Of politics, bedfellows and such: The dustup over evangelical Pastor John Hagee’s endorsement of Senator John McCain would not have attracted the attention it did had it not come in the wake of the Tim Russert-provoked controversy regarding Senator Barack Obama, the pastor of his church and Louis Farrakhan.
In the aftermath of the revelation of the Hagee endorsement, much attention has understandably been focused on McCain’s reaction and on the distinction between an unsolicited and unwelcome endorsement (Farrakhan) and an endorsement that was actively solicited and only partially rebuffed (Hagee).
My concern here is with Hagee and those who have endorsed him, but I pause to note that the Hagee-McCain association antedates Hagee’s formal endorsement last week. In fact, in South Carolina back in September, Hagee was invited to introduce McCain at a pre-primary rally titled “No Surrender”; his full-throated introduction was until recently featured on McCain’s campaign Web site.
McCain’s immediate response, later partially modified, to the Hagee endorsement was all smiles: “I’m very proud to have Pastor Hagee’s support.” (Just imagine that Obama had invited Farrakhan for a joint appearance and had spoken of his pride in obtaining Farrakhan’s endorsement.)
Just who is Hagee? Well, here in abbreviated form, are some of his characteristically outlandish opinions:
On Hurricane Katrina: “All hurricanes are acts of God, because God controls the heavens. I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God, and they were recipients of the judgment of God for that… I believe that Hurricane Katrina was, in fact, the judgment of God against the city of New Orleans.”
On the Catholic Church: “Most readers will be shocked by the clear record of history linking Adolf Hitler and the Roman Catholic Church in a conspiracy to exterminate the Jews.”
On Muslims: Asked whether he believes that Muslims have a mandate to kill Christians and Jews, Hagee replied, “Well, the Quran teaches that. Yes, it teaches that very clearly.”
On women: “Do you know the difference between a woman with PMS and a snarling Doberman pinscher? The answer is lipstick. Do you know the difference between a terrorist and a woman with PMS? You can negotiate with a terrorist.”
On the Antichrist: “He’s going to make a seven-year treaty with Israel and set up his image to be worshiped in Israel. And that is where I’m convinced that a Jewish person who understands who he is shoots him, because the Bible says he’s wounded in the head and recovers wondrously, emulating the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At this point in time when he comes back to life he has the personality of a Hitler. He now pursues the Jewish people. The Jewish people then go to Petra, which is a place in Jordan that is a natural fortress. And that God is going to provide for them there protection from him. And as he gets ready to pursue him, the Bible says that he, the Antichrist, hears tidings from the east that disturb him. The tidings from the east is that… the Chinese army is marching up the Euphrates River, 200 million of them, and they’re moving toward the battle of Armageddon, because they want the oil that will make them a superpower.”
On the Israeli-Palestinian peace process: “When the Annapolis Conference was being planned and the topic of dividing Jerusalem came up, one man asked me, ‘Where do you stand on this based on the Bible?’ I responded that ‘the plan of the Antichrist is to divide Jerusalem.’ If America puts pressure on Israel to divide Jerusalem we are following the blueprint of the Prince of Darkness. Amos 3:2 states that any nation that divides the Land of Israel will come under the severe judgment of God.”
Two years ago, this pastor to a church of more than 16,000 members created an organization called Christians United for Israel. In a book-length apologia for Hagee, the Jewish director of CUFI, David Brog, argues that Hagee’s love of the Jews is independent of his interpretation of the Jewish role in the run-up to Christ’s second coming. Hagee’s Judeophilia does, indeed, seem utterly sincere, not less sincere than his rejection of the theory of evolution.
And like orphans parched for love, we run to drink Hagee’s Kool-Aid. So he is invited to the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and is greeted there with rapturous applause. He is given the “Humanitarian of the Year” award by the San Antonio B’nai B’rith Council. He is honored with the Zionist Organization of America’s “Israel Award.” In the two years since its birth, CUFI has sponsored 75 times, in cities all across America, a “Night to Honor Israel,” most if not all including participation by local rabbis and Jewish federation executives.
“I have absolutely no reservation about working with John Hagee,” Houston-area Jewish federation CEO Lee Wunsch told the Jerusalem Post. And Senator Joe Lieberman has compared Hagee to Moses and to Joshua.
It’s all quite pathetic. One does not want to spit on a hand extended in love, even the hand of someone like Hagee. But surely one is not required to clasp such a hand to one’s bosom.
