Presidential Inspiration
Jewish banker sets heartfelt tone for Obama speech.
Ron Kampeas
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
system. And he was glad to see Obama
focus on energy at a time when the price
of oil was relatively cheap.
In Obama's brief references to foreign
policies at the end of the speech, he
coupled his calls for expanded diplomatic
outreach to his quest for peace for Israel
and its neighbors.
"In words and deeds, we are showing
the world that a new era of engagement
has begun:' he said. "For we know that
America cannot meet the threats of this
century alone, but the world cannot meet
them without America. We cannot shun
the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes
or forces that could do us harm. We are
instead called to move forward with the
sense of confidence and candor that
serious times demand. To seek prog-
ress towards a secure and lasting peace
between Israel and her neighbors, we have
appointed an envoy to sustain our effort."
The speech did not mention Iran, but
Obama's emphasis on the "negotiating
table" reflected his pledge to reach out
to Iran's leadership in a bid to have the
Islamic Republic stand down from its sus-
pected nuclear weapons program.
"To meet the challenges of the 21st
century — from terrorism to nuclear
proliferation; from pandemic disease to
cyber threats to crushing poverty —we
will strengthen old alliances, forge new
ones, and use all elements of our national
power;' he said.
Washington
I
n times like these, "Jewish banker"
might seem an unlikely descriptor
for "hero," but that's who President
Obama chose to make his point about
being generous in hard times.
Obama's salute to Leonard Abess in
his Feb. 24 state of the nation speech was
likely to bring a dose of pride to a commu-
nity that has been unnerved by the 24/7
coverage of another Jewish banker, Bernie
Madoff, and allegations of Madoff's rob-
bing from the poor (and the wealthy) to
keep himself rich.
Jewish groups in general were quite
pleased with the speech, which empha-
sized economic recovery through govern-
ment-directed stimulus. Obama also brief-
ly touched on foreign affairs, stressing his
commitment to outreach when it comes
to dealing with the Middle East, but also
hinting at toughness should recalcitrant
nations like Iran not be forthcoming.
The most emotional Jewish moment,
perhaps, was that involving Abess.
"I have also learned that hope is found
in unlikely places; that inspiration often
comes not from those with the most
power or celebrity, but from the dreams
and aspirations of Americans who are
anything but ordinary' Obama said in
the first of a number of references to the
upper reaches of the Capitol, where a
president's chosen "heroes" sit with the
first lady.
"I think of Leonard Abess, a bank presi-
dent from Miami who reportedly cashed
out of his company, took a $60 million
bonus and gave it out to all 399 people
who worked for him, plus another 72
who used to work for him;' Obama said,
as Abess barely contained his emotions.
"He didn't tell anyone, but when the local
newspaper found out, he simply said, `I
knew some of these people since I was 7
years old. It didn't feel right getting the
money myself:"
According to the biography of Abess
posted by City National Bank, Abess
is a board member of the Greater
Miami Jewish Federation and the Anti-
Defamation League.
"Leonard Abess, who gave millions
to employees, is a Miami Jewish federa-
A20 March 5 • 2009
Other Views
President Obama
tion leader," William Daroff, the United
Jewish Communities' Washington director,
Twittered with pride.
"Leonard and his family have been very
generous supporters of the fed for as long
as I can remember;' Jacob Solomon, the
executive vice president of the Greater
Miami Jewish Federation, told JTA. "They
really bring to life what we mean when
we say the Jews should be ohr la-goyim,`a
light unto the nations:"
Jewish Flair
Obama's warmth was returned by Jewish
lawmakers, who were among the first to
stand and applaud the president's initia-
tives. The night contained several other
Jewish moments, whether poignant, politi-
cal humorous or stylish. There were plenty
of hugs and cheers for Supreme Court
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is recov-
ering from pancreatic cancer treatment.
Officials at several Jewish groups
praised the speech and the direction of the
stimulus.
"We felt at home in the speech:' said
Rabbi Steve Gutow, executive director of
the Jewish Council of Public Affairs, the
public policy umbrella bringing together
the synagogue movements, several nation-
al Jewish groups and local communities
across North America.
Gutow noted that the three main pillars
of Obama's agenda —energy, health care
and education — are all major priorities
of his organization.
Daroff said he particularly liked the
focus on "Jewish virtues:' such as educa-
tion and health care, noting that caring for
those in need is a pillar of the federation
Americans for Peace Now liked the
emphasis on re-engagement.
"Friends of Israel should support the
president's commitment to work for
secure and lasting peace between Israel
and its neighbors:' said Ori Nir, the APN
spokesman. "Regional leaders ought to
take advantage of this new era of engage-
ment that President Obama is ushering in.
The president's refreshing approach to the
region, emphasizing the role of diplomacy,
is a valuable opportunity for those seeking
Mideast peace, stability and prosperity."
Not everyone approved.
"He ignored 15 years of tragic failure"
since the Oslo Accords "and said 'continue
with the ways of the past:" said Zionist
Organization of America president Morton
Klein. "He should have said we're going to
work to transform the Palestinian culture"
and "demand they jail terrorists." 1 1
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