I learned more from [former New York City Mayor] Ed Koch than from anyone else, and one of those things is to be fair and honest even with those (perhaps especially with those) you love.
I have publicly disagreed with Richard Allen [of JCC Watch] that “sole owner” designation is some functioning mechanism for the Jewish Communal Fund (JCF) as it relates to UJA-Federation of New York (“Promoting Disunity,” Editorial, June 3). I do not agree because it is a donor-advised fund, and there are good and bad donors. Richard and others believe that New Israel Fund and other entities inherently destructive to the State of Israel should be battled through the prism of the Celebrate Israel Parade. I do not. I am also a fierce supporter of UJA-Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), as well as beneficiary agencies.
Now comes the hard part, and I know that many UJAF supporters, including myself and many JCRC board members, agree: The board of the JCF cannot allow donor-designated funding to anyone who funds, primarily or secondarily, the exposure of IDF soldiers and leadership of the State of Israel to libelous and potentially criminal charges in international forums — period. Nor should other demonstrably nefarious and defamatory activities, which expose Israel and its officials to delegitimization or prosecution, be funded through JCF-donor designations. Furthermore, the funding of boycotts against Jews anywhere in the land of Israel should not be funded by a donor-designated agency, directly or through another party.
If the JCF tightens its guidelines, I would move my modest Vanguard charitable fund to JCF. I am sure that others would as well, and more significantly so.
Great Neck, L.I.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
