Bush tells U.S. Jewish voters: You've got a friend

Haaretz ^ | 8-12-04 | Nathan Guttman

[veronica]

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush appealed directly to the American Jewish community this week, in a glossy booklet sent to American Jewish organizational leaders that highlights his good relations with the community, its leadership, and with Israel.

The appeal is considered another step in Republican efforts to win over Jewish votes from the Democratic party.

The 26-page booklet, entitled "President George W. Bush - A Friend of the American Jewish Community," outlines the history of Bush's relationship with the American Jewish community, the struggle against anti-Semitism, the war against terror, and assistance to Israel.

"Today, Jews in America know they have a steadfast friend and defender in the Oval Office," the booklet states in its introduction.

Only 19 percent of American Jews voted for President Bush in the 2000 election, and since then Republicans have been making a significant effort to woe the Jewish vote on November 2.

The booklet is studded with full-page pictures of Bush at various Jewish events, and notes Bush's statements against anti-Semitism and against the statements of Mahatir Mohammed, former prime minister of Malaysia. It also highlights administration action against terror, including Bush's declaration that the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is a terror organization, and the arrest of Hamas fund-raisers in the U.S. Bush also presents disengagement as a central achievement in his support for Israel.

"For Yasser Arafat, the message has been clear," the booklet states. "While he was a frequent White House guest during the last administration, he has never been granted a meeting with President Bush."

At the end of the booklet the White House presents a series of quotes from prominent Jewish leaders supporting Bush. A number of those quoted said they had not given permission for their statements to be used, and had not intended them to express political support for Bush.

The National Jewish Democratic Coalition (NJDC) criticized the White House for publishing the booklet.

"This is completely inappropriate," said David Harris, NJDC deputy executive director. "It is something a campaign should be putting out, not the White House. It is overtly political."

[finnigan2]

""For Yasser Arafat, the message has been clear," the booklet states. "While he was a frequent White House guest during the last administration, he has never been granted a meeting with President Bush."

- Oh yeah. Weren't those the meetings in which Slick brought in his daughter Chelsea to be one of the, "peace negotiators" while the MSM reported on it with a straight face?
Tee Hee.

[Salem]

"...The booklet is studded with full-page pictures of Bush at various Jewish events, and notes Bush's statements against anti-Semitism and against the statements of Mahatir Mohammed, former prime minister of Malaysia. It also highlights administration action against terror, including Bush's declaration that the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is a terror organization, and the arrest of Hamas fund-raisers in the U.S. Bush also presents disengagement as a central achievement in his support for Israel."

And a ping for those on Alouette's list, till she is back on her own machine.

If you'd like to be on or off this
Christian Supporters of Israel ping list,
please FR mail me. ~
    
MikeFromFR ~
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had
spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45)
Letter To The President In Support Of Israel ~
'Final Solution,' Phase 2 ~
Warnings ~

[Akira]

Not to be really picky, but I would have a real problem - were I an orthodox Jew - of seeing someone who is not Jewish wearing a yarmulke.

I had the incredible fortune of visiting the Western Wall last November, and I had the impression that they prefer even non-Jews (I am Christian) to wear the yarmulke. They give them to you as you enter, and the guide I was with suggested I take one. I hope that wasn't insensitive, but I gladly obliged.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Yep, Yasser the Terrorist practically lived in the WH during Clinton's 2nd term.

The ONE possible good thing Clinton *may* have done was to have given arafart the cigar that he'd been storing in Monica!

[NYC GOP Chick]

Not to be really picky, but I would have a real problem - were I an orthodox Jew - of seeing someone who is not Jewish wearing a yarmulke.

Although I'm not Orthodox, I am Jewish and synagogues appreciate it if *all* men wear them. Usually, they have a box of them just outside the main room.

Just as I would have a problem with a non-Catholic receiving communion at Mass (were I Catholic).

Apples and oranges. If I were in a Catholic Church, I'd respect their wishes and traditions, but men of all faiths should wear yarmulkes in synagogues. And that should also be respected.

[Mr. Mojo]

Had Arafat known about Clinton's personal (and unusual) humidor he may very well have asked for such a cigar ;)

[NYC GOP Chick]

Had Arafat known about Clinton's personal (and unusual) humidor he may very well have asked for such a cigar ;)

Nah, considering that Monica is Jewish! ;D