Dr. Zuhdi Jasser to speak at Temple Beth Sholom on Sunday Oct. 18, 2009.

I can still remember that day, I believe that most of us can remember exactly what we were doing or where we were when we heard the news.  For our generation, 9/11 had a very similar effect to that of President Kennedy’s assassination on the generation of  our parents and grandparents. 

Losing one’s innocence, understanding that the world can be a cruel desolate place devoid of morals or ethics is a horrible reality to wake up to.  Yet I am amazed!  As much as we say we remember what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, as much as we go through the motions of trying to understand and as much as we sometimes still break into tears, I believe most of us have truly forgotten why this happened. 

I refuse to admit that our country was not prepared, for how can we possibly defend and protect our country against a terrorist plot that seemed to spring to life from the pages of a Hollywood Blockbuster Movie script!  Who can think of such a way to murder people in cold blood?  The answer: Radical Islamist Fascists!

For those of us who have been to Israel, it is not hard to understand what the threat of Radical Islam is really like.  Israel is surrounded by enemies on all sides who espouse Radical, Fascist and murderous Islamic ideologies. Even those countries like Egypt and Jordan whom Israel has peace treaties with - struggle internally to contain the threat of being “eaten alive” by that ugly monster! 

I remember a cartoon that was published right after 9/11; it showed a calendar in Israel where all the days on it were marked as Sept. 11.  Yes, Israel is prepared and always alert, not because it wants to but because it needs to!  And still, sadly, as prepared as we can be, sometimes there is no way of anticipating what could happen next. 

When you travel through Israel, if you pay close attention, when you come upon a place where a terrorist attack once took place you can see a small plaque listing the names of our fallen brothers and sisters.  Instead of making grandiose monuments and pledging over and over again not to forget, Israel actually does something about it.  The most important step in doing something about terror is understanding who, what and how we are fighting.

Very often I watch in disbelief how we try to apologize for the world!  A few months ago, President Obama went to Cairo and delivered an embarrassing and short-sighted speech where he called on The Muslim World to join America in creating a better world. 

Did anyone try to remind the President that all of these “moderate muslims” he was trying to extend his hand to were absolutely SILENT after 9/11?  I vividly remember all media outlets interviewing muslims and asking them for their thoughts right after 9/11. The majority did not condemn the hijackers and their evil plot.  Most of them simply remained silent. 

Time and time again, the defense was used that as long as Israel existed, these things will continue to happen.  Time and time again, we heard then and we hear now that Zionism is the problem – according to President Obama, Israeli “Settlements” are the problem.  NO!  The problem is murderers running around without restraint as we try to appease them again and again.

If we want to remember the victims of 9/11, it is important to do it by understanding that as long as we don’t face the threat of Radical Fascist Islam with open eyes and stop lying to ourselves thinking these people can be appeased – if we go through life thinking that they can understand ethics, morality and love the same way we do, then 9/11 will happen again. 

In trying to understand the constant threat of Radical Fascist Islam, Temple Beth Sholom is bringing to Las Vegas an extraordinary speaker.

I would like you to mark your calendars with an important date.  On Sunday Oct. 18, 2009 at 4 PM, Temple Beth Sholom will be hosting Dr. Zuhdi Jasser who is the director of The American Islamic Forum for Democracy.  Dr. Jasser is perhaps one of the most outspoken critics of Radical Fascist Islam. Dr. Jasser is also a devout Muslim.  He is the voice and the vision behind the documentary: The Third Jihad.

I highly recommend that you watch The Third Jihad before coming to Dr. Jasser’s lecture.  Our congregation has arranged for a screening of The Third Jihad on Tuesday Oct. 13, 2009, at 7 PM  here at Temple Beth Sholom.  Please join us for both the screening of the documentary and for Dr. Jasser’s lecture the following Sunday Oct. 18, 2009 at 4 PM.

In closing, I would like to thank the Men’s Club of Temple Beth Sholom and the committee that oversees the Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Garden for providing us with the necessary funds to make this program available.  Every contribution made to The Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Garden project at TBS goes to a special fund that is used to promote a better understanding of how hate and racism can be dealt with and eventually eliminated from our world.

Bellow, I have included a couple of links to some of Dr. Jasser’s appearances on CNN, FOX and other TV Networks.

Hannity – The Third Jihad – Sharia Law In America

The Third Jihad: Abridged Version

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To listen to the interview click here.

I think the interview went pretty well except for the fact that Temple Beth Sholom was identified by the reporter as a Reform Congregation which is NOT the case.  Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas has been a Conservative Congregation for the past 63+ years.

