AN AMERICAN JEWISH – GERMAN INFORMATION

& OPINION NEWSLETTER

dubowdigest@optonline.net

GERMANY EDITION

June 30, 2010

Dear Friends:

Much has happened since my last newsletter. So, let’s get on with the news as
quickly as possible.

However, first notice the new logo – forward looking! Like it?

Also, by clicking at the appropriate place you will be able to send e-mails to me
directly. See below. Your comments are always welcome.

IN THIS EDITION

THE U.S., ISRAEL & AMERICAN JEWRY - AND GERMANY – What’s on our
minds?

ISRAEL IN THE MINDS OF AMERICANS – What’s on the minds of our fellow

citizens – about Israel!

THE G8 & IRAN – What’s on the minds of the G8 leaders about Iran? At least it’s
on their minds.

WHY I CAN’T FORGIVE GERMANY – The intimate feelings of a Holocaust

survivor – and my letter commenting on her article. Be warned! It’s difficult,
emotional reading.

ARE PEACE GROUPS PEACEFUL? – An Irish writer and I are soul mates.

THE BEINART ARTICLE – Are young American Jews alienated from Israel. An
important issue for American Jewry.

YIDDISH LIVES! – In fact, it’s becoming more popular.

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CONTACT – Click here to e-mail your comments to me directly. They are always
appreciated. (dubowdigest@optonline.net)

THE U.S., ISRAEL & AMERICAN JEWRY - AND GERMANY

There is no question. This has been the spring (and now summer) of American
Jewish anxiety about their No. 1 concern – Israel! With the Gaza blockade
problem, the criticism from both the U.S. and the EU (even directly from
Germany), the fracturing of American Jewish opinion about Israel’s policies (see
the Beinart article below), the split between Turkey and Israel and the continued
attempts by Iran and other Islamic countries to delegitimate Israel, 2010 is
turning out to be a year of major American Jewish angst.

However, with Pres. Obama taken up these days with the Gulf oil leak, the
Afghanistan war, the changing of generals to lead the war, the possibility that the
Democrats might lose their majority in the House of Representatives (certainly
they’ll lose seats) and the continued recession (or whatever you want to call it),
the American – Israel relationship, thankfully, is on the back burner and maybe
even improving. Netanyahu is due in Washington next week. Smiles all around
are expected.

According to JTA, The relationship between the Obama administration, the

Netanyahu government and the pro-Israel community is ensconced on all fronts
in “agree, for now” mode.

On isolating Iran, everyone agrees -- and is pleased -- that the new set of U.N.
sanctions will make it easier for the United States to enhance its own unilateral
sanctions.

Differences are looming, however, on whether the U.S. sanctions should carve
out exemptions for countries that helped push through the U.N. sanctions.

On peace talks, the consensus is to move from U.S.-brokered proximity talks

between the Israelis and the Palestinians to direct talks. However, there doesn’t
seem to be any rush to do so at the moment.

As far as Germany is concerned…

The arrest by the Polish government of the alleged Mossad spy allegedly
involved in the Dubai Hamas assassination for deportation to Germany has not
made a dent (as yet) in the Jewish public’s mind. If the deportation actually takes
place, that may change. If the charge is only the illegal use of a German passport
I don’t see how that can become a major point of friction. However, we’ll have to
wait and see. Let’s hope it doesn’t blossom into anything larger.

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ISRAEL IN THE MINDS OF AMERICANS

Contrary to what many around the world believe, support for Israel in the United
States comes not only from the Jewish community. Support among the general
American population is wide and deep. JTA reported last week, “A strong
majority of Americans view relations with Israel as extremely or fairly important to
the U.S. national interest, a poll showed.

The Wall Street Journal/NBC poll published June 23 showed 39 percent of

respondents said relations were "extremely important" and 26 percent said they
were "fairly important" -- a total of 65 percent.

Those answering "just somewhat important" counted for 25 percent of

respondents and those responding "not important at all" were just 7 percent, with
3 percent not sure.

Asked "are your sympathies more with Israel or more with Arab nations?" 61
percent of respondents chose Israel, 12 percent chose Arab nations, 5 percent
said both, 11 percent said neither and 11 percent were not sure.

Respondents were also asked about Israel's deadly raid last month on a flotilla
attempting to breach its embargo on the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the
Hamas terrorist group. They were give a choice between two statements, and
told they could say they didn't know enough to render an opinion.

