Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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A miracle took place in Jerusalem last month. On the surface, that’s not so extraordinary. Perhaps more than anyplace else, Jerusalem is the capital of miracles, in both biblical and modern times. Last month, Jews worldwide observed what’s known as the saddest day on the calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av. Tisha B’Av is the saddest day because on it, the same day on the Jewish calendar, both Temples were destroyed, first by the Babylonians and then by the Romans, hundreds of years apart. Zechariah prophesied that this wi...
A few months ago, there was a slew of hopeful chatter in Israel that Eli Cohen would finally be coming home. This followed the return of remains of an Israeli soldier killed in battle in Lebanon in 1982 with help from Russia. The country couldn’t restrain its excitement at the repatriation of Zachary Baumol’s remains. Prayers were that Eli Cohen would be next. For as long as I can remember, Eli Cohen was a larger than life hero. Had his story ended differently we might never have known how much Israel is indebted to him. As one of Israel’s most...
In case you missed it, Israel will be holding national elections on Sept. 17. Yes, this is the second time this year. Hopefully the outcome will not be a stalemate like last time. Please enjoy this series of articles offering insight to perspectives beyond whether Bibi will be re-elected. These details are probably not understood overseas and ultimately, at least indirectly, is part of answering who will be Israel’s next prime minister. (For background about the electoral system from prior to the election in April, please feel free to c...
As the dust settles over the planned, canceled, re-scheduled and then canceled-again trip to Israel by Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, one thing comes to mind offering perspective on how this played out: The scene from “Argo” when the CIA affirms that “This is the best bad idea we have.” Why? Because no matter what had happened, Israel only had bad choices. Why the best bad option? Certainly, Israel could have handled its decision much better. But either way, they played into the hands of the media hungry rabid anti-Semites who dis...
If I were Israel’s prime minister, I’d have let repugnant U.S. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib come to Israel, despite their hateful agenda and itinerary that would have been an unabashed anti-Israel propaganda tour. Israel is a strong country, vibrant democracy, and can stand up to the debate. There would have been no problem calling them out and challenging their anti-Semitic and anti-Israel lies at their every interview, comment, and tweet. We not only missed that opportunity, but we put the ball in their court to play a one...
At the beginning of a recent trip to the U.S. I was privileged to find myself in the office of my Congressional Representative, Bonnie Watson Coleman, (NJ 12th District) discussing legislation related to providing security in the Middle East against the rising tide of Islamic extremism, and combatting anti-Semitism. I left the meeting hopeful, and grateful as an American to have the privilege to express my views with my elected representatives. Last week, my hopes were dashed when, in one of the most sweeping, nearly unanimous, and indeed...
Before the wildfires were extinguished in Israel last month, organizations and communities throughout Israel stepped up to help the more than 3500 people who had been evacuated and displaced from their homes, including residents of Mevo Modiin, a community that was all but completely burned down. Calls to provide clothes and other supplies were responded to so much so that by the next morning, almost as quickly as the fire started and calls were issued to help, people were turned away because...
Most people at least recognize the name of Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. But few outside Israel know the name of Israel's president, or that Israel even has one. In Israel, the prime minister is the head of the government and the president is the head of State. Israel's current and 10th president is Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin. He was elected to a seven-year term five years ago this week. He has a long and remarkable family life and political career in Jerusalem. This week his wife,...
Israel needs your prayers, and help. Almost overnight, wildfires broke out, scorching acres, burning dozens of houses including entirely destroying a whole community. Over 3500 people have been evacuated as Israel braces for more. So far. Israel is considering declaring a national emergency due to fear of the spreading of existing and igniting of new fires. Temperatures are expected to reach a sweltering 110º F in areas between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The Dead Sea and Jordan Valley are expected to see even higher temperatures, as much as...
Rep. Rashida Tlaib suggesting that her people made way for Jews in “Palestine” is dishonest and whitewashes the historical reality that the leaders of the indigenous Arab population of Ottoman and British controlled Palestine colluded with the Nazis to exterminate the Jews of Europe and Palestine. Her recent remarks beg anyone of decency to call out the lie and state the facts. Tlaib, presents a revisionist history and false narrative that the Jewish people have no legitimate claims to the Land of Israel and that Jewish restoration to the Lan...
You could be forgiven if you hadn’t heard of the latest round of Palestinian Arab terrorists firing an unprecedented barrage of rockets from Gaza into Israel the weekend of May 4-5. Since most of the world media broadcast limited details, if you’ve heard about it, odds are that you’ve only heard part of the reality, if at all. Another battle, not a war—with last week being Israel’s 71st Independence Day, the latest barrage of missiles underscores that this is another battle in the war that began 71 years ago and that has never ended. Israel has...
In an unprecedented event, hundreds from San Antonio's Jewish community, joined by Jewish leaders from throughout the U.S. and Israel, celebrated and expressed appreciation the past four decades of the ardent Israel support of Pastor John and Diana Hagee. Arguably, this is the first time any Jewish community came together to express true respect and appreciation for a Christian leader. This was not just a once-in-a-generation event, it's the first in any generation. The event was historic for...
