Only recently, with his growing realization that he will face a tough fight for reelection, has his rhetoric – but not necessarily his attitude toward the Jewish state – changed. His obvious dislike for Netanyahu or for what the Israeli prime minister stands for is obvious.
Nelson Marans Silver Spring, MD
Orthodox Infighting
Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss seemed to be reaching in his Feb. 10 column when he connected assimilation to the current anti-Semitic excesses in the world. Unfortunately, the infighting within several Orthodox groups may have more to do with it. Their leaders fight against each other, causing families to be ripped asunder, shunning kin and not attending simchas. Children and older boys are indoctrinated with enmity and hate against offshoot groups.
Let’s start with that before we look for other reasons. I doubt these battles are fought l’shem Shamayim.
Helen Boym
Harrisburg, PA
Living Al Kiddush Hashem
Reading “The Greatest Gift I Ever Gave” (op-ed, Feb. 10) brought tears to my eyes. Since beginning of our history, our forefathers died Al Kiddush Hashem. In this generation we have the opportunity to live Al Kiddush Hashem.
May Rabbi Ari Sytner be zoche to see his children, who obviously are partners in this, continue to make a Kiddush Hashem and be blessed with all the blessings contained in the Krias Shema. Jacob Baum
(Via E-Mail)
Advice For Obama
I would say Rafael Medoff’s February 3op-ed article “The Mufti Influences an American Election” contains three lessons for President Obama:
1. New York State is crucial in American presidential elections.
2. The Jewish vote is crucial in New York State.
3. The security of Israel is crucial in the voting of many Jews.
Therefore, I would suggest the following steps to President Obama: A large increase in military aid to Israel and commuting Jonathan Pollard’s sentence to time served.
I write this as a supporter of Mr. Obama.
Reuven Solomon
(Via E-Mail)