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By Buddy Macy
February 29, 2008
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On February 12, 2008 I met with Russell Robinson, CEO of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), at the JNF offices in Manhattan. Joining me at the meeting were Tsafrir Ronen, a founder of the Coalition for the Land of Israel (an Israeli grassroots protest organization), and a free-lance writer/pro-Israel activist from New York. Joining Russell were Jodi Bodner, JNF's Director of Communications, and Rabbi Eric Lankin, JNF's Chief of Institutional Advancement and Education.
The agenda of our meeting was "everything Israel." Although issues specific to the JNF were discussed, we focused on the perilous state in which Israel finds herself and our demands to Russell that he speak out against the tragedy in Sderot, and publicly oppose Prime Minister Olmert's suicidal plans to give away Judea and Samaria and to divide Jerusalem.
At the beginning of the meeting Russell quoted from the Bible (Parshat Lekh-lekha) and affirmed that the Jews' claim to the Land of Israel goes back to Biblical times when G-d promised the Land to our forefather Abraham and his children. It was most encouraging to hear Mr. Robinson make such a strong, Bible-based declaration. However, this statement directly contradicts the policies of Olmert and his cohorts, who advocate "peace" strategies that call for the giveaway of the very land we were promised by G-d. Unfortunately, Russell refused to question or even discuss this or related issues.
Throughout our discussion, Russell's tone and words were extremely positive. He predicted that the best days lie ahead for the Jewish People in Israel and spoke glowingly of JNF's plans to develop the Negev. He stressed the importance of building, which he claimed was the most effective deterrent against Israel's enemies. Building and development are certainly important. However, one must not lose sight of Israel's reality, which includes a daily barrage of missiles striking into the western Negev, and existential threats surrounding the Jewish State.
It became apparent that Russell's positive, optimistic posturing was little more than a tool in his salesmanship arsenal when he said that he does not mention the current dangerous situation in Israel because it would dissuade potential visitors from traveling there. Doesn't he think that these potential visitors are owed the truth ? that they should have sufficient information to determine for themselves the possible risks of traveling to Israel, and to various locations within the Jewish State? Even more importantly, he is ignoring the horrific plight of the Jews of Sderot and throughout the western Negev for the sake of a banner year of Israeli tourism! Finally, who is going to want to move to the Negev, as more and more of it falls within range of Israel's enemies' rockets and missiles?
At least twice during our meeting Russell mentioned the pressure he receives from those who believe the JNF is not doing enough for the Arabs. He uses his experiences with those groups (no matter how delusional their views may be) to justify making decisions that fall 'safely' somewhere in the middle. However, it is the test of a true leader to use one's knowledge, sound judgment and strength to make tough, correct, reality-based decisions. Russell, what are you waiting for?
During the meeting, Russell made it clear to us on several occasions that he would not say anything controversial because he knew that I write mass emails, and that I would probably share the details of our meeting with those on my vast email list. After Mr. Robinson refused to answer a question about Sderot, I attempted to force any sort of comment out of him. I asked: "Russell, can you at least say that you would like Hamas destroyed?" He replied, "You may quote me on this: In the uniform I am wearing , I cannot answer that question."
Despite this self-censoring, the JNF CEO did offer two other unsolicited, telling comments. Towards the end of the meeting, Russell said to us: "I respect you; keep doing what you are doing." Would he have made this statement if he were opposed to our activities? Hopefully not. Would he have said the same thing to members of Americans for Peace Now, after they explained to him that they had prevented the IDF from carrying out a critical security operation? Again, hopefully not.
At the conclusion of our 90-plus minute meeting, when I was literally halfway out the door, Russell said to me: "You're in a good position." (By that he meant, I may say or write whatever I'd like without facing any consequences, because I am unaffiliated with any Jewish organization.) I responded, "Join me; I'll give you half my desk." Thinking more deeply about his off-the-cuff remark, I realize that he views this as some sort of political game. How about the bigger issue, Russell? Am I "in a good position" as I helplessly watch you and most other mainstream American Jewish "leaders" do nothing to steer Israel away fro m her path towards suicide, and the Jewish People away from a second Holocaust?
Russell's statement -- "You're in a good position" -- may imply that he is not in a good position. I hope he finds the moral courage expected of him in his role as one of the top Jewish leaders in America, so that he may speak out loudly and clearly for Israel's best interest. Then, he, too, will be in a good position, and he will help save Israel in the process.
Russell: Be a hero to the Jewish People -- SPEAK OUT! I promise that if you do, you will have the passionate, dedicated support of throngs of us who truly love Israel!
Views expressed by the author do not
necessarily reflect those of israelinsider.
 
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