Opinion
Good intentions, bad timing
David Ha'ivri
Published: 30.07.12, 11:13
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1. Obama is apparently better...
J.Gad ,   Israel   (07.30.12)
I guess the article is wrong about the polls. -only 50% of America's Jews in the States voted for Obama in the last elections. Now more or less than 65% to 72% of american jewish kehilot in the states want to vote for him. lol
2. Ever been to the Kotel?The sign welcomes ALL nations to pray
PETER SM ,   MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA   (07.30.12)
They quote a verse from the Torah to back it up! A few weeks ago I saw a Buddhist monk sitting praying.
3. Misreading American Jewish support for Democrats
rachel ,   tel aviv israel   (07.30.12)
The author did not need to mention his support for a Republican in the White House, that is rather obvious, however, he completely misreads the support which all Democratic candidates for the Presidency get from American jews. Their support is historical based on years of nurturing and supporting the rights and liberties of immigrant Jews to America beginning in the 1800s, which anti-Semitic Republicans missed out on ages ago. Furthermore, Mitt Romney is an elder in the Mormon Church, you know, the same church that has for years been baptizing dead Holocaust victims as Mormons against the wishes of their ancestors. Even against the backdrop of US court decisions ordering them to cease and desist from this offensive practice. This is a bigger effront to all Jews dead or alive than showing up at HaKotel on Tisha B'Av.
4. It's a time to mourn yes. But it's also a time to rejoyce
Ari ,   Jerusalem   (07.30.12)
We might mourn the destruction of the two temples but on the other side we have to rejoyce. The word of the prophets is beguining to have form. We have again a Jewish State, after 2000 years of galuth we finally are beguining to resettle in the land given by G-D to our people The promise is being fulfill. And not in an easy way. Against all odds, many wars and the Jews came out of it victorious. The hand of Hashem is here. Let's rejoyce because a piece of the temple still stands, THE KOTEL (not all was destroyed) and from there will come the rebuilding of the third Temple. Let's rejoyce because AM ISRAEL HAI . The tradition says that there is no hapiness without sadness, That is why when we break a Glass in a wedding, we are reminded of the destruction of the temples and other sad events. . The same should be true the other way From a sad moment let's be happy we survived, that we have a Country...that we still have a Kotel, maybe soon the Third Temple on the Har Habit in Jerusalem , Amen! Rabbi Akiva would have said Gam Se Letova
5. Where is an "insult"?
Rabbi Avrushmi ,   Bet El, Israel   (07.30.12)
I don't see how & why Mitt insulted Jewish People. Looks exact opposite to me. Go, Mitt, go!
6. My thoughts
Chad ,   U. S. A   (07.30.12)
I dont think this was done on purpose but Could be wrong, On the other hand at least the man visited, And im sure he will if he becomes president, And he wont openly call for 67 boarders or Make smart remarks of your leaders when he thinks the cameras off. Mitt believes in what made both our countries strong for the most part. Another 4 yrs of what we have now this world is going to be a difficult and different place to live. As far as his motives, I believe their sincere. Are obamas?
7. Romney Untimely Visit.
Joe ,   Brandon   (07.30.12)
David Ha'ivri states: "I am very disappointed in those responsible for the timing of this visit. I do not expect Romney himself to learn all the manners and customs of the Jewish people, but I do expect one who sets out to repair relations with Israel to be a little more considerate." This statement is rather confusing, David. For in reality, those responsible for the timing of Romney's visit, is not Jewish state?
8. Regardless of one's religious inclinations (or lack thereof)
tom ,   tel aviv   (07.30.12)
it is mindboggling, that very well paid people responsible for arranging these type of 'events" are so unprofessional. Even more so when they represent & work for the State of Israel! Simply morons, that should be sent home with their office-possessions in a shoe box!
9. Speak for yourself...
D. R. C. ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (07.30.12)
... not everyone wants Romney to win the election.
10. Get over yourself
Marilyn ,   London   (07.30.12)
Not everyone attaches so much importance to Tisha be Av, as the destruction of that "holy edifice" 2600 years ago isn't really important to most people. Much more to the point is the modern state of Israel's relations with its biggest benefactor and ally. Nobody is insulting anybody - this guy turns up with the best of intentions and you tell him to come back on another day? Get over yourself man.
11. He's not Jewish is he? But he's your friend.
Daniel ,   Netherlands   (07.30.12)
Be nice.
12. Who made Romneys timetable ???
Chris Rettenmoser ,   Bayerisch Gmain Germ   (07.30.12)
13. good intentions bad timing
Henry Weil ,   Jerusalem   (07.30.12)
I beg to differ Obama might not like Bibi he's not alone but his acts on supporting Israel have been when necessary extremly freindly to Israel, Sorry David he is US President not a member of Habayit Hyehudi, just like Bibi who is PM of Israel,and does what he deems best if it upsets Obama,
14. The author of this piece is not bright
Eli ,   Jerusalem   (07.30.12)
Get off your high horse you fool. Romney came when his schedule could permit. He came that is all that counts. He said beautiful things about Israel. That is all that counts. His wife fasted and wore no leather shoes. That's all that counts. Every trip is a "publicity" stunt for a politician. But this one did not use Tisha B'av...he played the hand he was dealt and it happened to fall out on Tisha B'av! Stop making mole hills into mountains as if anyone cared what ou think anyway.