In the interview, you can also listen to Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-Nevada), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and one of the past presidents of Temple Beth Sholom, Sandy Mallin.

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Ambassador Ross came to speak as a surrogate of the Obama Campaign. Just like we did for Senator Lieberman when he came on behalf of the McCain campaign, we listened carefully and were delighted to have such a prominent figure in American public life share with us insights on the current election.

Ambassador Ross gave a fascinating presentation on Senator Obama’s foreign policy perspective.  I just came upon an article published by Haaretz this morning that very much summarizes what Ambassador Ross said at TBS.

I have chosen to post the entire article; it is both interesting and may also be enlightening as to what the future may hold in store if Obama is elected president.

Again, this doesn’t constitute my personal endorsement of any candidate nor does it represent the Temple’s point of view or mean that Temple Beth Sholom endorses or supports any specific candidate.

Dennis Ross on why he’s working for Obama and how he’d talk to Iran

By Natasha Mozgovaya

Tags: Israel News, Iran

WASHINGTON – Ahead of the American elections, Dennis Ross, the man who used to work as President Bill Clinton’s envoy to the Middle East, has been busy “working” the shuls in Florida, a key battleground state in the presidential election. Aside from sitting on the boards of many different research institutes, Ross also acts as Democratic candidate Barack Obama’s Middle East advisor. In addition, he is a leading contender – among some 300 candidates – for the post of secretary of state in an Obama government. This week he sat down and talked to Haaretz.

How was it in Florida? How did people react and what are the main concerns of the local Jewish community?

Ross: “When I was down there a few weeks ago, I think there were many more questions about Senator Obama than what I see among audiences today. The questions that are asked now show that people are beginning to decide that they want to go for him, and they want to be satisfied. I think there’s a desire to understand the nature of his relationship to Israel, how he would approach Iran, and [what] he thinks about the peace process. I would say those are the three big questions I was asked in one form or another everywhere I went.”

Assuming that the next president’s capacity to deal with these issues will be limited because of national debt, two ongoing wars and the recent financial crisis, can he really promise anything – and keep his word?

“In the first instance, [Obama] views the issue of Iran as an urgent priority, because the Bush administration’s approach to Iran has failed. I talk about how Obama wants to use our willingness to talk as a means to get others to actually apply more pressure on the Iranians, as a way to ensure the talks’ success, but also because the talks themselves send a signal [to] those who fear [that] applying more pressure means you’re descending toward a slippery slope of confrontation. This is a way of saying, ‘Look, we’re trying to see if there’s a way to avoid that.’ Preventing Iran from going nuclear is a very high priority for him, not only because it’s such a threat to Israel, but because it’s such a threat to the United States.

“On the question of Israel, I talk about what I saw during his trip to Israel, how I saw his understanding of the relationship with Israel – he would describe it as a commitment of the head and heart. He looks at Israel and sees us as being two countries with common values. But he also looks at Israel and sees that whatever threatens Israel also happens to threaten the United States. So we have a [common] interest, because we end up facing the same threats.

“Regarding the peace process, I think this is an issue where engagement is also crucial, but, much like Iran, it is an engagement without illusions. When you engage, you do so without illusions. But when you don’t engage, you leave the way open for your adversaries to actually gain more. The Bush administration wanted to disengage for its first six years in office. [By doing so] they actually strengthened Hamas’ hand, because Hamas’ argument is [that] there is no possibility for peace. The least you want to do is show that there could be an alternative answer.”

What kind of engagement might it be? The Israeli government isn’t fond of being under pressure, and some people are very sensitive about the idea of talking to Iran, especially since the Iranian leadership is saying nasty things about Israel.

“Sure, that’s why I started by saying that it’s an engagement without illusions. With regard to the Iranians, we know that by not talking to Iran the U.S. did not improve the situation. Today Iran is a nuclear power – it doesn’t have nuclear weapons yet, but in 2001 it was not yet able to convert uranium or uranium gas, it didn’t have a single centrifuge. Now it’s stockpiling highly enriched uranium. So the current approach of not talking hasn’t worked. There’s no guarantee that if you talk you’ll succeed, but if you don’t talk you will fail.”

Does one talk to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

“You don’t talk to Ahmadinejad. First of all, he’s not the decision maker. When Senator Obama suggests that he would be prepared to meet with him, he says such a meeting first has to be prepared. What he means is that you have to coordinate with your allies – all your allies. Secondly, it means you have to check whether you can put together an agenda for a lower-level meeting. If it becomes clear that you can’t put together such an agenda, then you don’t hold a meeting at a high level – the presidential level – because it’s not going to lead anywhere. But if you can produce something that you know will lead somewhere, then it’s silly not to do that.

