1948. The court said that since there had been no objections in 1960, when the city built a parking lot over part of the cemetery, it would not block construction of the museum on the same property, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The $250-million project had been delayed since early 2006, when builders unearthed ancient bones. The Court’s ruling requires builders to consult with Israel’s Antiquities Authority on reburying any remains found during construction. They also must create a barrier between graves and the building’s foundation, according to the Los Angeles Times.  Still, that’s not enough.

Simply put, this is an idea fraught with explosive possibilities. The Wiesenthal Center and the government of Israel simply need to do a better job at handling this most sensitive of matters. One finds it hard to understand how building on such a site after a legal contest promotes tolerance. At minimum, the grounds sacred to Muslims must be preserved as is, including public access.
Regardless, Jews should never place themselves in a position of disturbing the graves of other people – lest we give excuse for such abominable behavior to ourselves. To understand the sensitivities of Muslims in this matter, we simply need to place ourselves in their position. How would we respond were such news coming out of Saudi Arabia or Egypt or Morocco? We would justifiably be outraged and demand action. How can we treat others differently?

Post-Election Jewish Crisis

November 5, 2008

Lost amongst the hoopla jockeying for the Jewish vote is that Jews throughout the country should be bracing for a “low meat” winter. News hit this week that Agriprocessors – the mammoth kosher meat packing product that is the subject of numerous state and federal investigations – might close up shop due to its woes, which now include defaulting on a $35 million loan.

Some industry watchers and Jewish leaders are already declaring that this will lead to a kosher meat shortage, which will drive products for such prices even higher than their currently absurd levels. (If you buy kosher meat, you know it is dangerous to your mental health to compare costs with non-kosher items.)

Despite this, the last action that should take place is for Jewish foundations, organizations or others to emulate the federal government and consider bailout plans for businesses – particularly Agriprocessors, which has allegedly engaged in numerous illegal activities.

After all, first, Iowa’s labor commissioner hit the company with nearly $10 million in fines for alleged wage violations. Then, the son of the company’s founder was arrested on charges that he helped purchase fake identification for the company’s illegal workers. And on Oct. 31, news broke that a St. Louis bank had initiated foreclosure proceedings after Agriprocessors and its owners defaulted on a $35 million loan.

The bottom line: Kosher industry insiders are predicting that the company – which produces 60 percent of the nation’s kosher beef and 40 percent of its poultry market—will not pull through.

While Jewish and general vegetarians might greet the news with cheers, we meat eaters know that the industry will rebound. Eventually, that is. In the meantime, kosher consumers are going to either put up with less or pay more. And even more sadly, this means that fewer people will even consider a kosher meat diet.

Fortunately, no one is above the law in this country. Agriprocessors directors are learning that the hard way. Unfortunately, many of us are going to suffer regardless of the outcome of the charges.

My Presidential Choice

October 29, 2008

At long last, the final days of the forever presidential season are here. This two-year national journey has been akin to Disney World’s latest thrill ride. We have had unexpected twists and turns, dark tunnels and frightening apparitions, even long lines and crying babies.

A brief word on the campaign’s exciting historic nature. Marking the strength of our system, serious candidacies were launched by an African-American, a woman, a Mormon, a former ranking Prisoner of War and an Evangelical pastor. A former Democratic vice presidential candidate backed the GOP choice.

Now, at long last, on Tuesday, Nov. 4 we’ll pick our this nation’s 44th President. We do so deeply nervous: U.S. troops are at war in two countries; the economy is in free fall; pitched cultural battles rage; public education is in crisis; the healthcare framework is broken.

In reality, neither Sens. John McCain nor Barrack Obama will be our political savior.

Mr. McCain surely has skeletons in his closet, starting with the Keating Five Savings and Loan crisis scandal of the late 1980s and ties to numerous lobbyists. Then there is his legendary temper.

Mr. Obama, with but four years in the national spotlight, responded too slowly this past spring to the appalling tirade of his long-term pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He continually ties Mr. McCain to Bush administration policies – many of which are disastrous in historic proportions. But Mr. McCain should be applauded for differing in key areas with “Bush 43,” particularly on how to wage the Iraq War and policies on torture.

