JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People

Hagee roundup

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Bill Donohue rejects John Hagee's assertion that he was talking about anti-Semitic Christians, not the Catholic Church when he spoke of the "Great Whore" and "false cult system." And, he asks, if Karl Rove thinks Obama didn't do enough on Farrakhan, how can anyone think McCain has adequately addressed the Hagee issue.

Daniel Radosh writes about "Hagee's Heresy" – he might think that Jews can go to heaven without accepting Jesus.

Calire Hoffman at the Washington Post warns McCain to beware: Hagee hasn't only offended Catholics, homosexuals and Muslims – he's gone after Harry Potter!

Leonard Fein says in the Forward: "The Jewish community can't 'denounce and reject,' but we are not required to fawn and encourage."

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Caucus Alert: Houston Jewish leader warns of anti-Israel resolution

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

Lee Wunsch, the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, has sent out an urgent e-mail urging Jewish activists to make sure they participate in the caucus portion of the voting in Texas today. He says there are "strong indications that a vile, anti-Israel resolution will come up in some precinct meetings." The e-mail would suggest that the worries extend to both parties' meetings. We have a call in to find out more.

Here's the full e-mail:

Today is Election Day and I encourage you to vote today and return to your precinct convention tonight when the polls close to caucus. It is important that Jewish activists participate in the political process. It is especially important if you live in an area with few Jewish voters that you return to caucus.

We have strong indications that a vile, anti-Israel resolution will come up in some precinct meetings. In previous election cycles, similar resolutions have come forth in both the Democratic and Republican caucuses. So please, regardless of your political preference, take the time to vote for your candidate of choice and be prepared to defend Israel at your caucus.

Below is a brief explanation of how the "Texas Two-Step" works in the Democratic Primary and how the "Waltz" works in the Republican Primary as well as phone numbers for each political party.

If you don't know your precinct, click on the "Vote" icon to your right.

Please carefully read the information below and if you are so inclined, please pass it along.

For Democrats–"The Two-Step"

Step One: Vote in the Democratic primary today, Tuesday, March 4th from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. The primary determines two-thirds of the Texas delegates to the National Convention in August.

Step Two: Attend your caucus (precinct convention) tonight, Tuesday, March 4th at 7:15 p.m. The caucus determines one-third of the Texas delegates to the National Convention in August.

Details for Step Two:

Who: Anyone who voted in the Texas Democratic primary. Try to bring proof that you voted in the Democratic primary, either a stamped voter registration card or a receipt from the polling place. If you have neither, you may still participate in the caucus. In all events, bring your Texas Drivers License or other photo ID.

What: Sign-in for your choice for President when the caucus begins. After you have signed-in, you are free to leave or you can stay and participate in the process itself. Be prepared to stay in case there are any anti-Israel resolutions so you are available to talk and vote against them.

When: Arrive before 7:15 p.m. Note that caucuses cannot start until the polls close and anyone in line before 7:00 p.m. has the right to vote.

For more information on the Democratic Primary, contact:

* Harris County Democratic Party: 713-802-0085 * Texas Democratic Party: 512-478-9800

For Republicans–"The Waltz"

Step One: Vote in the Republican primary today, Tuesday, March 4th from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. The winner of the primary determines all of the delegates to the National Convention in September.

Step Two: Attend your caucus (precinct convention) on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:15 p.m.

Details for Step Two:

Who: Anyone who voted in the Texas Republican primary. Try to bring proof that you voted in the Republican primary, either a stamped voter registration card or a receipt from the polling place. If you have neither, you may still participate in the caucus. In all events, bring your Texas Drivers License or other photo ID.

What: The caucus determines the party activists who will become delegates. Be prepared to stay in case there are any anti-Israel resolutions so you are available to talk and vote against them.

When: Arrive before 7:15 p.m. Note that caucuses cannot start until the polls close and anyone in line before 7:00 p.m. has the right to vote.

For more information on the Republican Primary, contact:

* Harris County Republican Party: 713-838- 7900 * Texas Republican Party : 512-477-9821

We are blessed to live in the United States of America and should consider voting our privilege and responsibility. I hope you will make every effort to both vote and then, this evening, attend your party precinct conventions.

Sincerely,

Lee Wunsch President & Chief Executive Officer

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Hagee: I am not anti-Catholic or anti-Semitic

By Ami Eden · March 4, 2008

John Hagee has issued a statement rejecting the mounting attempts by Democrats and liberals to paint him as anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic. In particular, he is taking on the claim that he was talking about the Catholic Church when he spoke of the "great whore" of Revelations.

According to Hagee, he was "referring to the apostate church, namely those Christians who embrace the false cult system of Jew-hatred and anti-Semitism."

Here's the full statement:

Statement of Pastor John Hagee

in response to allegations of anti-Catholicism

I have always had great love for Catholic people and great respect for the Catholic Church. My wife comes from a Catholic family and millions of my viewers are Catholics. I am shocked and saddened to learn of the mischaracterization of my views on Catholics that has spread while I spent the weekend celebrating the 50th anniversary of my entry into the ministry with family and friends.

Throughout my career I have been a strong critic of Christian anti-Semitism. But any fair review of my record will demonstrate that I have consistently criticized all Christians – Protestant and Catholic alike – for the sin of anti-Semitism. In fact I rarely address this topic without castigating the founder of Protestantism, Martin Luther, for the horrendous anti-Semitism he spouted towards the end of his career. It is a bitter irony that in my zeal to hold my fellow Christians accountable for our past anti-Semitism, I now find myself compared to an anti-Semite.

I've learned that some have accused me of referring to the Catholic Church as the "great whore" of Revelations. This is a serious misinterpretation of my words. When I refer to the "great whore," I am referring to the apostate church, namely those Christians who embrace the false cult system of Jew-hatred and anti-Semitism. When I condemn anti-Semitic Christians – Protestant and Catholics alike – for being apostates, I am in no way referring to those Protestants and Catholics who have rejected this sinful belief. On the contrary, I have repeatedly praised the "righteous works" of Catholics such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict in rejecting anti-Semitism and taking historic steps to reconcile with the Jewish people.

To call me "anti-Catholic" makes about as much sense as calling me "anti-Protestant." I am, most assuredly, neither.

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