“And in terms of the peace process, if you don’t engage, then by definition, Hamas becomes stronger. We’ve seen that. Senator Obama won’t deal with a non-state actor like Hamas unless Hamas changes its position, unless it’s prepared to recognize Israel, unless it makes it clear [that] it gives up on terror, unless it’s prepared to recognize previous agreements. So as for non-state actors, he’s not willing to deal with them. Engagement without illusion in the peace process means that the U.S. should play a role, the U.S. should be involved, the U.S. should do what it can to promote the peace process and build bridges where it can.

“At the end of the day his position is [that] we cannot impose peace, because an imposed peace isn’t peace at all. He’s more than willing to invest in the process, but, then again, how he does it and in what ways will depend very much on the circumstances, and obviously there are many other issues out there.”

Do you believe Israel and the Palestinians can reach an agreement in the near future? Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she’ll do her utmost to try and reach a framework agreement by the end of the Bush administration.

“I think that in the current circumstances, it’s difficult to see that happening. It’s important for the two sides to do what they can, but I think we need to be realistic as well.”

Leaving the sidelines

Not everyone in Washington likes the Israeli talks with Syria. What do you think?

“The fact that Israel is negotiating indirectly with Syria through Turkey is a sign that Israel believes it’s worth trying this approach, and I believe we should try it, too. I think it’s a mistake not to. Too often when you don’t talk – as I said before – you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just because you make the effort doesn’t mean you’ll succeed. But at least you ought to see if you can do it, you ought to do it with your eyes open, without illusions, without naivete, but it’s worth probing and testing.”

Why and when did you decide to take on an active role in this campaign?

“I decided to take an active part in the campaign because I feel the stakes are so high. I looked at us, especially in the Middle East, and I think we’ve been on the sidelines everywhere except [in] Iraq. And when the U.S. is on the sidelines, U.S. interests suffer and I think Israel’s interests suffer, too. I felt that I just didn’t have the luxury of remaining on the sidelines and sitting this one out.”

Some of America’s image problems didn’t start with the Bush administration. Is it possible to repair the damage?

“One of the problems of the last eight years is that too often we’ve staked out objectives that we could not achieve. The rest of the world watches and looks for several things. The first is whether we are effective in terms of what we do. Secondly they have to see that we don’t just lecture, we also listen.”

Can you define what constitutes an American interest right now?

“I think our interest at this point around the world is [that] we do have to contend with the radicalists, they do constitute a serious threat to us. But I think we have to realize who our natural partners are and how we can work with both them and our allies so we, in a sense, build our collective leverage against those who constitute threats to us. It’s very clear that we have to restore our economic well-being, because you can’t be strong internationally if you’re not strong at home, and if you’re not strong financially.”

Is it about the stakes, or Obama’s personality and policies?

“It’s a combination. First, the stakes were so high, and I think he’s also a unique talent. I’ve sat in on probably 100 meetings with our presidents – those I’ve worked for and their counterparts. I know what it takes to be an effective, good leader. I saw Senator Obama at work in meetings with leaders. His manner of operation shows me unquestionably that he’s someone who grasps issues in their detail, but also strategically, and he understands how to deal with leaders in an effective way, from the standpoint of promoting America’s interests and needs. It’s a combination of the stakes but also of seeing in Senator Obama a transformational figure at a time when I think the United States needs a transformational figure.”

If Obama wins and you are offered the post of secretary of state, would you accept the offer?

“I’m not assuming that. The truth of the matter is that I’m concentrating on helping him through November 4. Whatever happens after that – we’ll see.”

What in his character impressed you the most, and what does he lack as a leader?

“I think that what impressed me the most is that he has perspective. He’s very thoughtful, he knows how to ask the right questions, and he doesn’t jump to conclusions. He’s careful with his judgments and he’s not afraid to ask questions, because he’s not afraid to have people ask him questions. I think he has a kind of personal character and the kind of temperament presidents need.

“I’ve worked on the National Security Council staff of Ronald Reagan’s administration, so I was in that White House. I served in a senior State Department position under George H. W. Bush and then I was President Clinton’s negotiator on the Middle East – so I’ve been around a few American presidents. I’ve witnessed decision processes, I’ve been around American presidents at times of crisis, and I think I have a pretty good sense of what it takes for someone to be effective as president – in terms of judgment capability, perspective and even wisdom. And I think Senator Obama brings all those to bear. That’s why I find him enormously impressive and believe he is just the person we need at this time.”

Some progressive groups have expressed disappointment with him, saying that some of his positions are actually more hawkish than those of President Bush. Suddenly his positions regarding Al-Qaida terrorists, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iran are becoming harsher.