Both have run advertisements about their opponents that are – at a minimum – gross, manipulation.

Yes, I am ignoring whether Mr. Obama “pals around with terrorists,” as Mr. McCain’s less-than-enlightened running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, declares. She refers to the Illinois Senator’s serving on a board with former domestic terrorist Bill Ayers (along with leading Republicans).

Consider this: Were one to take such claims to their logical conclusion, Mr. McCain would be a communist and torturer. Tran Trong Duyet, former head of the “Hanoi Hilton” and Mr. McCain’s jailer, has said he would vote for Mr. McCain if he could because the American is now his “friend.”
Enough with such garbage. On to the issues – or at least the one that matters to me.

Mr. Obama’s policies are simply more comprehensive and sounder in the long-term. Take, for example, healthcare. Mr. McCain’s idea of $5,000 credit per family could drive up policies by at least that amount and persuade pinched employers to drop coverage. His heavy reliance on the unregulated free market – here as elsewhere – is unrealistic. Need proof? Look no farther than our battered banking system.

Mr. Obama’s plan would mandate employers offering health insurance or to contribute to the cost. A new National Health Insurance Exchange is likely to bring reasonable and stable premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Also, child health insurance would be mandatory. To pay for this, some programs must be slashed; the alternative is worse. And this plan has a better chance of structurally changing our system.

On to vice presidential choices. Many Jews – whom polls show are largely centrists – have been attracted to Mr. McCain’s past bi-partisan policies. Yet he insulted many in this camp by choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Her inexperience makes Mr. Obama look like Thomas Jefferson. Her reliance on sharp quips and populist rhetoric bring media attention and the cheers of some, but offer no depth. Mr. Obama picked Sen. Joe Biden, long a favorite with a large swath of Jewish voters and one of Washington’s brighter lights.

A President Obama will turn to his number two for advice and deep knowledge of Capital Hill. Mr. McCain must rely on his own valuable experience; his number two is not remotely capable of stepping in if needed.

Obviously I have a special interest in the fate of the State of Israel. The U.S.-Israeli relationship is strong and diverse. Mr. McCain is favored by many Jews living in Israel because of his tough talk on Iran and mocking of Mr. Obama’s desire to speak with such enemies. But Mr. Obama, with the counsel of Mr. Biden and long-time Mideast peace negotiator Ambassador Dennis Ross, will not sell out Israel. There will be disagreements, but none that surpass the hopes of large numbers of American and Israeli Jews.

The latest survey indicates that 74 percent of American Jews will vote for Mr. Obama. These voters are on to something. Barack Obama should be this nation’s 44th president.

Talkin’ Evangelical

October 17, 2008

When it comes to Evangelical Christianity’s self-professed love for the State and People of Israel, many Jews understandably retain a healthy dose of cynicism. That understandably comes from nearly two millennia of Christian antipathy and violence toward us. With Evangelicals in specific, their heavy emphasis on conversion is anathema to nearly every Jew – secular or otherwise. Others, however, argue that we desperately need friends these days. As Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League said a few years ago, “This is no time to say `You’re not our perfect friend.’”

One annual manifestation of Evangelical support is taking place in Jerusalem these days. Among the city’s visitors this Sukkot holiday are some 7,000 Evangelical tourists, according to the JTA Wire Service. They were celebrating the 29th annual Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The event, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, was expected to pump $18 million to $20 million into the economy of the Jewish state.

We must keep an open mind to all this while not letting down our guard. In short, we need more dialogue with Evangelical Christians. In doing so, we will learn – mirroring our community – that the Evangelicals are split on how to deal with Jews and Judaism. Some wings continue to single us out for proselytizing; others willingly supplant that to the proverbial back burner, freeing themselves to forge partnerships with us on issues such environmental concerns. Such diversity should not be surprising; there are an estimated 60 million and 80 million Evangelical Christians in this country alone. They are no more of one mind than are some 6 million American Jews.

