By Arnold Flick, MD
SAN DIEGO — I have been a member, or have watched many Jewish organizations in my life, beginning with Habonim in the 1930’s, AZA in the 1940’s, Federations in several cities, thereafter, and in San Diego have annually contributed to one or several Jewish organizations. The membership and tone of these has generally favored a political party, but none, none, has ever insulted the President of the United States. AIPAC has not hidden its distaste for policies of President Obama, and has criticized him, but has never insulted him.
The prime reasons that insults have not happened is simple: a deep respect for the institution of the Presidency and gratitude to the United States Constitution that has enabled the Jewish community here to achieve freedom and to stand with equal respect with the rest of nation. A lesser reason is also obvious, or should be: it is not in the interest of the larger Jewish community nor of the particular organization to make an enemy of the President.
Reports by Haaretz from the current J Street convention indicate this respect has been breached. It is reported that, on entering the convention, attendees were given small noisemakers, and that, during Jeremy Ben Ami’s keynote speech, whenever the name of President Trump was mentioned, the audience was encouraged to use its noisemakers in a manner done when Haman’s name is mentioned in the Esther Megilla. I am assuming the story is correct. Such behavior by a major Jewish organization is insane and should be condemned by all.
Donald Trump, President Trump, regardless of his failings in the eyes of many, is not an anti-Semite; it seems ridiculous to even have to write this. That several right wingers with writings interpreted by the progressive wing endorse the President is far less than Sharpton’s endorsement of Obama or of Obama’s attendance for years in the church of Rev. Wright. It is appropriate for organizations, Jewish or otherwise to criticize policies of any administration, but open disrespect and hostility to the office are not acceptable.
J Street should apologize, and soon.
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Flick is an active member of San Diego’s Jewish community