Those agreeing with the statement, "Israel was defending its interests in Gaza
and their military actions were justified," came to 34 percent, and those agreeing
that "Israel went too far and their military actions were NOT justified" accounted
for 29 percent. Those responding "don't know enough" accounted for 32 percent,
while those saying "a little of both" came to just 1 percent. Four percent were not
sure.

While support for Gaza policy has less support, almost two-thirds of Americans
believe Israel is important to American interests. How come? I think it’s pretty
clear that Israel’s commitment to democratic values ranks high in the minds of
Americans. That more than anything solidifies the relationship.

THE G8 & IRAN

D-W World reported, “Leaders of the G8 industrialized nations on Saturday

urged Iran and North Korea to refrain from action that threatens international
security. Meanwhile, the summit of the wider group of G20 has begun in Canada.

G8 leaders didn't pull any punches after their summit in Huntsville, Canada, this
weekend, issuing a final communique critical of Iran, North Korea, Israel, and
Afghanistan.

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The leaders of the world's eight richest countries called on Iran to hold a
"transparent dialogue" over its suspect nuclear program, as Iranian leader
Mahmoud Ahmedinejad prepares to unveil his conditions for talks.

"We are profoundly concerned by Iran's continued lack of transparency regarding

its nuclear activities and its stated intention to continue and expand enriching
uranium, including to nearly 20 percent," G8 leaders said in their final
communique.

"Our goal is to persuade Iran's leaders to engage in a transparent dialogue about

its nuclear activities and to meet Iran's international obligations," they wrote,
while simultaneously welcoming a deal between Iran, Turkey and Brazil
designed to rein in the country's nuclear enrichment program.

The West believes Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its
nuclear program is peaceful and is only meant to meet its energy needs.

In addition…

“The group's joint statement welcomed Israel's promise to loosen its blockade on
the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, as leaders said they "urge full and effective
implementation of this policy in order to address the needs of Gaza's population
for humanitarian and commercial goods, civilian reconstruction and
infrastructure, and legitimate economic activity."

"The current arrangements are not sustainable and must be changed."

The G8 countries, it seems to me, as we say in the States, “have their heads on
straight”. Continued pressure on Iran’s nuclear policy, demanding transparency
while implementing economic sanctions, are the most effective weapons the
West has at its disposal at the moment.

On another front, I have very little faith in the usually very anti-Israel UN Human
Rights Council. However, an AJC press release noted, “AJC welcomed the U.S.-
sponsored statement to the UN Human Rights Council rebuking Iran for its
human rights abuses. The statement, which gained the backing of 56 other
states, referred to "the violent suppression of dissent, detention and executions
without due process of law, severe discrimination against women and minorities
including people of Baha'i faith, and restrictions of expression and religion."

“One year after the stolen election, the Iranian regime must know that it cannot
conceal the continued repression of its own people,” said AJC Executive Director
David Harris. “While the statement read to the Human Rights Council today falls
short of a condemnatory resolution or an independent fact-finding mission, it is
also a sign that serial abusers like Iran cannot necessarily expect a free pass at
the Human Rights Council, even if that body remains deeply flawed.”

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Of course, “sponsored” doesn’t mean “adopted”. Given the leadership and record
of the UNHRC, passage is probably unobtainable. In this case, it looks as if the
U.S. has “its head on straight” as well.

WHY I CAN’T FORGIVE GERMANY

In a recent edition of The Forward, America’s leading weekly Jewish newspaper,

published a very heart rending and difficult article from Anita Epstein, a
Holocaust survivor, entitled, Why I Can’t Forgive Germany.

It starts out by Ms. Epstein relating a story of meeting a young German woman
15 years ago during a dinner she was giving for one of the AJC – Konrad
Adenauer Stiftung exchange groups, “I asked a wispy young German woman
with whom I was speaking whether she thought she was capable of throwing a
baby off a balcony. She was stunned. “What do you mean?” I told her that
Germans routinely had thrown Jewish children off balconies during the
Holocaust. Did she think she could do something like that? She protested. She
said that she was not even alive during the Holocaust. How could I think such a
thing? Wouldn’t I ever be able to forgive the Germans? She began to cry”.
As it goes along, it doesn’t get any easier or any more positive. It’s what we call
“tough stuff”. I would strongly suggest you read the whole letter. Click here.

http://forward.com/articles/128652/?
utm_medium=email&utm_source=Emailmarketingsoftware&utm_content=709384
75&utm_campaign=June252010&utm_term=WhyICannotForgiveGermany

There is no way to respond to Ms. Epstein’s letter. The feelings are her own and
one who has not been through what she has certainly can’t change them.
However, since she mentioned AJC I thought that some sort of reply was called
for. I wrote a letter to the Editor of The Forward and I am attaching it below. I
draw your special attention to the last paragraph.

