[dervish]

So how do you suggest we distinguish between the pronouncements of a Jewish Al Sharpton, and someone worthy of respect, as criticism of either will bring charges of anti-semitism from some quarter.

The point here was never about defending Rabbi Boteach. He criticized statements made by Donohue. Were Boteach’s criticisms, not the man, valid on their face or not? Were Donohue’s statements anti-Semitic?

How did this get turned into an analysis of Boteach? No one is calling for an analysis of Donohue's whole life, although perhaps a history of anti-Semitic, or the reverse pro-Jewish, rhetoric might be relevant.

This is why I like original sources. You be the judge.

[papertyger]

The point here was never about defending Rabbi Boteach. He criticized statements made by Donohue. Were Boteach’s criticisms, not the man, valid on their face or not? Were Donohue’s statements anti-Semitic? How did this get turned into an analysis of Boteach? No one is calling for an analysis of Donohue's whole life, although perhaps a history of anti-Semitic, or the reverse pro-Jewish, rhetoric might be relevant. This is why I like original sources. You be the judge.

How about this one...

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/lappin200309260936.asp

Judging Boteach is implicit in evaluating his comments. Which is why I brought up the Sharpton parallel.

Rabbi Lapin has a very good chapter in his book "America's Real War" devoted to dissecting how secular/liberal Jews play the "heads I win, tails you lose" game with the charge of anti-semitism.

Also note, in the provided link, Rabbi Lapin specifically endorses Bill Donahue's position and says of him "...a good friend who has always stood firmly with Jews in the fight against genuine anti-Semitism, yet now, in his fight against anti-Catholicism, he appealed to Jewish organizations in vain."