President Trump recently proclaimed April 3rd “Education Day,” in honor of a man known as “The Rebbe.” Such a day has been proclaimed by every President for the past 42 years. But the rabbi that this national day celebrates disseminated some teachings that were profoundly problematic, especially for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories… for example, that non-Jews were “created to serve the Jews.”
Rabbi Daniel Lehmann at his inauguration as president of the Graduate Theological Union, October 24, 2019, Berkeley, California. Amid concerns about Rabbi Lehmann’s ‘Islamophobic statements and anti-Palestinian views,’ the GTU board accepted his resignation. The Interim president will convene a ‘healing task force’ and support Palestine programs… By If Americans Knew staff Rabbi Daniel Lehmann…
The number of Christians in Gaza has been reduced to just about 1,000… Israeli policies are causing suffering and impeding their ability to visit Christian holy sites…
Millions of travelers to Bethlehem believe the hasbara: Jews Good, Palestinians Bad; Jews victims, Palestinians perpetrators; because of the Holocaust, the world owes us, and must condone what we’re doing to Palestinians; those who criticize our racist policies are outright anti-Semites; we are God’s Chosen, therefore we can do no wrong.
Israel announces it will not allow Gaza’s Christians to visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate Christmas this year
Rabbi Daniel Lehmann, with a history of advocating for Israel despite its many human rights abuses, is about to be inaugurated president of the ‘most comprehensive center for the graduate study of religion in North America’ – a ‘mostly-Christian’ center with a focus on peace and justice. Lehmann has already opposed a prominent Muslim professor and aired misgivings about America’s first Muslim college, located right across the street… Rabbi Lehmann is known for his fundraising ability.
In Israel, religious extremism has gone unchecked in the educational establishment, in top levels of government, and among prominent religious leaders – radicalizing a growing number of Israeli youth and endangering Palestinians.
Students at some military/religious colleges in Israel are being indoctrinated into Jewish Supremacy – this is not a new scandal, but evidence of virulent racism is stacking up against extremist rabbis.
The Church of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor has asked Israel repeatedly for basic services, including running water, but has been refused. A wildfire Friday caused significant damage due to this “negligence.”
Church property in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City may end up in the hands of a radical settler group that could bar Christian access to their holy sites.