American Jewish Report: March 8, 2016

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Bernie Sanders mental health joke slammed by Jewish disability rights group

(JNS.org) The Ruderman Family Foundation, a Jewish organization that prioritizes disability rights and inclusion, called on Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to apologize for a joke directed at Republican candidates that questioned their mental health.

During Sunday’s Democratic debate in Flint, Mich., Sanders said, “You know, we are, if elected president, going to invest a lot of money into mental health. And when you watch these Republican debates, you know why we need to invest in that.”

“When millions of Americans deal with issues of mental health, it was highly inappropriate for Senator Bernie Sanders to use a real disability as a joke in last night’s Democratic presidential debate,” Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, said Monday. “He should issue an immediate apology to Americans with mental health disabilities.”

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‘Friend of Israel’ Nancy Reagan mourned by Jewish and Israeli politicians

(JNS.org) American Jewish and Israeli politicians remembered former first lady Nancy Reagan, who died on Sunday of congestive heart failure at age 94, as a stalwart friend of Israel.

“You didn’t have to be a Reagan Republican to admire & respect Nancy Reagan. She was a tower of strength, unafraid to chart her own course,” tweeted Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, “I remember Nancy as a noble woman who supported president [Ronald] Reagan and stood by his side. She will be remembered as a great friend of the State of Israel.”

“Today I bow my head together, with the citizens of the U.S., at the loss of first lady Nancy Reagan,” said Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, describing her as “President Ronald Reagan’s dedicated wife, a true partner in the president’s unique leadership, including his strong friendship with Israel.”

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