Terrorists, Kiddush Clubs & Brooklyn College

Random musings on this week’s current events in the mainstream media:

• It is worth noting that Osama bin Laden was killed by America and no one said he wasn’t a terrorist. Indeed, the man was a terrorist – and one wonders what the difference is between Bin Laden and Hezbollah?  It is sickening that Hezbollah, who receives tremendous financial support from Iran is still unlikely to be named a terrorist organization by the European Union even after EU member Bulgaria named them as being responsible for the attack last year which killed five Israelis.  Hezbollah killed 241 Marines in 1983 with car bombs, hijacked a TWA American flight, blew up the Israeli Embassy in Argentina, and so much more – yet they aren’t terrorists ? How can anyone possibly take the EU seriously? The United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Israel must all be wrong. Or perhaps Hezbollah primarily targets the Jewish state so it’s ok.
• Interesting feature story today in The Wall Street Journal about  the phenomenon of “kiddush clubs,” which highlighted prominent American shuls, including The Shul in Bel Harbor, The Hampton Synagogue and others.  As the Wall Street Journal noted, “In the face of dwindling attendance at religious services, many rabbis have become similarly creative.” Owning a PR firm, I’d argue that this exposure is good for the Jewish community and as the Rabbi of “The Shul” noted ““God didn’t make the delicious stuff only for non-Jews.” Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I’d attest that indeed kiddushes draw more people – and if that’s what it takes to get Jews in the doors, then so be it. Judaism is fun too.
• In New York City, there’s debate about a recent Brooklyn College event where the Political Science department sponsored an event of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) against Israel.  Some condemn those protesting as “threatening academic freedoms.” It is absurd and indeed quite simple – When one accepts funds, there are conditions. Taxpayers are paying and there are rules and conditions. Hatred of a people and bias shouldn’t be sanctioned or allowed. Shame on Brooklyn College.