And it may yet prove pernicious, too, because Hagee and CUFI will do their best to block any effort by the United States to press Israel to work toward a two-state solution. We can’t “denounce and reject,” but we are not required to fawn and encourage.
Poor Mr. Fein! He just can't abide Jews or Christians with Faith! Has he ever heard pastor Hagee speak? Of course he is pro christian but he does see the justice of the Jewish position and is man enough to shout it loudly and proudly! We do not have such friends in the Socialistic, conservative or reform ranks do we? More Power to Hagee and yes he will be shocked to discover that Moshiach is just a poor little yid who has the imprateur of the Master of the World, the GD Of Israel!
Dear posters, Not all Christians share Hagee's believe and love for Israel. Please take the time to read this excellent piece about Christianity, as it related to Zionism. http://apostasywatch.com/wolves3/page7.html I don't understand why you Jews would accept Hagee money & support anyway?? Why sell your soul and compromise your principals for money? It always cost you dearly in the past so why do it now !?!? How much money is enough..
<p>Last month our synagogue hosted former evangelical Christian pastor, turned ger, Gavriel Aryeh Sanders as a scholar in residence for its annual Shabbaton. Mr. Sanders, a strong supporter of the "Arutz 7/Gush Emunim" crowd, pretty much raised the same concerns about Rev. Hagee that Leonard Fein has in this piece. Bottom Line-As Jews we should be very careful about getting too close to evangelical regardless of what they say about Medinat Yisrael! </p>
I fear that Mr. Fein's comments show a philosophical bias and unfortunate ignorance of Mr. Hagee's teachings over time, including his use of tongue-in-cheek to make a point. It is possible that Mr. Wunsch and Sen. Lieberman are more knowledgeable about Mr. Hagee than he. While I do not agree with all of his Biblical interpretations, it is obvious that Mr. Hagee has been squarely in Israel's corner for years. History has inconveniently shown that he is right about splitting up Israel or Jerusalem. Nothing, ever, will convince Israel's enemies to stop trying to destroy that country and "wipe [it] from the map." They have stated as much time and again, from the beginning to as recently as last month. A two-state solution is no solution at all, merely the next step in the process of "land for peace," a pretense which an amazing number of people, even in Israel's government, seems content to believe. It is convenient to believe in "peace-for-___________" (fill in the blank)from Israel's enemies, even though it shows an incredible state of denial. But peace-at-any-price is not peace. Just hide and watch; once the two-state solution is enacted, the next step in the process will become clear. The more interesting aspect, however, may be the excuse touted by those who will continue in denial.
Hagee actively campaigned and raised funds for Pres. Bush's 2000 presidential primary campaign. He was instrumental in consolidating support of other Evangelical leaders to endorse the Bush campaign early on. Whenever his CUFI group convenes in D.C., Hagee receives a warm message of welcome and praise from Pres. Bush. Hagee has repeatedly urged the president to launch a preemptive military strike against Iran. Hagee's son Matthew is in his mid twenties, but apparently has no plans for military service. Someone else's sons will have to lose their arms and legs in Iran.
I just wish, folks woould leave out a person's religious views in politics, here in America,as it is so one-sided and rediculous. Look what the Evangelical Christians did...elect Bush Jr. to the Presidency and all they have to show for it...is the United States is really in a "MESS" in a number of areas..do we and are we going to make that terrible "Blunder" again. I would love to see an Obama-Clinton ticket myself and get both of them in the White House. That would be the best choice and option we have right now. America, cannot stand, if it has the potential of 8 more years of Republicans in the White House...That's not Bible Prophecy...that's just a FACT!!. This probably will not get posted...if it does, it's my opinion!!.
You should be ashamed of yourself. Pastor Hagee is a wonderful friend of the Jewish people and should be treated as such. Only those Jews who do not bother following any religion (least of all Judaism) are intimidated by his statements. We should look for friends wherever we can and stop trying to create an enemy.
I think Israel is so much safer since the U.S. "pressed" the Israeli's to leave Gaza. Just ask anyone in Sderot.Maybe Pastor Hagee is right.