To: The Editor, The Forward

Anita Epstein’s article “Why I Cannot Forgive Germany” relates a very tragic
past. She feels the way she feels and, as far as I am concerned, that closes the
book on her personal experience during the Holocaust. One cannot argue nor
should one even comment on it. It is tragic and one can only sympathize and try
to understand her pain.

In her article Ms. Epstein relates an experience with a young member of a

delegation that had been brought to the United States as part of an American
Jewish Committee exchange program. For those that might not know anything or
much about his particular program a little explanation, I believe, is in order.

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The exchange program AJC has with Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation
has been in existence for 30 years. The purpose of the program is not
reconciliation but, rather, enhanced understanding. Hundreds or AJC leaders
and young German professionals have been able to come away from their
experience with a much better idea of how their counterparts live. “Letting
bygones be bygones” is the antithesis of what the exchange sponsors aim for.
Truth, insight and awareness are the goals both AJC and KAF have as the
underpinning of the exchange.

Over and above the personal goals of both sponsors, AJC has its own particular
ones – which are well known to the KAF. AJC looks to Jewish interests and
Jewish interests are best served by having positive relations with Germany. It is,
indeed, Israel’s best friend in Europe and as Ms. Epstein points out, its 2nd
largest trading partner after the U.S. In addition, Germany now has a Jewish
community of 250,000, the third largest in Europe. It continues to undertake its
responsibilities by paying restitution and seeing to it that its Jewish community
lives in peace and security. The way it handles anti-Semitism is a template for
other nations in Europe and around the world. What more could we ask of them?

I have no argument with Ms. Epstein. Her feelings and thoughts focusing on the
past are her own. However, for the Jewish people and for Israel, the future is
what I worry about. The relationship with Germany and its people is critical to
Jewish interests and the AJC –KAF exchange has proven to be a positive link in
that relationship. I cannot speak for the Germans who have participated in the
exchange. However, I have personally met hundreds of them. There are all kinds
and varieties. Many remind me of my own siblings and children. In the end they
are just “people” and getting to know them and vice versa is what the exchange
is all about.

Sincerely,

Eugene DuBow
Senior Advisor, The American Jewish Committee

ARE PEACE GROUPS PEACEFUL?

In my last American Edition I raised a question about the real purposes of the
Gaza blockade runners which, in the American Edition of DD I commented
unhappily on the fact that Haaretz reported that a Jewish “peace” group in
Germany had purchased a boat and was also planning to run the Israeli
blockade. I thought, perhaps, that I was the only one who thinks that political
groups put on the mantel of “peace” in order to make a point that is anything but
peaceful.

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Well, It turns out that I’m not alone. In fact I think I’ve found a soul mate in, of all
places, Ireland. One Lindy McDowell writing in the Belfast Telegraph wrote,
“Exactly what happened may not become clear until a full inquiry is held. But
there are obviously two sides to this story.

Not that we’ve been getting much of a whiff of that in the Western media. The
language, never mind the actions, of the “activists” goes unchallenged.

Gaza is “the biggest open air prison in the world”. (Um, where does that leave
North Korea?)

And Israel is entirely responsible for the living conditions endured by the people
in Gaza. This despite a recent Amnesty International report on the Hamas
repression of the people which cited a campaign of “abductions, deliberate and
unlawful killings, torture and death threats.”

The “peace activists” must have missed that one?

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/lindy-

mcdowell/why-do-the-peace-activists-ignore-the-violence-of-hamas-
14834634.html#ixzz0rEZeilG2

Thanks Ms. McDowell. I felt I was lacking company.

THE BEINART ARTICLE

In the last edition of DuBow Digest I mentioned the fact that a well known Jewish
journalist (Orthodox no less) Peter Beinart. had written an important article in
The New York Review of Books indicating, “non-Orthodox younger Jews, on the
whole, feel much less attached to Israel than their elders,” with many professing
“a near-total absence of positive feelings.” Haaretz wrote, “Writer Peter Beinart
has raised a storm among the American Jewish establishment by accusing it of
sacrificing its liberal values in favor of support for Israel at any price.

Peter Beinart is a Jewish-American lecturer, author and journalist whose essay

"The Failure of the American Jewish establishment," published in the June issue
of the New York Review of Books, has raised a storm among the American
Jewish establishment. In the article, Beinart accuses that establishment of
sacrificing its liberal values in favor of support for Israel at any price, a strategy
that his led it to lose the support of the younger generation of liberal American
Jews.

