Report and Upcoming Events

As the Presidential election draws increasing scrutiny, the focus on Israel and the Jewish vote is receiving special attention. No doubt this will continue throughout the summer as the political parties prepare for another close contest.

We, at CMT, are poised to examine each of the nominees’ attitudes on an issue so vital to our identity. As we did in 2004, we will sponsor a series of talks addressing these topics. Let’s call it the “Quadrennial CMT Election Inquiry.”

• The first presentation will be part of our Selichot Program on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 9:30pm.
  
• The second will be a debate between partisans of each nominee on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 7:30pm.
  
• The post-election wrap up will be part of our Kabbalat Shabbat Service on Friday, November 14, 2008.
  

As usual, a balanced approach is envisioned to provide an impartial assessment. The issues which we will consider are numerous: Jewish perspectives on the 2008 election; foreign policy concerns and the Jewish vote; domestic issues and the Jewish vote; will there be a Republican inroad into the traditionally Democratic Jewish vote and does Jewish support, given its declining percentage of the American electorate, make a difference?

At least since 1972, the epoch but lopsided Nixon-McGovern race, the candidates’ position on the Mideast has been carefully weighed. Thirty-six years and nine presidential elections later, not much seems to have changed in that regard. Hopefully,
those who joined us in Washington, DC on April 7th can contribute much to the current discussion.  We have yet to select a date for a springtime symposium “Celebrating Israel’s Achievements.” We are especially in need of assistance with this program. As you recall from prior articles, the aim is to convey Israel’s technological, agricultural and
medical achievements.

We would also consider the third annual trip to Washington, DC in the spring of 2009, if there is the interest. It might be part of the Vav Class trip to Washington, DC, as a two-day event; an idea that had been tossed around for this year’s trip. Alternatively,
the trip could remain as a one-day event, but in 2009 we feel it best to visit midweek rather than on a Monday to increase the likelihood of securing meetings with United States Senators who are often available only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

As always, our committee would welcome your involvement. Please contact me at rlpjtf@hotmail.com or (617) 513-1045.

Robert Feinberg
Chair, Israel Affairs Committee