Exclusive to The Jewish Star online; By Mayer Fertig: Rescinding an invitation to Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, and every other political figure who was scheduled to appear Monday at a protest against the United Nations appearance of Iranian President Ahmadinejad, was “the only way the rally could keep its focus,” according to Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
Senator Hillary Clinton, who also was scheduled to appear, withdrew after learning that she was to share the podium with Governor Palin.
In a move that several critics called “a debacle,” it was announced Thursday by the Conference of Presidents, and the other Jewish organizations it partnered with to sponsor the rally, that Palin was also out, and that no other election officials would appear either.
The program, which is expected to draw thousands of people, including seniors from several Nassau County yeshiva high schools, is expected to be dominated by Jewish figures such as Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Knesset Speaker Dahlia Itzik, and a leading Iranian dissident, Hoenlein explained in a telephone interview with The Jewish Star.
“During the political season we’re in, everything becomes obfuscated,” he said. “I hope that people will remember that the important thing is Iran — he wants to wipe Israel off the map. And that’s getting lost.”
The National Jewish Democratic Council’s Ira Forman, who had criticized the invitation to Palin, welcomed the news that she and other politicians would not appear.
“Palin is the rock star and she’s appealing to Hillary’s voters,” said Forman. “It’s just inappropriate…this is important stuff, Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” he said. The Conference of Presidents “were wise to say let’s disinvite the elected officials and get this back to the solemn and bipartisan event it should be.”
Washington insider Jeff Ballabon, a Long Island-based Jewish activist and lobbyist, agreed that the event should be bi-partisan, but called the decision to disinvite Palin “beyond embarrassing.”
“Let’s assign the blame where it belongs. First and foremost: Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton took what should have been a non-partisan, bi-partisan event to unite Americans against a man who has threatened to eradicate six million Jews, and for nasty petty politics, embarrassed the Jewish community,” Ballabon said.
The Jewish Star has learned that threats against their non-profit status were made to some sponsors of the rally and may have played a role in the decision to cancel the appearances of Palin and other political figures.
“There were threats of IRS problems against some of the organizations,” a knowledgeable source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the paper.
“This is a terrible embarrassment, politically, to the Jewish community,” said Michael Fragin, a former top aide to Governor George Pataki, and a one-time political columnist for The Jewish Star.
He said there ought to be no cause for concern that an appearance at the rally by Governor Palin could endanger sponsors’ not-for profit status.
“That is totally inaccurate. As long as you don’t endorse, and as long as you do not deny access to a single side … there is no impediment,” to tax-exempt status, he said. If you invited Obama, for example, and then “you tell McCain you cannot come, then you would run afoul of the IRS. But if one side chooses not to show up, that’s not your fault.”
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-Fl) was to have represented the Obama-Biden campaign at the rally. Wexler made news several weeks ago by attempting to link Palin to accused Nazi sympathizer Patrick Buchanan.
Students from Machon HaTorah — HAFTR, Rambam Mesivta and Shalhevet High School for Girls — and HANC (Hebrew Academy of Nassau County) High School are scheduled to attend the rally on Monday.
Rabbi Zev Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva of Machon HaTorah, said he was “shocked” by the decision to rescind Governor Palin’s invitation, calling it “foolhardy.”
He is concerned now about “negative ramifications in terms of the Jewish community if [McCain and Palin] get into office. I certainly have to believe she might harbor some ill-feeling. We know the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamzta on Tisha b’Av, and embarrassing someone by disinviting them.”
Referring to Senator Clinton, he said, “If she wants to pull out for political reasons I think that speaks volumes.”
A statement from the McCain campaign sounded a similar note.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Republicans, Democrats and independents alike to oppose Ahmadinejad’s goal of a nuclear armed Iran. Senator Obama’s campaign had the opportunity to join us. Senator Obama chose politics rather than the national interest.”
“We are very appreciative of Governor Palin’s willingness to be there,” said Hoenlein, adding that there could soon be another opportunity for Palin to address the Jewish community.
Ballabon blamed the incident on “ego-and- power-driven community leaders who once again abuse their organizational positions to put slavish political loyalty to Democrats above the safety and security of six million Jews in Israel – not to mention untold millions of innocents around the world of all faiths who are jeopardized by Iran-sponsored terror. They have shamed us all,’ he said.
The rally is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Monday, at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, near the United Nations.
(LINK to Jewish Star)
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21 Responses
Oh yeah this smells CLINTON or even ObamaNation. No doubt about it. Imagine Gov Palin speaking to the thousands of people there. She would have spoken sense to them instead of the typical extreme left wing hypocrisy they normally hear.
The Clintonistas were afraid of losing a lot of votes and they NEED the city so they could win the state.
I know several people who were planning to be there, but now will not. If the organizers feel they don’t need Governor Palin and the publicity and numbers that she would bring, then they don’t need me or my friends either. We won’t bother shlepping.
Hillary disappointed me. I was one of the 18 million who voted for her earlier this year. A chance to show a strong bipartisan stand against Ahmadinejad was lost. After 9/11 she worked with George W. Bush on important matters of national security. I saw her then as the one to shatter the highest glass ceiling.
