Wednesday, July 01, 2015

An Obama Critic Gone Mad

President Obama seen here with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Here is yet another disappointment from the Obama administration. From the Jewish Press
The Obama administration has clearly stated it will not enforce the anti-boycott language of the Trade Bill it signed, which extends protection to the disputed territories. 
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in the President. Even though I did not vote for him, I never thought he would take these kinds of actions. I realize that US policy opposes settlement activity in the West bank. But to go so far as to tacitly endorse the actions of a group that is committed to Israel’s destruction goes too far.  Especially when a document the President just signed makes it very clear that Israeli products from the West Bank will not be boycotted.

Contrast that with what the State of Illinois (a 'blue' state) just did. In a unanimous vote by both the Illinois House and the Senate, a bill was passed that forbids the state from doing business with any company that the honors the BDS boycott of Israel in any way.  

I still maintain that the President is not anti Israel. He is just misguided, perhaps blinded by his desire to force a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians in the form of a two state solution. Such policies have caused some people to ridicule the President for having said that he is the closest thing to a Jew to have ever occupied the White House. But that isn’t fair. He believes he is for the following reasons. He has chosen 2 Jews to serve on the Supreme Court, had a Jewish campaign manager, a Jewish Chief of staff, and chosen an Orthodox Jewish Secretary of the Treasury. And he is pro Israel. Which is demonstrated by the unprecedented level of financial support (as in 'Iron Dome'); and by the unprecedented level of military and intelligence cooperation Israel now has with the US. He’s just wrong in how he is pursuing the noble but illusive goal of peace.

Which brings me to a post on Lazer Beams, a blog run by Rabbi Lazer Brody, a Chasid of Breslov. The only way I can describe his comments is to say that they are ridiculous in the extreme and they show him to be an irrational Obama hater.  His views ought to be exposed to the world for the drivel they are. 

His post is derogatory from the start – using Obama’s middle name ‘Hussein’ as a means to suggest he is sympathetic to Islam. He does not in fact mince words. Here is what he said about that: 
As an American who grew up with a Muslim education and orientation and who still holds the strongest affinity for Islam... 
That is distortion number 1.  Then there is this: 
(Obama) combines the power of Edom and Ishmael, who come together at the end of days in attempt to destroy Israel. This too is indicated in his name, for the gematria (numerical value) of writing Barack Hussein Obama in Hebrew, like this - בראק חוסיין אובאמה - is 502. The gematria of "Edom Ishmael", like this - אדום ישמעאל - is also 502.
Hashem is talking to us loud and clear. This year, the 239th USA Day of Independence falls on Shabbat, the 17th of Tammuz… This is the beginning of the USA's 240th year. On this very day, we will be reading the Torah's prophecy in Parshat Balak, how Amalek, Israel's arch-enemy, will become the leader of the nations. The Hebrew numerical equivalent of Amalek - עמלק - is exactly 240… 
The Jewish People, both in Israel and America, are faced with a clear choice: do you want your fake 4th of July celebrations and giving your continued homage to America, or do you yearn for Hashem's kingdom on earth and the rebuilding of His holy temple? If the Jews were punished for participating in Achashverush's celebration of his monarchy, then you certainly want to steer clear of the Amalekite celebration this Shabbat. And by the way, if you're not yet convinced what we're talking about, ארור המן, or "cursed Haman" is also gematria 502. What's the connection? 
Mr. Obama came to power because Hashem put him in power. Like Haman of old, he too has and will continue to betray Israel and the non-assimilated Jewish People… Only a Haman-Amalek president would make an official celebration of legislation that tramples G-d's will. 
I am speechless. The kind of hatred and venom being spewed by Lazer Brody at an American President is unprecedented for someone that considers himself to be a spiritual guide for Orthodox Jews. His views are disgusting, and need to be publicly repudiated and condemned. And that’s what I am doing here.

It is one thing to disagree with the President - as I do. But even if you think his policies are dangerous to Israel’s existence (which is possible) - to say that he is the reincarnation of an ancient Hitler called Haman is so wrong, that it completely delegitimizes him.

In my view, the President  is wrong in his latest policy decisions which affect Israel. He may not be the closest thing to a Jew in the White House. But he’s no Hitler. He’s is not even close to being an anti-Semite. Lazer Brody has lost any credibility he may have ever had with me. And at this point he ought to be thoroughly rejected by his followers.