The process of interfaith dialogue with other Christian groups, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, has brought profound rewards. Likewise with Protestant sects, despite some recent pushes for divestment in companies doing business with Israel – which other Protestants rose up against.
Mainly, in a world where hostile forces seek more than our souls, we need more talk and less preconceived notions.

Campaign Of Rumors

October 13, 2008

If every presidential election is historic, this one may be even more so. For starters, there is the obvious reality of an African-American nominee from a major party. Then there is the oldest candidate yet from a major party. Finally, we have the GOP’s first nomination of a woman on the ticket (Sen. Geraldine Ferraro of the Democrats having gained the Democratic tap 24 years ago with former Vice President Walter Mondale at the ticket’s head).

Sadly, the vicious slander campaigns seemingly at the center of this campaign are not a first in the election process. Indeed, the 2008 presidential contest is as heated as any in recent memory in part due to “the sky is falling” accusations. A quick review of the noxious litany includes accusations of anti-Semitism from top policy advisers of both candidates; likewise with ties to anti-Jewish and offensive religious leaders – the latter relating to Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama and GOP vice presidential pick Gov. Sarah Palin. Then there are cries by both sides that their opponent will sell out Israel when it comes to combating Iran’s clear nuclear threat. Finally, there are outright racist and misogynist sentiments that should be immediately combated.

With all that in mind, it’s far from surprising that the passions of Jewish voters in the race reveals all of this and more. So in these days leading up to the vote itself, we urge everyone to base their knowledge not on the plethora of rumors circulating on the e-mail and Internet. Rather, visit the candidates’ websites to review policies, attend an area forum and speak with sources that you trust. (Hint: Talk radio of any persuasion does not fit that last category.) Mostly, figure out what’s important to you and do the research.

There are indeed major issues to explore for us as both Jews and Americans. Some of that boils down to political philosophy; none of it should be based on fear-mongering.

Catholic-Jewish Tensions Anew

September 24, 2008

No one can deny the phenomenal positive strides made between Catholic and Jewish leaders in the theological realm in recent decades. Hopefully, the relationships forged will help us weather the coming storm – the one politely and conveniently pushed off for the past five or six years, but which has now returned.

Last week at an interfaith symposium in Rome, Pope Benedict XIV defended the legacy of Pope Pius XII, reports the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (http://www.jta.org). The comments are likely meant to help prepare the theological world for the bombshell of the Vatican’s pushing to declare Pius XII – whose name is cursed by many Jews of the World War II generation – a saint.

Now Pope Benedict noted that his predecessor “spared no effort” to help Jews during World War II. Pius, he said, had undertaken “many interventions, made secretly and silently, precisely because given the concrete situation of that difficult historical moment, only in this way was it possible to avoid the worst and save the greatest number of Jews.”

Wait a minute. As is documented, the Pope did indeed help shelter Jews in Rome during the Nazi push to round up the cities Jews and send them to an unquestioned death in concentration camps. He also helped individual Jews whom he knew and their families. However, the truth is that the record is mixed. One simply cannot say that Pius “spared no effort” to help Jews. That’s because he and the rest of the world failed during this era, which brings a permanent stain to the human record. But as an influential leader whose words and orders were repeated by priests all over the continent – particularly in Poland – he had a heightened responsibility as well as opportunity to help stem the slaughter.

The Pope – and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Zionist movement, and so many others – did not do enough. How can anyone say otherwise?

It’s the Catholic Church’s business as to who it wants to make a saint. It’s the obligation of the Jewish community to comment on their choices and remind our friends that in this ever-connected world, we’re going to need much more than platitudes and press releases to buy the words.

Kooks On The Left, Whackos On The Right

Sept. 2, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama is an honorable man whose personal story embodies much that is great about this complex country.

Sen. John McCain has given his adult life to serving this nation with great honor and distinction; he personally understands what war means.

In short, that’s why both are excellent candidates to run for the U.S. presidency. Yes, like many I wish we could wrap them into one – McCain’s experience (because it does matter) and Obama’s intellect and charisma (because that too matters a great deal).