It will be a woman who is as tough as Devora (3000 years ago) or Golda Meir or Margarat Thatcher who will finally shatter this glass ceiling.
Really clever move. I and my associates will now not be attending.
Toronto High Schools are also sending students. Let’s all show up! Maybe then the media will cover it.
that’s a great sign for those of us that are planning to vote for her & Mccain
it show hrc concedes she is a real opponent.
we should also remember hrc lack of support for Israel the next time she runs for office
…Rabbi Zev Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva of Machon HaTorah, said he was “shocked” by the decision to rescind Governor Palin’s invitation, calling it “foolhardy.”…
I totally agree that this was a shockingly dumb move by the rally organizers, who have now antagonized ALL of the Evangelical and other Christians in America, who are fervent supporters of Sarah palin.
They represent at least 25% of the American people, and they are normally enthusiastic supporters of the Jewish People in Israel.
This is the kind of insult that changes attitudes on a fundamental level. We have made new enemies. WHY?
Because the secular Jews who are running this event are Democrat political operatives first, and Jews second!
This is a cowardly disgrace by Malcolm Hoenlein. And HE & the rest of these pathetic Clinton/Democratic worshippers should resign. If Clinton is afraid she’ll be upstaged by Gov. Palin, she’s quite correct.
I am so disgusted & ashamed. There is no fairness in American politics…if you are a Republican you’re vilified. And can we Jews afford to buy into this? I hope we all stay away in protest of the snivelling cowardice so blatantly displayed. In this case, the end does not justify the means. We know who are our friends. Hillary Clinton & the Democrats, esp. Obama, are not.
Shame on Malcolm Hoenlin and the Democratic spinmeisters! The same type of political expediency was experienced during the 1940’s when Jews sought to unite against a common enemy. Now that the little Hitler is coming to the UN, these organizational cowards disinvite a vocal supporter of Israel. Why? Because Hillary voluntarily decided not to attend!? My family and I will not attend. And, as result of this last straw, we will be voting Republican for the first time in our lives. And we will encourage all our family, friends and coworkers to do the same. A defining moment? Yes!
Oh no, this has **NOTHING** to do with Clinton backing out because she doesn’t want to be seen with Palin. **NOTHING** at all…. Then why disinvite Palin when they invited BOTH of them to come…boy do they change their minds quickly…
I am very proud of #9 for thinking about who he/she will vote for in this comming election and not just voting partisan lines… A party means nothing for the Jews. Vote for the candidate and what they stand for (as well as their track record- it tells a lot about them), as many candidates now toe the line between the different parties.
Josh31 ,
um, I wouldn’t compare Devorah, a prophetess, to mere humans like Golda meir and margaret thatcher.
i remember talking with malcolm hoelein a few years ago (the controversy then — everyone then forgot about it — why wasnt hillary going to the kotel — i prefered she not go)
when malcolm hoelein was interrupted by a (cell) phone call — madame hillary just kissed madame suha arafat!
cant trust her no matter what!
anyway, the obama campaign is refusing all contact with the mccain campaign, and hillary here, is being forced to comply, to our (jewish collective) discredit.
Just like Saturday Night Live.
The Democrats are tzittering in their hoizen, and are pulling out all the stops and dirty tricks to stop the McCain Palin steamroller.
For all the liberal jews who disavowed any connection to the jewish religion, their new religion is Democratic party, liberal politics.
It is sad!
For shame!
Call Clinton’s office. The number is 202-224-4451. Tell her you are disappointed in her decision and that she has lost your support for standing on politics instead of against terrorism.
The real shame is that this very important event has become a political joke. Although the old adage about even bad news is good PR is still very true.
However, the last thing we needed was to cause even deeper divisions among the Jews then there are already. And certainly we don’t need to air our dirty laundry for all the world to see.
I heard Hoenlein this morning on Nachum Segal’s show, and I was very disappointed that he allowed things to disintegrate in this way.
Shame on Hillary, she obviously considers Sarah Palin a greater threat than the Hitler of Iran. Please call Senator Clinton’s office to express your outrage. 212-688-6262.
I am relieved that Palin will not appear at the rally because I am not sure the rally organizers could guarantee her safety from left wing criminal elements. We know that they are desperate to get their man into the white house at all costs. So her safety should be upper most to all decent Americans even if no direct threat was made against her.
It goes to show that malcolm hoenlein and his organization are all about politics
what if she gets into the white house and dis,invites him.. what a chilul hashem to give in to hillary .. who does not give a hoot to our people..
Why are any politicans needed?, bring a sefer tehillim, loads of Jews and lots of signs.
I think everyone should calm down and focus on the point. While I agree that it’s quite upsetting that Palin was disinvited, we should understand that there really was no choice in the matter. Anyone who does not show up at that rally because of this just joins that bandwagon of people who put politics first. By not showing up, we are only hurting ourselves. We NEED a HUGE crown at this rally-and we must all unite against Iran and its evil intentions, regardless of how angered we feel about the cancellations.