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Robertson speech draws protests { April 14 2003 }

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   http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/local_regional/fram_protestedspeech04142003.htm

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/local_regional/fram_protestedspeech04142003.htm

Robertson speech draws protesters

By Andy Smith
Monday, April 14, 2003

FRAMINGHAM -- The controversial Rev. Pat Robertson was greeted last night at Temple Beth Sholom by standing ovations and a small contingency of protesters calling themselves "Jews Saying No to the Christian Right."


Robertson, host of "The 700 Club" and head of the Christian Coalition, is considered a bigot by many, due to past comments critical of Muslims, women and homosexuals. The former presidential candidate was in town to deliver his message "Why Evangelicals Support Israel" to a crowd of about 250 people.

Before the event, about 20 Jewish protesters gathered just outside the synagogue's property. Among them was Edmund Hanauer, of Framingham, who could not understand the temple's decision to host Robertson.

"If a church invited Louis Farrakhan to speak, or someone of his ideology, we would not stand for that," he said. "This is a double standard in the leadership of the Jewish community. Robertson's message promotes the most chauvinistic and racist elements of the Jewish community."

In a prepared statement to the press, Sarah Hershey, of Somerville, said Robertson's presence was an insult to homosexual, African-American and feminist Jews.

"Inviting Robertson into a Jewish house does a great disservice to our community," she said. "Allying ourselves with him damages the work that we have done and continue struggling to do to ensure tolerance, acceptance and diversity among Jews."

Martin Federman, of Brookline, warned that Robertson's "extreme right-wing ideologues" hinder solving the Israeli-Palestine conflict in a way that brings security and peace to Israelis.

He also said the fundamental evangelist's true motivation for supporting Israel was "a theological world view that envisions a transfer of non-Jews out, and an influx of Jews into Israel, which will bring about the return of the Messiah and the conversion or annihilation of all Jews."

After the conclusion of Robertson's presentation, Federman, who had paid for a ticket, was arrested outside of the synagogue. He and a woman were offering departing attendees fliers that were filled with contentious quotes from Robertson. Police told them to leave the synagogue's property. Federman asked why he was being forced to leave, and the policeman told Federman he was being disorderly.

Federman left the grounds and returned without the fliers, telling police he was joining his friends still inside the synagogue. After a brief argument with the patrolman, Federman was arrested.

Information on the charges was not available last night.

During his presentation, Robertson said his support for Israel was motivated neither by "end of days" prophesies nor right-wing politics. Rather, he feels a kinship with Israel and its plight.

"This has nothing to do with politics," he said. "It has nothing to do with the idea that Israel is a permanent aircraft carrier in the Middle East. It has nothing to do with the fact that Israel is the only democracy in a sea of tyranny in the Middle East. The love that the evangelicals have for Israel does not depend on that.

"We think that we are part of the heritage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And we share the same faith and principles and commandments and heroes as the nation of Israel," he said.

Robertson added that as an American and a Christian, he and Israel also share a common enemy in fundamental Muslims, especially the Wahabis sect that produced many of the 9-11 terrorists. He sympathizes with the circumstances Israelis live under.

"Although Sept. 11 was such a horrible event, I don't think we've learned the terror of living under constant suicide bombing, constant military attack, and never knowing when the bomber might strike next. We have to understand how much we need to support Israel," he said.

Robertson believes Middle East countries have the land, resources and opportunities to help Palestinians. But, he said, "they want to keep that cancer growing as a provocation against Israel."

He does not feel a peaceful resolution can be met through Israeli concession of land to the Palestinians.

"There's no amount of land that can be given to gain peace," he said. "Because in the heart of the people who are the militants, there's only one end to their game. And that is to destroy Israel."

Following Robertson's speech, syndicated columnist Jeff Jacoby moderated a question and answer session, selecting written questions submitted by the audience. But for some attendees, such as Joel Feinberg of Framingham, the nature of audience interaction was disappointing.

"I thought there should have been more dialogue between the audience and Robertson. The Q and A session was really short," he said. "I think he was very sincere with his comments. But I would've liked to have heard more explanations and his own views on more substantive issues. I thought that was lacking."

Feinberg's wife Marilyn agreed.

"A lot of the real major questions that should've been asked, with the real controversial issues, were not asked. He came across as a very gentle, loving, sensitive man of God," she said.

Most attendees left the event with positive reviews of Robertson. Robert Berkowitz, of Framingham, thought Robertson was an "inspiring and dynamite man." He also expressed gratitude to Temple Beth Sholom for inviting a figure like Robertson.

"This temple is open-minded and invites all points of view. It shows our strength. It shows that we're a significant part of MetroWest community," he said.

Geraldine Hawkins, of Boston, also appreciated the lecture and said more people should stand up for Israel.

"Israel has a rough row to hoe, surrounded by people who don't want them there," she said. "I'm sure there's a lot of fault on both sides, but at the same time I think Israel is more sinned against than sinning.

"I'm a conservative and a Christian, and I don't agree with Pat about everything. But I really wish all Christians stood as strongly with the Jewish people as he does," she said.



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