“I think he is quite realistic. Contrary to what was commonplace practice in the Bush administration, he doesn’t let ideology blind or color his thinking. His assessments are based on looking at the world as it is and understanding the kinds of things we’ll need to do to change the world where it needs to be changed.”

Taking into account the possible “Bradley effect” [referring to the discrepancies between voter opinion polls and the outcome of U.S. election campaigns], the traditional low voting rate and other “unknowns” – do you think Obama will win?

“I certainly hope he will, and I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Be sure to check out this related story — Temple Becomes Tiny Battleground.

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Click here to find a write-up of Monday’s event in the Las Vegas Sun.

Monday September 15, 2008. Doors open at 10:45 AM.

Dear Friends,

Very often during this time of the year, I find myself thinking about my grandparents. I do so because Rosh Hashana brings with it memories of distant places far away — not only in the physical sense but also in a very profound spiritual way.

I think of where we came from. I remember the reality that we faced as a people in so many different lands throughout our history and of the sacrifice of those who got to the shores of our great nation seeking a new life. There are blessings that we must be thankful for that we often take for granted, one of those such blessings is democracy and freedom! When Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur leave us this New Year, we will find our nation immersed in an absolute exercise in democracy, which is the result of freedom and liberty.

As Jews, we have an obligation to participate in the political process of our nation because of what it means in the context of our history as a People. One of the inevitable conclusions of hundreds of years of enjoying freedom and participating as equals in the development of our country is that our political views have become extremely diverse — to say the least.

This year, we have incredible events planed at Temple Beth Sholom through which we can listen firsthand to the diverse political views that will shape the future of our country. We have made sure that both sides of the political spectrum get equal participation.

Our position as a religious institution is that of complete and absolute neutrality! However, we have a right to listen firsthand to the ideas and policies that affect us directly as members of The Jewish Community.

This coming Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, Senator Joseph Lieberman will be addressing our congregation on behalf of Senator John McCain. This event is open to the entire community, and it promises to be both captivating and enlightening. Doors open at 10:45 AM, with Senator Lieberman scheduled to speak no later than 12:00 PM.

In the very near future we will be hosting someone from Senator Barack Obama’s campaign such as Senator Charles Schumer or Ambassador Dennis Ross. We will also be holding a candidates night on Oct. 16, 2008.

I look forward to seeing you soon as we together prepare ourselves to enter the New Year 5769 in what promises to be a year that will begin with one of the most important Presidential Elections our nation has ever faced.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Felipe Goodman

PS: Check out this related story — Temple Becomes Tiny Battleground.

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Aryeh Green is the director of Media Central, 

An Israeli for almost the past quarter-century, Mr. Green has been published in Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, Israel21C, Washington Jewish Week, SF Northern California Jewish Bulletin, in Israel Insider, and most recently contributed a chapter in the book, “Academics Against Israel and the Jews” on the European university environment (Jerusalem, JCPA, 2007).

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Randy works with leaders within CUFI’s 90,000 members, assisting in the coordinating of “Night To Honor Israel” (NTHI) events hosted in major cities and communities. His territory includes: California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansa and Nebraska.

Since its inception in February 2006, CUFI has presented over 80 NTHI events across the U.S. and has raised over $20M for critical humanitarian aid to Israel. Randy also mobilizes Christian leaders to join together at CUFI’s annual Washington DC-Israel Summit, which draws thousands of Christians to Capitol Hill to meet with and encourage their elected officials to support strong US – Israel relations.

Randy facilitates workshops and pastor meetings to challenge Christians to commit to tangibly support Israel and the Jewish people through prayer, resources, acts of solidarity and political advocacy. He draws from years of experience as the founder and director of Bridges Ministry, mobilizing congregations to work cooperatively across denominational and cultural boundaries for the benefit of their community.

Support for Israel and the Jewish people has long been a cornerstone of his faith as a Christian, and his ongoing efforts to challenge and encourage other Christians to commit to stand with Israel has gained the respect and recognition of national leaders in both the Jewish and Christian communities. Randy and his wife Linda have a family of three boys and reside in California.

Join us — Randy is an incredibly profound thinker with an exceptional message. I know that many of us hesitate to implicitly trust organizations such as CUFI. I can tell you from my own experience that it is ONLY about Israel. Their agenda DOES NOT include any hidden message or sub-text. We speak the common language of support for Israel and the need to make sure that Israel is secure and remains a light among the nations.

I have included links to Randy’s website where you can see among other things the footage of a rally that took place in Sacramento. This is a MUST see for all of us; we could really learn a lot from our Christian neighbors and the way they support Israel.

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