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July 4th Image: a U.S. Flag and a Magen What?

July 6, 2024
Juxtaposition (Photo: Ben Dishman)

DEL MAR, California (SDJW) — Ben Dishman celebrated America’s birthday as well as his own on July 4th at the San Diego County Fair.

While touring the woodworking exhibit, he found what looked at first glance like a juxtaposition of Jewish and American symbols.  The wood creation by James McLees, titled “Wood, Naturally” lacked a lower bar to be a Magen David, but it was close enough to a Jewish star that Dishman photographed it with the nearby American flag.

Make what you will of the photo.  The incomplete Star of David, set against the U.S. flag, could be interpreted to mean that Jewish life in America is not complete. Some would subscribe to that view, saying a complete Jewish life requires making aliyah to Israel.  Others would disagree saying that no country in the world is more hospitable to Jews than the United States.

Either position that you take, it’s an interesting photo.

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SDJW staff report

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