World Anti-Israel President? from page 29 Ominous Signs The shift in policy wasn't without warning. For two decades, Klein said, Obama was a loyal congregant of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ led by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who became a polarizing figure in the presidential campaign for his history of anti-American ser- mons and open criticism of Zionism and Israel. Klein said the now-retired pas- tor has also historically supported groups that promote business divestment from Israel and honored Nation of Islam leader Rev. Louis Farrakhan for lifetime achieve- ment. Obama publicly denounced Wright's remarks and resigned from the church during the campaign, but Klein said Wright's philosophies regarding Israel are mirrored in sev- eral presidential appointments. Obama, Klein said, has national security advisers who openly advo- cate long-term settlement freezes in the West Bank and stopping military support for Israel. Many within the administration, including White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Senior Adviser David Axelrod, also strongly believe Israel should return to pre-1967 borders and allow for right of return. Lester Zeff of Troy said that was disturbing. "The essence of what Mr. Klein's saying is that we need to be very careful about what's going on right now; and he backed it up with state- ments and policy decisions:' Zeff said. An official with the White House press office referred the Jewish News to the National Security Council office within the White House for comment. No one responded by press time. Sunday, August 8, 2010 Noon 2 pm Buizel Conference Center Melba Winer (z"I President's Award Recipient Roberta Blumberg 'Heart of Tamarack' Award Recipien Casual Dress Attire Lunch will be provided (Die . For additional informatton: www.tamarackcamps.com Tamarack Camps, established by the Fresh Air Society, provides enriching Jewish camping experiences for children and families, independent of financial ability, building a vibrant Jewish community. JN Community Forum Featured Blogger: Time Of Urgency Klein made it clear that Obama was not his choice for president and that he personally has misgivings about a liberal agenda taking shape since the inauguration. But Klein insists his message runs deeper than par- tisan leanings and that there is far too much at stake to be motivated by personal pride. In addition to Middle East peace, Obama's administration will be tasked with curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions and combating fanatical Islam. All three are paramount to Israel's survival, Klein said. Read his latest blog at: http://thejewishnews.com/community Levi Stein blogs about his thoughts, events, international travels and experiences. 1567300 30 July 29 • 2010 "It's not enough to say the words `unbreakable bond' when your policies and actions belie that statement." - Mort Klein Klein said he was disappointed that the Israeli government wasn't doing more to combat the spread of hatred and anti-Semitism in countries they are expected to make peace with. He's equally frustrated with leaders of other major Jewish organizations in America for remaining silent. "Criticize the president and you are less likely to be invited for meetings at the White House. And they want to be there Klein said. When pressed about how well- respected leaders of other organiza- tions could have it so wrong, Klein recounted that the same groups also fully endorsed the failed 1990s Oslo Accords and later troop withdrawal from Lebanon (2000) and Gaza (2005). Each decision, which the ZOA denounced, came at a high cost of life with no peace in return. "The record of the ZOA is that unfortunately, and tragically, we were right:' Klein said. Now is not the time for apathy, he insisted. The ZOA continues its lobby- ing efforts and many members of Congress have spoken out against the administration's positions on Israel, he said. With the November elections loom- ing, some in attendance felt Klein's remarks were timely. "I'm glad to hear his perspective because we need to know, and we need to act up and let our voices be heard now more than ever:' said Masha Silver, of Farmington Hills. "I'm very disappointed by repeated condemnation of Israel and lack of condemnation for anybody else that goes against U.S. policy" ❑ Visit www.zoa.org for more information.