Spotlight Convention Watch Jewish concerns are on the agendas of both Democrats and GOP. Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency Washington T he first day of the upcoming Democratic convention pres- ents a classic Jewish conun- drum: Chew over ideas or nosh? A planned get-together at a Denver Jewish deli organized by top Jewish Democrats clashes with a keynote speech by a leading rabbi across town. The conflict encapsulates the political convention experience — like minds socializing beneath the roar of soaring rhetoric. Every four years, the conventions provide an opportunity for Jewish politicos and communal figures to flex some political muscle and mingle among the political elite. The Democrats are meeting in Denver Aug. 24-29. The Republicans are in St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 31-Sept. 4. Susan Turnbull, a vice president of the Democratic National Committee, issued a Facebook invitation to Jewish friends to attend a "nosh" at Zaidy's delicatessen in Denver at 2 p.m. Aug. 24, the convention's first day. Across town, the DNC is launch- ing the convention at the same time with an interfaith gathering featuring Jewish, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim clerics. The Jewish speak- er is Rabbi Tzvi Weinreb, the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. "We really wanted to kick off the week in a spirit of unity and inclu- sion," said Damon Jones, a DNC spokesman. "There's no better way to do that than to bring people from multiple faiths together" The theme is in keeping with efforts by the presumptive Democratic can- didate, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, to build bridges to faith communities, addressing a perceived gap between Democrats and believing Americans. Obama has pledged to keep open President Bush's faith-based office, funneling funds to faith groups to supplement government social service programs. The platform committee, which last weekend finalized the party's mani- festo to be presented for approval at the convention, refers to that pledge, carefully hewing to Obama's caveats: The program must carefully observe church-state separations. Critics say Bush has blurred those lines by giv- ing money to programs that include proselytizing. Jewish Outreach The presence of a prominent Orthodox rabbi helps Obama's efforts to reach out to conservative Jewish groups. Obama is acquainted with Nathan Diament, who heads the OM Washington office. They met at Harvard Law School in the early 1990s. The O.U. spokesman, Howie Beigelman, said Weinreb's appearance was not an endorsement of Obama. "We'll be at both conventions, obvi- ously," Beigelman said. "It's an event about the place of religion in the pub- lic square. It's amazing that in a coun- try like America we can be doing this!' The draft platform also strikes notes that should please the pro-Israel com- munity across the political spectrum, while hewing closely to Obama's emphasis on diplomacy in getting Iran to end its suspected nuclear program and intensified U.S. engagement in bringing about an end to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. "The world must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," the plat- form says. "That starts with tougher sanctions and aggressive, principled and direct high- level diplomacy, with- out preconditions." It concludes: "By going the extra diplomatic mile, while keeping all options on the table, we make it more likely the rest of the world will stand with us to increase pressure on Iran, if diplomacy is failing." The phrase "all options on the table" is a nod to groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobby that wants it made clear to Iran that the United States is not counting out a military option. That position has been emphasized by Bush and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the presumptive Republican nominee. Darren Mackoff, an AIPAC spokes- man, said: "The Democratic platform Who Can You Call for Information about Services for Older Adults? • Housekeeping Assistance • Transportation Services • Kosher Meals on Wheels • Personal Care Help • Coping with the Loss of a Loved One • Respite Care l'he gencies du: Fedcration ELDE LIN Connecting, 1 cople Serviccs (248) 592-2240 A joint program of: Jewish Apartments and Services, The Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Home & Aging Services, and JVS What's the Buzz with "Free" Life Insurance For Seniors? YES, NO, MAYBE Call now for more information Is there a true Insurance Arbitrage? BBF Financial Consultants Brad Fletcher WEALTH ENHANCEMENT AND PRESERVATION Can I legally participate in this growing phenomenon? MI 248.539.9509 FLA 305.308.9599 Brad@BBFFinacial.net *See our monthly ad in the Business Sections MONUMENT CENTER INC. "Same Location 80 Years" Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning CEMETERY INSTALLATION ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN Call 248-542-8266 661 E. 8 MILE ROAD FERNDALE 1 1/2 blocks East of Woodward Convention on page C44 1324950 August 21 • 2008 C43