15. Well, how about that!
Simon Soesan ,   Haifa   (07.30.12)
Mr. Ha'Ivri, maybe you are not aware that Tisha Be'av is not a religious day, but a tradition. Maybe you are aware that, as per Judaism, nothing is holy, except G'd. Not a book, not a rabb's beard, not water and no red strings. And whover the Americans will elect for President is not our business. Our business is to maintain a good relationship with whomever is in charge. Instead of thanking a candidate for his visit - maybe you are not aware but only people like you seem to think we are a majority in the USA - you had you 10 minutes of fame by writing this silly article. How about that!
16. Haivri again?!
Ariel Ben Yochanan ,   Kfar Tapuah, Efraim   (07.30.12)
B"H - As the author and his boss, Shomron governor Mesika, are instrumental in bringing in hundreds of xtians and missionaries to G-d's holy land, they need these articles for their propaganda. We don't buy your crap David, you are finished with your xtians and hugging sheiks.
17. I look at it the opposite way, in Israel's hardest hour
hippocrates ,   earth   (07.30.12)
there is a person who stands with us. On tishav ba'av I read his wife fasted to commiserate with our people. Now that is pretty special. The best wishes to Mitt!
18. Romney at the Wall
Shoshanna ,   Tel Aviv   (07.30.12)
Especially on Tisha B'Av, the Jews and Israel need all the support they can get. Will you stand by idly and bring up religion when Obama lets Iran nuke Israel because you didn't like Romney at the Wall on Tisha B'Av????
19. Romney couldn't have come on a better day
Mike ,   Jerusalem   (07.30.12)
Romney relates to the Land of Israel, the people and the Temple lost. No better day to come. And Obama's rise began on Tisha B Av 2004 when he spoke at the DNC and crowd cried with happiness about their candidate. Check the source; its true!
20. Politicians!? When's the next notegate
Josh   (07.30.12)
#1 interesting. Maybe it has to do with Odinga and the new Ghana bank. Yeah! Obama has Israel backing one of the most corrupt countries in the world (money laundering/drugs) with the lives of Israelis. Why? Obama can count on the Jews?
21. good intentions
jy kahn ,   brooklyn-yerushalayi   (07.30.12)
On the fast of T'Bav we read "Ki baiti bait tfilah Lchol haminm" For all human beings at all times.
22. Romney
RK ,   Virginia, USA   (07.30.12)
He seemed presidential (from my keyboard to G.'s eyes), respectful, dignified, and most friendly. I hope that on his next visit to Israel, within a year, he'll come on Air Force One. I am glad he visited the Kotel, no matter when.
23. Agree with Simon #15: Tisha Be'av is a tradition.
Steve   (07.30.12)
24. Give Romney A Break..Besides He's Only There For The Money
World Citizen ,   the world   (07.30.12)
25. I forgive him
Ghilmeini ,   Borscht   (07.30.12)
I am sure this was the only he could get here. Second he is running for president so he cut him some slack. Third, he meant no insult, his friendship for Israel is genuine as opposed to the leftist dreck currently undermining Israel's position ever day. I believe it is a mitzvah to welcome those who mean us well. Welcome mitt Romney- long life and blessings on all your endeavors, especially this the greatest journey of all.
26. USA
J ,   USA   (07.30.12)
It may have been bad timing, but, unlike Obama, he came. I believe he truly supports Israel (although, Mormonism is suspect), like many TRUE Christians (Zionists) do. In these tenuous times, Israel needs all the support they can get. The winds of war and monumental changes, to the Middle East, are coming; and, there's no escaping the sad fact that so many want to destroy God's Chosen People. As a TRUE Christian, I love and support Israel wholeheartedly! To benefit from Genesis 12:1-3, we, as a nation, MUST stand with our only ME ally! Muslims' seek to destroy; TRUE Christians' seek God's blessing and protection for Israel. God bless, Israel and His Jerusalem (the eternal city--undivided)!!!
27. sorry david, but just the opposite
Larry ,   Los Angeles   (07.30.12)
I think the 9th of Av is indeed a good day to speak about the advancement of the Jewish State. Especially in these times of such denial of divinity through out the world. Romney is a non Jew who shares the believe in the in-gathering of the exiles and should be encouraged by his exemplar performance while in our holy land.
28. Your Column
Paul Feldsher ,   NY NY   (07.30.12)
Reading your column, as I do to "keep my enemies closer" always serves, with alacrity, as a wonderful example of what not to think as it provides a consistent snapshot of the short-sighted mentality against which we Americans and Israelis - I am both - must prevail. Thank You.
29. the real Romney
robin fine ,   chicago USA   (07.30.12)
Romney is the poster boy for someone who only cares about himself as long as he can make money off it. While is extremely important to me. Israel will always be strong partner with the USA no matter who is in the white house. Romeny has shown time and time again that he belives only in corporations and making money. He doesnt care about his own people. The trip to israel was a stunt. im saddend by those who think its ok to destroy businesses ship jobs overseas. who supports a party who instead of taking care of its people made it their number one job to destroy the president. if romney does get into power we need to all watch our backs. Romeny will find a way to sell israel to india or china if it will benefit corportations
30. My non-Jewish Friend Posed This Question...
Robert Blum ,   New Albany, USA   (07.30.12)
Would it have been OK if on that 'special' day Iran was going to bomb Israel, but after Romney 'brushed his teeth and took a shower', he directed U.S. forces to do a pre-emptive strike or Iran instead?
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