And no, I’m not going to tell you who’s the better choice. But I am tired of both the kooks on the left and the whackos on the right telling me who should sit in the Oval Office in an era of Iranian lust for nuclear power, increasing economic disparity at home and – God forbid – the return of “Beverly Hills 90210” to TV. (I really don’t care about that last one, but I didn’t make it up.)

Of late we’ve had Obamanik Madonna calling McCain a new Hitler and hardcore conservatives finding ways to applaud the teenage pregnancy of GOP VP pick Sarah Palin’s daughter. Yes, it shouldn’t be a campaign issue – but the Republicans are the ones who are whipping out that “family values” card all the time.

Meanwhile, the general kooks on the left – whom the Democratic party has never done a good enough job of silencing – grossly mis-characterize McCain’s support of U.S. involvement in Iraq. It’s quite bizarre to do so as the troop surge pays off, a move that McCain long-ago advocated. (As did I.)

Meanwhile, the general whackos on the far right think that Obama is a secret Muslim who will put a veil on the Statue of Liberty (and I don’t mean a figurative one). Likewise, the Republicans do far too little to silence them and their Internet innuendo campaign.

So let’s have both leaders of the political parties stand up to their radical fringes. How? Why not sign a contract for civil debate, one that includes making a donation to each other’s campaign when their surrogates go out and do the dirty work. Who would judge the violations? Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush – both of whom actually get along well – come to mind. If that doesn’t work, some pre-school teacher would do just as well because he or she is experienced in such baby behavior.

DNC, RNC: Is It All About Israel?

August 26, 2008

Let the games begin – again.

Now that the Summer Olympics Games are over, the November Election Games have begun. That means at the Baltimore Jewish Times we’re being courted heavily by surrogates from both parties who are out to convince us that their candidate is the best choice to lead our country these next four years.

Now the first thing they do is trot out the pro-Israel card. Frankly, I find it shallow and sad. That’s not only because the campaigns think that this is the beginning and end of what their importance to Jewish voters will be, but that many Jews agree.

The reason I’m downplaying the Israel card is actually because of the tremendous success of American Jewry in making the pro-Israel lobby – complete with its evangelical allies (at least on this issue) – a huge success. Indeed, each year the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee is ranked right up there with the National Rifle Association as one of the two most influential lobbies in the nation’s capitol. Now many Jews might not like the comparison, but when it comes to raw power our sliver of the population – about 1.9 percent in recent years – carries a mammoth wallop in the Halls of Power. We shouldn’t be ashamed of that, but proud of it.

But what about health care, immigration, religion in the public square, vouchers for private schools, national defense policies and more? I’m not taking sides here, and know that there is far from uniformity in the Jewish community on this and nearly anything else.

What I am saying is that Jewish groups in particular should press the candidates and their surrogates to detail these views. Push them to be specific, particularly when it’s Jewish surrogates that come in front of us.

Thanks to the pro-Israel lobby, there is no way in the world that an anti-Israel candidate can rise through the ranks of either party. That’s the way it should be. But we are still allowed to argue over what being pro-Israel means. (As but one example, is it in Israel’s best interest for the U.S. to pressure it to abandon West Bank settlements more quickly, or is it best to avoid the issue and let the status quo drag on – or even just say that those communities are now a permanent feature of the landscape?)

American Jews are likely the most educated, informed and sophisticated ethnic community in this country. Now we need to act that way.

Cynthia McKinney’s Flawed Return

August 14, 2008

Kooky politicians never fade away … they just run for president.

That’s my response after learning that Cynthia McKinney of Georgia is the Green Party nominee for president, as announced today. For sure, unlike year 2000 party candidate Ralph Nader, Ms. McKinney will not come remotely close to influencing the election. That’s because if she ever gained traction, the vast majority of Americans would see her as an increasing number of Georgians did over the years – a divisive, angry and out-of-whack politician.

I speak from personal experience. Back in the 1990s, I was editor of the Atlanta Jewish Times when she was a congresswoman. Her district was majority black, but had a healthy chunk of the Jewish community. Jewish leaders repeatedly tried to be friendly toward her; she repeatedly said in so many words, “I don’t need you so go stick your love somewhere.”

