2001 3.2 CL "TYPE s" and private groups for social servics. Orthodox groups generally support charitable choice, but liberal Jewish groups oppose it. But the OU, which has not endorsed cabinet appointees in the past, has offered only a letter of congratulations to the nominee and an offer to work with him, if he is confirmed. On the other side of the debate, civil rights, anti-gun, gay and lesbian, and Outstanding Citizens pro-choice groups this week got together to announce a major push What do Muhammad Ali, Hank against Ashcroft, whom they deemed Aaron and Rabbi Arthur Schneier have an extremist. in common? All were among a group But Jewish organizations — their of 28 recipients of the Presidential usual allies in liberal coalitions — were Citizens Medal, awarded at a White largely absent. Only the National House ceremony on Monday. Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Schneier was honored for his work as Women International and the Joint founder and president of the Appeal of Action Committee for Political Affairs Conscience Foundation, a group pro- are officially opposing the nomination. moting religious freedom and inter- "I have never seen an issue around faith dialogue, and as chair of the U.S. which there has been more passion in Commission for the Preservation of the grassroots," said Sammie America's Heritage Abroad. Moshenberg, NCJW's Washington President Bill Clinton, who is getting director. "This nomination represents set to leave Washington for suburban everything people were nervous about New York, quipped that he expects his 4'hen they went to the polls in connection to Schneier — the long- November. We're hopeful other Jewish time leader of the Park East Synagogue orgapizations will get actively involved in Manhattan — will not end on Jan. in the opposition." 20. Bilt other liberal Jewish groups "I look forward to seeing you in were staying clear of the fray — in New York, where perhaps you will part to boost their access to the become my rabbi," Clinton said. incoming administration, in part A number of other Jews were among because few believe the Senate will the medal recipients, including former turn down Ashcroft, until recently a Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, colleague. Columbia University law professor and "He's a man of integrity, even if we longtime civil rights lawyer Jack don't share many views with him," said columnist Greenberg, New York Times an official with a major Jewish group. Anthony Lewis, former Sen. Warren B. "Given the fact that a 'no' vote is high- Rudman, and Marion Wiesel, wife of ly unlikely, our best bet now is to try Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel. our best to work with him." Several other nominees were the subject of Cabinet Silence intense speculation this week. Linda Chavez, the conservative Supporters of former Sen. John columnist and anti-affirmative action Ashcroft (R-Mo.), President-elect crusader slated to become Bush's labor George W. Bush's controversial choice secretary, withdrew on Tuesday after as attorney general, are seeking Jewish she was caught up in a mounting con- help in what promises to be a bruising troversy over charges she housed an nomination battle. illegal immigrant who did chores Opponents are seeking Jewish help, around the nominee's home. as well — but so far, even liberal Former Gen. Colin Powell, the nom- Jewish organizations have been reluc- inee as secretary of state, is expected to tant to start their dealings with the sail through confirmation hearings new administration with political despite a Jerusalem Post report that he head-bashing over a key nominee. receive a big lecture fee for a Nov. 2 Pro-Ashcroft forces have been con- speech at Tufts University, funded by a tacting major Orthodox groups, seek- top Lebanese official. ing their active support in the upcom- But opposition to the Powell ing confirmation battle in the Senate. appointment is almost impossible to One group, the Orthodox Union, locate in Washington, and Jewish and has worked with Ashcroft on issues pro-Israel groups are not raising any such as charitable choice programs that objections. El funnel government funds to religious "Now we're seeing the same thing developing in the Conference of Presidents, where some of the Orthodox religious groups are saying that the consensus ground rules defin- ing the Conference are suspended and superseded by the religious question arising from Jerusalem," he said. - "That's something we cannot allow to happen." 42 Ir* mos. $1326_.65 due at inception Heated leather seats, roof, cass./CD, ABS, alloy wheels 2001 INTEGRA GSII 2001 3.5 RL $20,559** $37,99 Power windows, power locks, cruise control, CD, sunroof. Lease $ 26 Leather, CD Changer, luxury. Lease $499 M 39 months 36 months $1035.84 due at delivery $762.66 due at delivery * All leases yrn title, license, 12,000 miles/year. ** Prices plus tax, titles, license, doe & dest. fees. offer ends 1/31/01 his CD SUBURBAN ACURA 248471-9200 25000 Haggerty Road • Farmington Hills I 0 IN Home Owners • Builders Designers • Architects • Decorators ADD BEAUTY & DIMENSION... 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