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.'"
To two anonymouses, and Gershon;- 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.