Speaking of a lack of focus...
While the media were focused on whether PM Netanyahu had “condoned” a UAE deal for F-35s as the “price” for recognition of Israel and a “peace deal,” the Jewish Agency and its “partners” at Keren Ha’Yesod announced a major venture with the 1000 person Jewish community of the Emirates...yes, you read that correctly — 1,000 Emirati Jews will have the benefit of a “partnership” with JAFI/KH. https://www.jns.org/jewish-agency-and-keren-hayesod-to-begin-activities-education-in-uae/
And if you think that this is nothing more than a JA publicity stunt — shame on you. After all, the Jewish Agency is in the midst of a financial crisis so deep that its emergency funding of communities suffering the financial pain of the COVID-19 pandemic had to be supported with a jewelry store-sponsored telethon; and its communal support from the federations and KH are in an historic collapse. (Yes, that’s the same KH which has retained its 20% ownership of JAFI without any obligation to financial support for the Agency’s core budget which has now “adopted” the Jews of the UAE.)
And, not to be outdone, and never wanting to miss another shiny object, it was announced that JFNA would be joining JA and KH in this effort, whatever it may be, with the Jewish leaders of that 1,000 person community of the Emirates. G-d knows that JFNA’s bloated staff in Jerusalem has the capacity to take this — whatever it may be — on.
I have a suggestion for the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Council of the UAE, Yehuda Sarna: thank JA, KH and JFNA profusely and then seek out Yael Eckstein, the leader of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. The IFCJ’s support comes with financial commitments and expertise. Something new and different for the New Year.
Then, apparently President Trump stuck a deal for "peace" (yet to be defined) between Israel and Bahrain; the deal celebrated on the White House lawn with the Emirates "deal" (yet to be defined, as well). Bahrain's Jewish community has 30 members.
In celebration of the deals, JFNA CEO Eric Fingerhut reported that he flew directly from the White House ceremony to the Emirates' capitol to celebrate Rosh Ha'Shana with the Jewish community there. (Not sure whether the 1,000 Jews of the UAE have just one synagogue but, as the joke tells us, probably more.) Hope that Eric doesn't have to quarantine for weeks there; he probably has work to do at 25 Broadway or nearby.
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Ah yes! Mr. Herzog is also seeking the Presidency!
I can't wait for the pandemic to end and for missions to be re-instated. I have no doubt that the first place on the list for the Prime Ministers Mission will be to the UAE where the agenda will likely include opportunities to meet with real estate professionals for possible purchase of property.Naturally it will be offered at a discount if the PM members increase their pledges to their federation.
Richard,
A Happy, Healthy, Sweet, and Safe New Year to you and your family.
And, you are kidding about Eric Fingerhut flying to the UAE, aren't you?
Seems like all that is left of what were once serious and important Jewish organizations is just PR and egotistical image building.
No room left for mission and ideology or for actually doing something to meet real needs and serve our People.
We are probably as close as we can possibly be to moral bankruptcy.
Strong Comments, much appreciated. In re: "kidding wabout Fingerhut?" there is this Memo from Eric a copy of 3which was sent to me by an FOB:
"After this historic moment on the White House lawn, I am proud to have joined Ross Kriel and Rabbi Sarna In flying directly to Dubai to celebrate Rosh HaShana with the Jewish community here. What a privilege it will be to pray alongside such leaders who have helped work for peace and..."
So, there's that.
Wow!
And I thought Silverman was in it for the PR.
This is unbelievable.
Good use of our dues.
https://jewishfederations.org/federation-impact-stories/federation-delegation-visits-uae-spends-rosh-hashanah-with-local-community
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