It's unfortunate that you dismiss an ardent supporter of Israel by mocking his beliefs and mischaracterizing his comments. Some of what you've cited are nothing more than jokes the man uses during his sermons (e.g. terrorists and women). Clearly, you have a underlying bias against Hagee because he is a Christian which is very unfortunate. I see no fawning, I see Jews respecting a Christian for siding with Israel inspite of a world which overwhelming hates Jews and their nation. What, you think Hagee needs to endorse Israel or Jews!? Sure, I'm sure an even more cynical person than yourself would argue Hagee gets some kickback. But those who know him, and know the word of faith fellowships, would know those accusations to be as obtuse as your comments in this article. Obviously, Hagee is not Moses or Joshua. But, in their likness, he and other Christians, have sided in support of Israel and the Jewish people at great opposition to mainstream Christianity (i.e. Catholics). And while I disagree with Hagee on various points, I admire his ability and strength in preaching his convictions of truth in Messiah; you know, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? So what, he believes in Jesus Christ as Messiah! How many Jews believed Simon Bar Kokhba was Messiah? Where they any less Jewish or any less believers in the promises of the God of Israel? I encourage you to entreat Christians who honor the roots in this Jewish faith. There are few who do this more than Hagee; at minimum, he deserves some respect, not childish insults and railings about his belief that Hurrican Katrina was an act of God. Besides, you never know, he could be right! ;)
I'nm fine with Pastor Hagee. He doesn't hold any beliefs that are any different from what millions of his co religionists belive. Nor is any of it a surprise. The Koran does have hostile passages towards Jews and Christians, and the idea that G-d controls every thing, including all natural events, is the most ancient of Jewish beliefs. I do think it is inappropriate to compare him to Louis Farakhan, who wishes Jews ill across the board and in all situations. I don't have a lot of illusions about the Pastor, but I appreciate his help to the extent he offers it. We'll take our support wherever we can get it, because at one level or another, every one will have something about them we don't like, and if we refuse people's help on that basis, we won't get any help at all.
Thanks again to Mr. Fein for his sober reflection and mastery of fact,
Typical opinion piece of the left. The left now has litmus tests on ALL beliefs. Just because Hagee believes things we don't, doesn't mean we can't embrace him and find common ground. It's the same with diverse opinions about Iraq. Look what the left wing Dems did to Lieberman and now are attempting to tar Hillary with based on her vote for the war. I haven't seen such facist thinking sine McCarthy. You are the one who is pathetic and narrow minded. Let Hagee believe his religion - all of us have a right to our own beliefs and shouldn't be donounced for it. This is very different from racist attempts to destroy the Jewish people by the likes of Farrakhan and other radical Islamists.. Eva
Amen brother.
With friends like this...
It's not that I despise Hagee because he's a Christian. I despise him because he's a bigot. And my Judaism teaches me to support those who try to heal the world, not divide us by saying ridiculous things like gay people caused Hurricane Katrina.
From the moment I saw this guy preaching on tv wearing a talit I've never trusted him. I got so mad when I saw that I called into his 'prayer partner' number and blasted him to some poor unsuspecting partner, I'm sorry I yelled at her. I don't want to toot my own horn but I've never seen hagee wear a talit after that day.
leaving hagee's religious beliefs (and poor taste in jokes) aside, his other views are far from outrageous: the catholic church (lead by pope pius xii, before and after he became pope) DID sign an agreement, the reichskonkordat, with nazi germany, and the koran actually DOES contain verses commanding violence against unbelievers. as for the arab-israeli conflict, a "two-state solution", as mr. fein calls it, is neither - there are already "two states", israel and jordan, and have been since 1948. this plan to add a second (and probably third) ARAB state will not "solve" anything, at least not peacefully. the "two-state solution" removes 78% of the original land of the "palestine" mandate from the table, and lets the arabs claw away at the remaining 22% that was supposed to be the jewish part. as such it is nothing more than "salami tactics" in the war to eliminate israel, but it's quite surprising how tenaciously some "friends" of israel cling to it. hagee may be a loose cannon, but unlike certain groups within the jewish community, at least he's not shooting consistently AT us!
I see that the Forward is not willing to say the truth about the Arabs and Radical-Islam by the removal of my last two attempts to post a comment. Irritating but not surprising. This insane political correctness of the left will destroy our country if people are unable to say what is true and obvious for fear of offending someone. I guess it's only politically correct to offend white Christians. In short the point I wanted to make in my two posts that were removed was that we fawn over Pastor Hagee because unlike Fine he does not have a broken moral compass and is able to distinguish between good and evil.