That was even before her father, long-time state representative Billy McKinney, began claiming that his daughter’s Jewish Republican opponent was being funded by national Jewish groups.

When that happened, Ms. McKinney slowly, with great reticence, ever-so-slightly distanced herself from her father’s comments. (For the record, no one was asking her to denounce her dad, just what he said.) I went up to her at a political event a day later, identified myself and said to her, “I’m glad you said what you said and look forward to now covering the issues of the campaign.” She gave me a glare and walked away. Her Jewish advisor was mortified. I told him, “Now we’re learning a lot about what she really thinks.”

Breaking tradition for the Atlanta Jewish Times, I refused to endorse the Democratic candidate in that race. Based on the history of Atlanta’s Jewish community – remember Jimmy Carter?—I was not ready to endorse Republican challenger John Mitnick. Looking back, I was wrong.

Back then I wrote that on the one hand Ms. McKinney, a black and single mom, was the type of person who should be in the U.S. House of Representatives because she truly represented a disenfranchised portion of the electorate. On the other hand, her behavior and beliefs were so outrageous that they raised serious questions.

Since then, she went on to win and lose her seat several times, finally being knocked out for good in 2006. Now she is calling for a new investigation of the 9/11 attacks – which would undoubtedly delve into the idiotic theory that Israel and/or American Jews are responsible. She also has said that peace in the Middle East could come “based on self-determination, respect for human rights and justice.” My guess is that she does not realize that Jewish settlers and their supporters might agree: justice for them comes in the right to self-determination and human rights in their ancient homeland.

That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Ms. McKinney is such a contrast to the great Georgian African-American political leaders of past and present, including John Lewis – one of my heroes.

Well, at least we now know what Ms. McKinney is up to – at least until early November.

Gaseous Claim

August 6, 2008

So now it’s Israel’s fault that gas prices are rising. Reports are increasing that the summer’s soaring cost of petroleum for the inefficient U.S. auto fleet is due in large part to speculation of a rumored pending Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sights. (Sure, the price for a gallon has dropped in the past few days. But people, it’s still over $3.70 in most places, or some $1.50 more than the cost not so long ago.)

As the narrative goes, for starters a preemptive Israeli strike may not succeed. After all, it’s a near-impossible task of hitting at least 10 reinforced and underground nuclear installations over hostile territory, a mission that will take several days and at least 100 planes.

And the potential response is horrifying: Hezbollah unleashing its 15,000 plus rockets on northern Israel, weapons supplied by Iran. Hamas reignites its missile barrages against southwestern Israel. Syria gives the green light for terror attacks on Israel’s northern border – albeit from Lebanon so that Damascus can claim neutrality. Iran targets U.S., British and other oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The regimes in Egypt and Jordan could be toppled by street demonstrations if their governments do not break peace treaties with Israel. And one can imagine what happens to world financial markets.

All in all, it’s a nightmare scenario that seems far from impossible.

But you have to wonder, why isn’t the world instead focusing on what a nuclear-armed Iran will mean? An even bolder Tehran will permanently threaten Saudi, Kuwaiti, Iraqi and other regional oil fields. It will give the ruling mullahs even more leverage and stronger ability to project bravado in exporting their militant brand of Islamic radicalism. Meanwhile, the even higher oil prices will given Iran even more money. That country already threatens the world by arming Hezbollah – which has struck in Israel, Lebanon, Argentina and elsewhere – and has ties with Hamas.

Iran claims that its drive for nuclear power is meant for peaceful purposes. If so, why does it refuse to welcome U.N. inspectors? It’s not as if the world body is in the hip pocket of the U.S. and Israel.

Oh yes, Iran and its supporters claim that Israel already has nuclear bombs so there’s a double standard at work here. Not really. Israel has never threatened Iran with nuclear weapons, despite the heinous things Tehran’s leaders continues to say about and do to the world’s only Jewish state. Meanwhile, Israel keeps negotiating to get out of the lives of the Palestinians—and we all know what Iran has been up to during that period.