Lee Bender

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Jun 27, 2019, 7:44 AM

Jordan and Israel: The Two State Solution Since 1922

The Trump Administration is unveiling its Mideast Peace Plan in Bahrain at the “Peace to Prosperity” conference. It is an ambitious $50 billion economic program for the Palestinian Arabs, including grants, loans and private capital. However, the Palestinian government...

Mar 15, 2019, 7:47 PM

For Jews in the Democrat Party, it’s not about the content of your character

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King believed in an America that would judge people by the content of one’s character. That was one of his dreams. But in large part, that dream is teetering. The Left/Progressive movement engages in identity politics...

Feb 14, 2019, 8:38 PM

Israel must get much tougher on terrorist killers

The first, most basic responsibility of a nation is to protect and secure its citizens. The time has long come for Israel-- the government, that is, not the brave Israeli people -- to get much tougher on Palestinian Arab...

Nov 24, 2018, 7:32 PM

Zionism and the “Deal of the Century”

Israel is constantly being told by the mainstream media, academia, the EU, NGOs, and progressives that the current situation is unsustainable and Israel- right now- must make peace with its enemies. But that is a pipe dream, paternalistic and...

Jul 30, 2018, 7:05 AM

Nation State for Thee But Not for Jews

It is sad, though unfortunately not terribly surprising, that Israel’s recently passed Nation-State Basic Law has caused such consternation and accusations of discrimination, racism and apartheid. But perhaps the Nation-State law would not even have been necessary if Israel’s...

Jun 6, 2018, 7:17 AM

Has the (unorthodox) organized Jewish community fallen off the rails?

In Numbers 10:35-36, the Torah describes the years of exile and wandering when the Children of Israel were exposed to those who sought to cause them harm. Moses would say the following when the Ark was set out: “Advance,...

May 17, 2018, 7:16 AM

Why Shouldn’t a Liberal Democrat Be a Zionist?

Israel is an asset and proud ally of the United States; it embodies Jewish, democratic and liberal values of espousing civil rights, gay rights, minority rights, women’s rights, free robust press, independent judiciary, top quality health care and education....

May 16, 2018, 6:21 AM

Remarks on Israel’s 70th Anniversary at Congregation Mikveh Israel on May 14, 2018

The following is an excerpt of remarks I made at a program to commemorate Israel’s 70th anniversary at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia to a group of Jews and Evangelical Christians: I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Pastor...

Mar 24, 2018, 12:06 AM

Here’s Hoping Progressive Jews Can Be Encouraged to Support Israel

Professor Alan Dershowitz is undoubtedly correct when he argues: if you are in favor of women’s rights, gay rights, minority rights, civil rights, a robust free press, independent judiciary, high quality education and health care, then there is only...

Jul 6, 2017, 12:48 AM

Are Zionists worse than Islamists?

Are Zionists really worse than Islamists? One could reach that conclusion based on reports in “mainstream media” as well as actions and rhetoric from the United Nations, the European Union, much of academia and a slew of non-governmental organizations...

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About Me

Lee S. Bender co-authored a book, “Pressing Israel: Media Bias Exposed From A-Z” (Pavilion Press) with Jerome Verlin, and has been speaking about anti-Israel bias and activities to numerous schools, synagogues, churches and civic groups, and written dozens of articles published in local and national media. He is Co-President of the Zionist Organization of America-Greater Philadelphia District, a board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia, Israel Advocacy Committee of Jewish Federation among other organizations. A former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney, he has been in private practice as a trial attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 1995.