It's always wonderful to hear Hagee tell it like it is in regard to islam and the islamofascists. Not being a politician he is under no obligation to avoid condemning mainstream islam as the source of all the murderous violence involving muslims. The man is a Light shining upon this evil fundamentalism which feeds Islamic terror.
Hagee's hand is not, as the article states, "extended in love," but is extended in hatred -- the evidence is that Hagee likes Israeli military ventures against its neighbors, not Jewish people. It is true, as the article mentions, that Hagee can be compared to Moses and Joshua, but perhaps not in the sense intended by Joseph Lieberman: Hagee is happy to facilitate the slaugher of civilians inhabiting a land that Jews would like to take over.
Mr. Fein's article reflects a liberal-socialist view held by many reform elements within the Jewish religion. Jewish-liberal is an oxymoron, they do not belong together in the same sentence. I am everything that a jewish liberal hates. I am a convservative, jewish republican, I served 7 years in the US military and I own a gun and I am not afraid to use it. Not bad for a Jewish boy from Boston!!!. Evangelicals are a natural ally of the Jewish community, they have provided material and spiritual help to Israel.They have been castigated by the established Christian religions for daring to say their roots are in Judaism. I totally reject the idea that I must try to negotiate with people that have sworn to kill me (a liberal nuance). The two biggest dangers facing American Jews are 1. radical islam and 2. The Jewish Reform movement. They both seek to eliminate Judaism in the USA.
John Hagee is a committed Zionist. Thats all you need to know. The two-state has always been a delusion of the demented Left who prefer fantasy to fact. No evidence is material or relevant. WAKE UP!!! You want to put pressure on Israel??? Are you crazy?
Know that there are some goiyn that love us. Nothing wrong with that. They that bless us and follow Torah will be blessed.
The only reason Pastor Hagee supports Israel is because he wants to see more violence in the state of Israel, because the more violence, the closer the Second Coming of Christ will come for Evangelical Christians like him who believe that. I don't think Israelis want more violence in their country; they already have enough. His intentions for the Jewish people and the state of Israel are not purely motivated and any Jew who fawns over him are sorely misguided.
Yeah, pastor Hagee's a "committed Zionist". The kind that foresees most Jews being deep-fried by a nuclear Armageddon in a few years, unless they see the light and turn to Christ in time. Wow. what a philosemite this guy is. The reductio ad absurdum of the failed Zionist project, which has wreaked so much harm on the Jewish people within its self-created ghetto and way beyond it, is this: it has to suck up to bigots and creeps of any hue since it needs Big Brother America to shelter its decaying little state from the righteous wrath of G-d, whose purposes the infidels who founded Israel have blasphemously purported to second-guess. Honest Abe Foxman, the AIPAC spy gang, the Bronfmans and Adelsons and the rest of the stay-home-and-agitate crew would not care if Beelzebub himself endorsed McCain, that ranting war-besotted old buzzard- as long as Beelzebub solemnly avowed to facilitate "Israel's right to exist" by any amount of American blood and treasure it takes. www.nkusa.org
The State of Israel is doing fine economically without Evangelical Christian money Hagee should be asked the simple question,"After the Rapture and Christ's Second Coming, will the practice of Judaism be allowed?" The answer has to be NO since all those who do not convert to Christianity will be eliminated.
<p>Any friend and supporter of Isreal is needed. As for his manifest of all the stupid and bigoted opinions of Hagee, it is clear he is correct on the teachings of the Quran (while I have set eyes on it myself, clearly its been quoted often enough to be common knowledge) and Hitler would never have been to pull off his profanity without the colusion off at least one Catholic Pius 12. As for the other nonsence, its all religious, and therefore in the eye of the beholder. (There is much in orthodox Jewish lore that is nonsence too) Stop dissing Isreals friends, as they are needed. The future is obviously bleek for Isreal, given the behavor of its neighbors. In the end they are likely to have to resort to ultimate weapons in order to survive. (Given that the 20th century proved that threats of death are real. </p>
John Hagee's Christian fascism is no more appealing to decent people than any other fascist philosophy.
OK, Hagee supports Israel, but since you don't share his theological opinions (some of which, by the way, are extremely similar to Jewish ones), you feel that everyone needs to condemn him. How intolerant!
