From the Rabbi’s Study - Harold F. Caminker,  D.D.           

"BARACK OBAMA AND CAMPAIGN LIES"

I hereby speak out as one of many Jewish leaders, none of whose organizations will officially endorse or oppose any candidate for president, against certain rhetoric and tactics in the current campaign that are particularly abhorrent.  Of greatest concern over the past several months is that many American Jews have received hateful emails using falsehood and innuendo to misrepresent Senator Barack Obama's religious beliefs and who he is as a person.  These tactics seek to create a schism between our community and a leading presidential candidate through malicious and hateful attacks based on religion. 

I, along with many of my colleagues within every major Jewish denomination, reject these efforts to manipulate members of the Jewish community into supporting or opposing a particular candidate.

Specifically, the campaign of rumors being waged against Senator Obama in the Jewish community has begun to take its toll.  I find it shameful that it has become so easy to discredit him by appealing to the basest, most ethnocentric fears of some of our fellow Jews.  Why is it that our buttons get pushed so easily?  Why is it that we are so quick to think the worst about those from outside our community?  And why is Barack Obama seen as threatening to our Jewish, and possibly also our LGBT community?  Is it because he is an African-American? 

I do have some questions about Senator Obama's candidacy.  My biggest concern is his relationship with his minister, whom he regards as a mentor and personal friend.  This is a minister who praises the work of Louis Farrakhan.  I wish that Senator Obama would say something to reassure me that the views of his minister will not find their way into the White House should he be elected president.  But this concern of mine does not in any way mean that I should condemn Senator Obama, or accuse him of being anti-Israel or anti-semitic.  As a matter of fact, Senator Obama has a proven record of support for the State of Israel as well as numerous worthy Jewish causes.

Did Senator Obama study in a madrassa as a young boy?  Did he grow up in a Muslim environment?  The last time I checked, these were not disqualifiers for seeking high political office in the United States.  Do we accept his personal statement that he considers himself to be a devoted Christian?  What is it so deep within that makes us all too ready to believe only the worst about another person?  Is it because we ourselves have been subjected to a long and painful history of anti-semitism and homophobia?  That's too easy an excuse, I think.  Too easy, and not all that sincere either.  Are we so pure and innocent?  Are we so perfect and beyond reproach?

Sadly, the attacks against Senator Obama are not an isolated incident.  We have seen Governor Romney maligned for being a member of the Mormon church, Governor Huckabee criticized for his religious views, and other candidates asked to answer questions which suggest a religious test for public office. 

All such attempts to use religious identity as a disqualifier for public office are to be categorically rejected. 

The attacks against Senator Obama are unique in that they have been mostly directed toward the American Jewish community.  I am proud to join with an impressive range of national Jewish leaders who are making clear, in no uncertain terms, that such attacks have no place in our Jewish homes, schools, synagogues, and organizations.  Jewish voters, like all voters, should support whichever candidate they believe will make the best president.  I urge everyone to make their decision based on the factual records of each candidate, and nothing less.

And, finally -- please, be happy -- it's Adar, and that means Purim -- Chag Sameach!

Harold

back to home page