By Jonathan Feldstein While an array of recent controversies have developed from members of Congress around the U.S.’ support of Israel, the fact is America is and was always pro-Israel. This is built on the foundation of early American leaders who understood the significance of Israel, based on common Judeo-Christian values and solid biblical imperative. Of course, when the American founding fathers supported Israel, it was not based on the existence of a modern state. They understood that Israel (i.e., Jewish people) and the Land of Israel we...
I’ve been called many things in my life, but never black. Until recently. I was visiting with a friend who is a black pastor in Chicago and at one point he burst out “you must be half black.” He meant it as a compliment, and I received it as such. Since then he’s invited me to speak in his church as an Orthodox American-born Israeli Jew about black Jewish relations later this month, Black History month. I agreed immediately and enthusiastically. It’s one of the most meaningful and important invitations I’ve ever received. Unlike my children wh...
This is part 4 of a four-part series. While ultimately the Israeli voters will make their choice on April 9, there are any number of external factors that could influence the election’s outcome, including things like a war and increased terror, the anticipated Trump Peace Plan, diplomatic achievements including high profile state visits, and countries moving their embassies could play significant factors, among others. As the incumbent, Netanyahu has the benefit of making and hosting international state visits between now and the election. I...
This is part 2 of a four-part series. There have been investigations of Prime Minister Netanyahu on possible legal charges relating to four different cases going on for years. The attorney general has not yet indicated which, if any, of the charges he might end up indicting the Prime Minister for. If indicted before the election, depending on what the charges are, there could be increased calls for his stepping down immediately, and stepping down as the Likud party’s candidate to be Prime Minister. It’s possible that recommendations for an ind...
This is part 1 of a four-part series. Just after Christmas it was announced that Israel will be holding early elections on April 9. In the coming months there will be heavy campaigning, countless polls, stunts, pundits’ predictions, and endless projections. Many friends have asked, what will be with Prime Minister Netanyahu, politically and legally, and what should they pray for? Before sharing some of the things to watch and pray for, let me make one projection that is not unique and that all polls are projecting: that the Likud party under P...
‘Twas the month before Christmas And without so much as a flinch AirBNB joined the Israel boycott And became the new corporate Grinch. In recent weeks, it seems as if there have been an unprecedented number of anti-Semitic decisions and declarations that have been dismaying and worrying. Some are cloaked in the veil of being “only” anti-Israel. Make no mistake, these are bald-faced, anti-Semitic acts and need to be called out. While there are no shortage of anti-Semitic grinches this season, and in general, there may be a light at the end o...
The phrase, “tip of the iceberg“ references the fact that there’s much more beneath the surface of the water where an iceberg exists that is greater a threat than what is visible above the water. Today in the Middle East we need to coin a new phrase that references the exact opposite: that which is beneath the surface is just a small representation of a much more dangerous threat above the surface. This week, Israel revealed the presence of terror tunnels coming across the border from Lebanon in...
Last week marked the 80th anniversary of one of the single most infamous anti-Semitic days in history. Observing and understanding this anniversary is all the more critical in the wake of the anti-Semitic Pittsburgh massacre. While hatred of Jews is sadly not new, one thing new today is the solidarity among Jews and Christians standing united against anti-Semitism. By contrast, in the 1930s, many church leaders openly supported the rise of Nazi anti-Semitism. Known as Kristallnacht—the Night of Broken Glass—on the night of November 9, 193...
By Jonathan Feldstein Anti-Semitism thrives and is unleashed, among other things, when hate is fostered and allowed to go unchecked. But anti-Semites rarely need an “excuse” to do so. Following the attack on the Pittsburgh synagogue last week, many blame the current president and his rhetoric for that. Perhaps. However no less significant is when former president Clinton shared the stage with and gives credibility to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, one of the most rabid anti-Semites in the U.S., as if that’s normal and OK. Just by be...
This week’s murder of a neighbor in a terror attack carried out by a teenage Palestinian Arab was glaring and jarring in many ways. First and foremost, his death is a great loss for our community and Israel on the whole, but mostly for his wife, four children, parents, siblings and many other family and close friends who survived him, of which there were many. He’s been lauded as a hero in his life and his death. It’s jarring because not only was he armed, but he chased down the terrorist after being fatally stabbed, shooting the terro...
This week, the fourth of my children visited Poland. Though the immediate threats to Jewish life in Poland today are not what they were 75 years ago, I can’t escape the need to protect her from Poland, our history, and its horrors. I don’t fear for her physical safety, but I do fear her loss of innocence as she will be exposed to the horrors to which our people, and specifically dozens of our relatives, were subject, and murdered. I’ve been to Poland and I’ve witnessed concentration camps, death camps, the gas chambers, and the cremato...
On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the moon. His timeless and famous remark at the time, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” will go down as one of the most iconic phrases of all time. Yet, when Armstrong visited Israel in 1994 he was brought to a place in the Old City of Jerusalem and asked Meir Ben Dov, his host and noted archeologist, if Jesus himself actually would have walked there. “I told him, ‘Look, Jesus was a Jew,’” recalled Ben-...
I never met Mitchell "Mike" Flint, but before I had even heard of him, I knew about him and his legendary sense of being on the right side of history in the establishment of the State of Israel. When I read about Mitchell, Jewish and Israeli newspapers were filled with accounts of his life in obituaries that heaped praise on his heroism, and that of others like him. There's a Jewish tradition to comfort the mourning surviving family members of one who dies and I was able to connect with one of...