Oh, and another thing-- the comparison between Hagee and Farrakhan (also repeated elsewhere in the Forward) is nothing short of outrageous. Hagee has strongly held religious opinions and views on morality (much like most good Jews). Farrakhan has strongly held views on race, and is most widely known for those. Regardless of whether you agree with Pastor Hagee's views, you owe him an apology for that comparison.
Rev. Agee's Jewish admirers remind of Hitler's Jewish admirers in Batar, Jabotinsky's "revisionist" mob that sought conquest by means of a bloody "iron wall," long before any Arab war befell the Zionists. Batar wore uniforms weaved, sewn, washed, pressed and distributed free by their Nazi tailors. Said Batar: so what if Hitler didn't like Jews, he's wonderful for the German people-- then came Kristallnacht! For three generations American Jews have wailed over the Holocaust. But it is not the wail for lost beloved brethren, but the wail of heavy guilt passed on through three generations for the deliberate silence of the 1930s, motivated by fear that their "good deal" in America might be endangered if they speak too loudly against German-US relations. After all, Germans were then the biggest immigrant group and the Bun was mighty tough, even in America. East Euro Jews who survived TWO Holocausts (Hitler's and Stalin's) raised me through our westward refuge from Stalin's grasp. And they taught me that people who think it's cool to make a deal with them "dumb goyim" loonies end up at the front of the line of horror... as so many in Russia found out in the 1950 Soviet "Doctors' Plot" of Stalin. In 1946 Zionist leaders pledged Stalin full support against the West if only he armed the Palmach against the Arabs. He armed them generously; and then he butchered Russian Jews in a spasm of anti-Semitism brought to an end only by his death in 1953. So as a Christian raised by Jews I offer you an historical lesson passed on to me by my wise mentors: Don't play with the Devil, thinking that he is dumb; for you will surely be burned!
Whoever wrote this commentary needs to study biblical history; old and new testament, prophecy, etc. because he is showing his complete ignorance. Of course, I realize that 80% of Jews are agnostic and practice secular humanism (which is of the devil). I myself, support Israel, not because of the secular government but because of what the almighty G-d says about Israel. I am a gentile, one with the believing Jew in the olive tree. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Kol Ha Kavod to Hagee, the CUFI and any others who attempt to block the slaughter of the poeple of Israel which the "Two state solution" represents. Those of us who live here in Israel see on a daily basis the work of those "do good" hypocrites like Fein and the left wing Jews whose only objective is being a boot licker to the anti semites. There is no intention of peace with Israel by the serial liar Abbas and his henchman. One day he will tell Condi Rice he wants peace and the next he refuses to rcognize Israel as a Jewish State. But then again, neither does Avrum Burg, Noam Chomsky and the rest of the post Bolshevik crowd in the US and Israel. They want to be loved by all the world, and if we in Israel are slaughtered, oh well, just a few more "Sacrafices for Peace."
So, when Rapture comes and Jesus comes to Earth in the land of Israel as Hagee expects (although I am not a believer and am not sure of the particulars or order), what will happen to the Jewish people? Is Hagee's support for Israel support for Israelis or support for their land for Jesus's return?
HAGEE IS JUST ANOTHER "RELIGOUS" NUT; IS HE INFALLIBLE...I THINK NOT oN MY BEST DAYS, I COMPLETELY IGNORE HIM AND ALL HE STANDS FOR. WHO ELSE BUT HIM CAN SIT ACROSS FROM A DOCTOR DISCUSSING OBESITY AND DIETS..LOOK AT HIM!!!!! ENOUGH SAID
Haggee will only support israel for his own cause. his belief that the jews must be back in israel for jesus to return. it is possible you may see a change of attitude if he and other christinas feel that the jews are holding up the return and begin a movement to make them return, like an expulsion from the u.s. and other countries. this is not new in jewish history being expelled by the christians. so do not trust a man who is too eager to be our friend.
Leonard Fein reminds us Jews that although we need friends, we need our self-respect even more. Endorsing biggots and know-nothings is not the way.
Hagee is wonderful. Since leftist Jews have joined hands with the PLO to destroy Israel, it is wonderful to have some Christian Evangelicals on Israel's side. Israel does NOT have to "work" towards a two state solution. It is the 56 Arab and Muslim states who have to "work" to recognize the JEwish state's RIGHT to exist, and then sit down to negotiate the details of a two state solution, for a peaceful, cooperative, demilitarized Palestinian state next to Israel.