I probably don’t have to tell you that the article kicked off both storms of protest
and of support. To fully understand the furor you must yourself read it. You can
do so by clicking here. I would try to encapsulate it for you but there are many
issues and many other issues underlying those. The “bottom line” is that the

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issues of whether young American Jews becoming separated from Israel, Israel’s
illiberal policies (as Beinart thinks they are) and where the fault for this growing
problem lies are absolutely critical to the future of American Jewry.

Space does not allow me to print the myriad of responses to the article. However,
I have found that if you go into www.google.com and type in “Beinart response”
you will see many articles from a spectrum of Jewish opinion.

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/jun/10/failure-american-jewish-
establishment/?pagination=false

Before leaving the topic with the hope that you will at least, read the Beinart
piece, I want to share with you the thoughts of Steven Bayme, AJC’s expert on
contemporary Jewish life. Steve is a very thoughtful modern Orthodox Jew
whose opinions I usually find correct and to the point on most matters dealing
with the Jewish community. In a note to me (at my request) he said, “Beinart
makes three mistakes: he ignores what Israel is up against, he downplays the
price of Jewish disunity, and he too blithely assumes that interest in Israel among
young people would increase if only Israel pursued more liberal policies. In turn, I
think Beinart presents us with two major institutional challenges:

Most American Jews find themselves somewhere between J-Street and the
Jewish establishment.

As the Israel Day Parade indicated, the current posturing of Jewish organizations
is likely to appeal increasingly to an Orthodox constituency which is
demographically ascendant but which is extremely unlikely to join organizations
like AJC in significant numbers. More generally, the political base of support for
Israel in the U.S. will be sharply attenuated if Israel becomes identified as
primarily an Orthodox cause.

To read about the Parade click here.

http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new_york/israel_parade_pounding_paveme
nt_amid_ambivalence

My purpose in reporting all of the above is to give you some sort of picture of the
internal problems the American Jewish community has and what they must work
through in terms of support of Israel’s policies, the increasing importance of the
Orthodox community on that issue and the future of Judaism in America in
general. I will try to keep you updated on these matters in the months (years?) to
come.

YIDDISH LIVES

About a dozen years ago, visiting with the top people at the University of Trier, I
found out that they had a “Chair of Yiddish” at the University. I asked how many

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Jews they had as students. They didn’t quite know but didn’t think they had any –
certainly not many. I further asked about the number of Yiddish speakers. Same
answer. It seemed that the study of Yiddish was an academic pursuit and did not,
for the Trier people have any contemporary importance. That is not the case in
the U.S. and Israel today.

By the way, Yiddish literally means “Jewish" and is a High German language of
Ashkenazi Jewish origin, spoken throughout the world. It developed as a fusion
of German dialects with Hebrew, Aramaic, Slavic languages and traces of
Romance languages. It is written in the Hebrew alphabet.

You can read more about it by clicking here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiddish_language

Today, Yiddish is written and spoken in Orthodox Jewish communities around

the world. It is a home language in most Hasidic communities, where it is the first
language learned in childhood, used in schools and in many social settings.

With the growth of Orthodox communities Yiddish is having (or already has had)
a rebirth. Today there are many Yiddish studies centers (Columbia University in
New York has had one since 1952). There are Yiddish studies tours, internships
and summer university courses.

The popularity of Klezmer music has helped develop interest in the Yiddish.
According to Wikipedia, “It is a musical tradition of the Ashkenazic Jews of
Eastern Europe. Played by professional musicians called klezmorim, the genre
consists largely of dance tunes and instrumental display pieces for weddings and
other celebrations. Although the genre has its origins in Eastern Europe, the
particular form now known as klezmer developed in the United States in the
milieu of Yiddish-speaking Jewish immigrants who arrived between 1880 and
1924.

With Klezmer being so popular (especially, I found, in Germany), more and more
people studying the language – and utilizing it, Trier University, in thinking about,
was probably on the cusp of a new wave and not just stuck in the study of some
sort of ancient language.

********************************************************************************************
See you in July.

I would appreciate your comments. Click her to send me an e-mail.

(dubowdigest@optonline.net)

DuBow Digest is written and published by Eugene DuBow who can be contacted
at dubowdigest@optonline.net Both the American and Germany editions are also posted on line
at www.dubowdigest.typepad.com.

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