Jerusalem, Maccabiah Games, David Cerullo & Oro Gold Cosmetics

A scattering of thoughts on a brutally hot New York City summer evening:

It is simply outrageous that American citizens born in Jerusalem cannot list Israel as their birthplace on their passports. Israel is an ally of America, and a factual reality.  Meanwhile, China is not, yet Taiwan-born US citizens can identify Taiwan as their birthplace.  Maybe Israel should recognize they should never agree to negotiations which ever discuss being “recognized”.  Israel is a factual reality – in negotiations and for passports.

Saw highlights today of the annual Christians United for Israel conference, and what a blessing for Israel the Millions of Christians who support Israel are.  Can any Zionist doubt that these Friends of Israel are better for Israel than many of the Jewish organizations?  It’s just great to see these conferences held and the vast support which indeed Israel has.  Kudos are due to people like John Hagee who founded the organization, and Christian leaders whether Jay Sekulow of ACLJ, David Cerullo of INSP or others – just great and wonderfully helpful for the Jewish State.

And with blessings for Israel, there have been some great images being shown worldwide for The Maccabiah Games, the Jewish Olympics.  Whether its NBA star Amare Stoudemire standing back to back with Shimon Peres, the Cuban delegation or just the thousands of Jewish participants its such great visuals to see.  There is no one unique way to bring people closer to the Land and people of Israel – certainly sports is a great way to attract people.

And in what will undoubtedly bring great Public Relations to Israel, it was announced today that Israeli-born Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman will direct and star in A Tale of Love and Darkness, which is adapted from Amos Oz. And along these lines, in more celebrity news, Oro Gold Cosmetics, founded out of Israel by Mazal Enterprises had their gala New York City opening hosted by American actress Denise Richards.

Onward and upward.