I am tired of being a "cheap date." As long as somebody says nice things about Israel, Jews just trot after them like puppy dogs wagging their tales with unquestioning love. Acceptance and support of the right of Israel to exist is a given. Anybody who does not accept that proposition is beyond the pale. As a Jew, I want to know what people are doing to further divine strictures about creating a society that protects the widow, the orphan and the strangers in your midst. I want to know what leaders are doing to answer the call of Justice, justice, shalt thou pursue. I do not feel compelled to fawn over some bigot just because he supports the existence of Israel for his own religious beliefs, which include the ultimate disappearance of the Jewish people. It is time for Jews to show some self respect. We are known for the friends we make and the enemies we keep.
Agee's Jewish admirers remind of Hitler's Jewish admirers in Batar, Jabotinsky's "revisionist" mob that sought conquest by means of a bloody "iron wall," long before any Arab war befell the Zionists. Batar wore uniforms weaved, sewn, washed, pressed and distributed free by their Nazi tailors. Said Batar: so what if Hitler didn't like Jews, he's wonderful for the German people-- then came Kristallnacht! For three generations American Jews have wailed over the Holocaust. But it is not the wail for lost beloved brethren, but the wail of heavy guilt passed on through three generations for the deliberate silence of the 1930s, motivated by fear that their "good deal" in America might be endangered if they speak too loudly against German-US relations. After all, Germans were then the biggest immigrant group and the Bun was mighty tough, even in America. East Euro Jews who survived TWO Holocausts (Hitler's and Stalin's) raised me through our westward refuge from Stalin's grasp. And they taught me that people who think it's cool to make a deal with them "dumb goyim" loonies end up at the front of the line of horror... as so many in Russia found out in the 1950 Soviet "Doctors' Plot" of Stalin. In 1946 Zionist leaders pledged Stalin full support against the West if only he armed the Palmach against the Arabs. He armed them generously; and then he butchered Russian Jews in a spasm of anti-Semitism brought to an end only by his death in 1953. So as a Christian raised by Jews I offer you an historical lesson passed on to me by my wise mentors: Don't play with the Devil, thinking that he is dumb; for you will surely be burned!
Wow! Has Phil Weiss heard about this?
As a Christian, I agree with John Hagee about many biblically-based views, i.e. G-d's judgement of nations re treatment of Israel (the nation and people). G-d will be the final Judge....I also would like to say that the Arab Moslems (or other Moslems) do NOT worship the same G-d as the One Abraham, Isaac and Jacob taught us to worship.
Whether or not one agrees with Rev. Hagee's biblical authority for why Israel and the US should resist more concessions "for peace" (e.g., splitting Jerusalem) to the Palestinians and their fellow travelers in Europe, the fact is that history has long proven that concessions for "peace" are meaningless to them when only only Israel makes such concessions. As bitter history has proven, they only encourage more demands and more violence. Labeling McCain's acceptance of Hagee's support as "pathetic" speaks volumes about Fein's left-wing liberalism and his apparent continued support for the failed policies of appeasement (e.g., the latest in Annapolis) that have characterized our and Israel's policies (under our pressure) in dealing with the situation over the past several decades. The two Democrat presidental candidates promise to give us more of the same--or perhaps worse. I doubt that Senator McCain agrees with all of Rev. Hagee's vews as so meticulous detailed for us by Mr. Fein; but I do hope McKain's acceptance of Rev. Hagee's support signals consideration of a change of policy in the Middle East.
