President Bush Singles Out Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries for Saving Lives
September 21, 2005
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| President Bush gestures at the Republican Jewish Coalition's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005 |
In a televised speech today about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, President Bush singled out Lubavitch's emissary at Tulane University for his efforts on behalf of the victims. The President delivered his speech at the occasion of the Republican Jewish Coalition's 20th anniversary and was preceded by an invocation delivered by Rabbi Levi Shemtov, director of the Washington Office of American Friends of Lubavitch.
Transcript of the
President's citation:
"At Tulane University, the Director of the Chabad, Rabbi Rivkin, brought teams of students to New Orleans, and southern Mississippi, and other communities hit by the storm. He called in folks to help. He didn't say, head away from the storm; he said, let's take it right to the middle of the storm area to help people. They helped rescue stranded people; they distributed bottled water and self-heating kosher meals; they cleaned up and helped salvage homes; they provided spiritual support for those who lost loved ones. And one of those rescued from New Orleans put it this way: In the days after Katrina hit, Chabad saved lives.'"
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Latest Comments:
and the other Jews here who are unhappy with Mr. Bush: I have no doubt that not only was his praising of Chabad sincere, but that he is a 'special friend' of Israel. This is not to say that he is not open to criticism; but indeed the Conservative Xtianist politicians of America are amongst the most loyal supporters of Israel, and you might want to reconsider if you really want to denigrate that fact.
Yes, Mr. Bush currently supports a continued Palestinian state, whereas Bnai Israel needs to inherit Medinah Yisrael undivided, along with the Bet Hamikdash. What to do then?
Put aside that he is a Xtianist, and give Mr. Bush the best possible counsel from the best Jewish minds in America; and win his confidence to Jewish sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael; just as Torah tells us Yosef won the confidence of pharaoh, and won his support for being united with Israel and his brothers.
There is no point in Israel being negative towards Mr. Bush. Let's win him over totally instead.
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This guy is dangerous and brings very bad karma along with him, except for his support of Israel... could easily turn on a dime tomorrow.
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Dear Jason Morgan, South Beach, FL/USA,
The entire world do not hate Jews, heaven forbid and your attitude by saying this and so " in your face" to them all is discraceful the Rebbe obm reached out to and loved all Men and Women of all race creed and color this is the whole point of being Chassid we go that extra step.
I went to the Rebbes Ohel for the last year and as heartbreaking for me as it was i am telling you now that their were many non Jews there because Lubavitch touched the souls of so many that is why it is so good what Bush said this because Lubavitch loves all Mankind think of Tanya chapter 32 and please think about what you are saying. Do not mistake my words to you as anything else other than words spoken with love and good advice to a fellow jew even though my english is not so great perhaps.
G-d be with you.
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What a Kiddush Hashem. It is so beautiful to see how Chabad is always there, ready to help. And then that wonderful speech made by the president of the united states of America! if only Isreal would think this way about saving lives maybe we would still have our Gush Katif and even a few loved ones . I'm sure the Rebbe is very proud of his children.and as Mike Edwards said "What great work Chabad is doing, I encourage people to give to Chabad's Katrina Fund." I think is is important that we continue in this way and bring Moshiach now!
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I am happy to hear the President praising the activities of Rabbi Rivkin and Chabad in general, but let's keep in mind that the was talking to a Jewish audience. I wish he would make these statements in his State of the Union addresses, to the whole country and in front of the UN and not merely when it is "safe" and politically convenient for him to praise Jews.
If President Bush really is serious when he says that "Chabad saves lives" then he would listen to what the Rebbe has said that giving over land endangers lives (G-d forbid) and would immediately cease putting pressure on Israel for further disengagements r'l.
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Don't let the words of this President fool you. He may say the right things now, but do NOT trust him!!! he is not our friend for the long term struggle! He is too quick to say get out of the west bank. He supports the Palestinians too quickly...
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How nice that the President praised Chabad. Did any senior rabbis take the occasion to make clear to him how horrific was his administration's insistence on expelling Jews from their homes & leveling towns, synagogues, everything? Did Chabad, perhaps, tell him in private so you could retain your "access" and kudos?
You gave to this head of a govt that demands the destruction of Jewish Israel a great photo-op and 'cop-out'; now he can say, 'you see, the Jews like me, even the orthodox honor me. Surely they aren't that upset by what happens in, what's it called, "Gush Katif." I guess we can proceed to expel more Jews soon and make the Saudis happy
No American Jewish organization has ANYTHING to brag about now unless it publicly, overtly, consistently criticized and denounced the uprooting of Jews.
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Do not let this President's speech fool you. He is not a special friend of the Jewish people. Publicly in a special meeting he will say the right thing. But a President who allows his own people to go without government assistance for so long, allows people to die when they should have been saved can't be a good person!!!
Do not be fooled by his hollow words!
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I live in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa (on the tip of Africa) and have closely followed the plight & suffering the people of New Orleans have had to endure since Katrina devastated their lives, property & wellbeing.
I am part of a thriving, new and vibrant Jewish community being spearheaded spiritually by a newly established Chabad Shul.
After listening to President Bush's speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition it brought tears to my eyes's as a proud Jew. Hearing President Bush's praise to Rabbi Rivkin made me so proud even though I am thousands of miles away from Louisiana.
You see, as far as I see it, as Jews we help and assist people of need from all creeds, races and religious denominations. It comes from our hearts, just like Rabbi Rivkin did.
I salute you Rabbi Rivkin and all your teams of helpers who gave unselfishly to our Brothers & Sisters in Louisiana.
You are a blessing to us all,
Shalom
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I'm glad you agree that the President did a great job praising Chabad (I'm happy to hear that Chabad made such a positive impact).
Yet, Jason, there is a profound irony here, reflected by what you have posted: Though there is still hatred of Jews in the world, many of the Jews in America hate George Bush.
Unfortunately, Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand speak more so for the majority of Jews in this country; not Chabad, not the rest of observant Jewry (a way too small minority amongst Bnai Israel).
Why do they hate him?
I don't believe they know themselves.
Torah says that when Yosef was reunited with his brothers he remarked that from the evil that occured to him (his being thrown in the well) some good did also occur.
Is this still true?
From the evil of people being stranded in the water, Chabad and the President reaffirmed some good between them; and G-d willing there is more of that to come.
G-d willing may more Jews get on board with that, too.
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