Dear Leonard, Since my time in Boston I have followed your columns and views and am an admirer of yours although we are on opposite sides of the Jewish spectrum. Please do me a fovor; could you please cite all the quotations of Hagee in their contexts. I take quotes from many places but it is important to know what the SITZ IM LEBEN is - something I have been trained to do by my education. The Talmud has many quotes that in the hands of the anti-semite, are devastating. If you take quotes out of context from MEIN KAMPF you could "do in" a political candidate who is using some of the same rhetoric. Please, my dear friend Leonard - with all due respect, you have been grossly unfair to Rev. Hagee who I would venture to say has done more for Israel and the Jewish People than MAYBE even you and I have done in our own fields. - My Best - Rabbi Richard Yellin
Rev. Agee's Jewish admirers remind of Hitler's Jewish admirers in Batar, Jabotinsky's "revisionist" mob that sought conquest by means of a bloody "iron wall," long before any Arab war befell the Zionists. Batar wore uniforms weaved, sewn, washed, pressed and distributed free by their Nazi tailors. Said Batar: so what if Hitler didn't like Jews, he's wonderful for the German people-- then came Kristallnacht! For three generations American Jews have wailed over the Holocaust. But it is not the wail for lost beloved brethren, but the wail of heavy guilt passed on through three generations for the deliberate silence of the 1930s, motivated by fear that their "good deal" in America might be endangered if they speak too loudly against German-US relations. After all, Germans were then the biggest immigrant group and the Bun was mighty tough, even in America. East Euro Jews who survived TWO Holocausts (Hitler's and Stalin's) raised me through our westward refuge from Stalin's grasp. And they taught me that people who think it's cool to make a deal with them "dumb goyim" loonies end up at the front of the line of horror... as so many in Russia found out in the 1950 Soviet "Doctors' Plot" of Stalin. In 1946 Zionist leaders pledged Stalin full support against the West if only he armed the Palmach against the Arabs. He armed them generously; and then he butchered Russian Jews in a spasm of anti-Semitism brought to an end only by his death in 1953. So as a Christian raised by Jews I offer you an historical lesson passed on to me by my wise mentors: Don't play with the Devil, thinking that he is dumb; for you will surely be burned!
The lefties here are just mad because Hagee supports Israel more than they do.
Apparently, Fein sees no difference between a bigot that calls Judaism a gutter religion and a friend of Israel. Apparently, few Jews care about leaders like Fein -- while a few professional Jews have to. Makes sense that those who don't make sense are irrelevant.
I doubt if Mr. Fein has ever heard Pastor Hagee's sermons or listened to personal interviews in which his opinions are not just statements taken from interviews but are heard in their entire text. Pator Hagee's active personal and economic participation in the care and feeding of Israeli children and his total interest in the survival of Israel is a fact Mr. Fein neglects to mention. Mr. Fein makes it a point to try to make Pastor Hagee into an equivilent of Farrakhan and fails miserably. In fact Mr. Fein's article does nothing but show senators John McCain, Joe Liberman and Jews like myself, who have nothing but respect for Pastor Hagee, to be individuals with questionable judgement. In reality, the person with questionable judgement turns out to be Mr. Fein for writing such an article.
I am completely in agreement with Pastor John Hagee on all of the issues that he speaks of regarding the Bible and the facts that are in there. John Hagee is speaking the truth. If you pay attention John will inform you what is going on here in the USA and other countries and he will update you and compare what the Word says. You will understand what is going on that the politicians do not want us to know but John will also incorporate the Biblical side so that you should have complete understanding. If you do not understand then you are being bull headed just becasue the truth scares you.
Reading some of the posts here, particularly the ones who think that Hagee, Parsley, and the other so-called "evangelical Zionists" are true friends of the Jewish people, I truly fear for many of my fellow Jews. Folks, PLEASE use your brains and open your minds! The evangelical Zionists love Israel and Zionism because according to the book of Revelation in the New Testament, only when all Jews are in the "land of Israel" can the Rapture happen and all true believers will ascend to Heaven to be with Jesus. Since the Jews don't accept Jesus as their savior, they will be consigned to Hell along with everyone who doesn't believe as the evangelicals do. By the way, as part of a comparative religion course I took in college, I read portions of the New Testament, and all I can say is that if there really was such a figure as Jesus, and if he was around today, I don't think he'd be too pleased with the right-wing preachers like Hagee, Parsley, et. al. who claim to be speaking in Jesus' name!
Rev. Hagee's Jewish admirers remind of Hitler's Jewish admirers in Batar, Jabotinsky's "revisionist" mob that sought conquest by means of a bloody "iron wall," long before any Arab war befell the Zionists. Batar wore uniforms weaved, sewn, washed, pressed and distributed free by their Nazi tailors. Said Batar: so what if Hitler didn't like Jews, he's wonderful for the German people-- then came Kristallnacht! For three generations American Jews have wailed over the Holocaust. But it is not the wail for lost beloved brethren, but the wail of heavy guilt passed on through three generations for the deliberate silence of the 1930s, motivated by fear that their "good deal" in America might be endangered if they speak too loudly against German-US relations. After all, Germans were then the biggest immigrant group and the Bun was mighty tough, even in America. East Euro Jews who survived TWO Holocausts (Hitler's and Stalin's) raised me through our westward refuge from Stalin's grasp. And they taught me that people who think it's cool to make a deal with them "dumb goyim" loonies end up at the front of the line of horror... as so many in Russia found out in the 1950 Soviet "Doctors' Plot" of Stalin. In 1946 Zionist leaders pledged Stalin full support against the West if only he armed the Palmach against the Arabs. He armed them generously; and then he butchered Russian Jews in a spasm of anti-Semitism brought to an end only by his death in 1953. So as a Christian raised by Jews I offer you an historical lesson passed on to me by my wise mentors: Don't play with the Devil, thinking that he is dumb; for you will surely be burned!
Leonard Fein in FORWARD-- long my favorite newspaper for facts and opinions-- makes some interesting observations wondering why American Jews, as Zionists, so dawn over Rev. John Hagee, whose Zionism is so politically compromised by his wild autocratic Evangelism. http://www.forward.com/articles/12824/ As one who was "Americanized" in the NYC Jewish Community, I would greatly appreciate the views of other scholars on this list to Fein's comment. Since the late 50s I had never seen this kind of neocon Stalinist "united front" manifested by philosophically liberal Jews who rightly denounced a muddle of Church and State. But from the commend appended to the text, it seems that now-- a la Churchill-- one would sleep with the Devil if only it led to political clout for Israel in the US Legislature. Bellow is my comment as to why this "fawning" over Hagee so disturbs me: ************************************************** Rev. Hagee's Jewish admirers remind of Hitler's Jewish admirers in Batar, Jabotinsky's "revisionist" mob that sought conquest by means of a bloody "iron wall," long before any Arab war befell the Zionists. Batar wore uniforms weaved, sewn, washed, pressed and distributed free by their Nazi tailors. Said Batar: so what if Hitler didn't like Jews, he's wonderful for the German people-- then came Kristallnacht! For three generations American Jews have wailed over the Holocaust. But it is not the wail for lost beloved brethren, but the wail of heavy guilt passed on through three generations for the deliberate silence of the 1930s, motivated by fear that their "good deal" in America might be endangered if they speak too loudly against German-US relations. After all, Germans were then the biggest immigrant group and the Bun was mighty tough, even in America. East Euro Jews who survived TWO Holocausts (Hitler's and Stalin's) raised me through our westward refuge from Stalin's grasp. And they taught me that people who think it's cool to make a deal with them "dumb goyim" loonies end up at the front of the line of horror... as so many in Russia found out in the 1950 Soviet "Doctors' Plot" of Stalin. In 1946 Zionist leaders pledged Stalin full support against the West if only he armed the Palmach against the Arabs. He armed them generously; and then he butchered Russian Jews in a spasm of anti-Semitism brought to an end only by his death in 1953. So as a Christian raised by Jews I offer you an historical lesson passed on to me by my wise mentors: Don't play with the Devil, thinking that he is dumb; for you will surely be burned!
This whole article is based on the premise that John Hagee & Louis Farrakhan are comparable. I don't think they are so the whole article falls flat when that comparison is shown as inappropriate. Make a better premise and then perhaps your arguments will make more sense. Hagee fights FOR Israel and Louis Farrakhan fights AGAINST Israel, get the picture? Can it be made any more clear to you who your friends are and who your enemies are? WAKE UP!
Perhaps, given the recent comments which have come to light about Hagee. (Preaching that Hitler was sent by God as a "hunter" to "hunt them from behind every rock" and chase Jews back to Israel) We just have to face the fact that Hagee has an ulterior motive for supporting Israel. That is that Israel's survival, and the return of Jews to Israel in massive numbers is critical to Hagee's end-times apocalyptic philosopy. Hagee may genuinely like and support Israel, but his vision ultimately supports the idea of all-out war between Israel and Iran. It is time for Jews to closely examine Hagee's history and words.
Oh, what a world we would be with out the liberals !On Hurricane Katrina: What's your point ? Who do YOU think controls the weather ? On the Catholic Church:Wouldn't want to be in their shoes when the lights go out !On Muslims: Read the Quaran ? Thought not. Until then, watch you back.On women: What more to be said than Hagee already has Israel needs all the 'buddys' it can get. Get a hug from Mum Leonard. You will feel a lot better and not so neglected or maybe it's just because he is a Goy. And as far as a two state solution go's. Not in this world Graucho...
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