Haaretz
August 12, 2004
WASHINGTON - President George
W. Bush appealed directly to the American Jewish community this week, in a
glossy booklet sent to American Jewish organizational leaders that
highlights his good relations with the community, its leadership, and with
Israel.
The appeal is considered another step in Republican efforts
to win over Jewish votes from the Democratic party.
The 26-page
booklet, entitled "President George W. Bush - A Friend of the American
Jewish Community," outlines the history of Bush's relationship with the
American Jewish community, the struggle against anti-Semitism, the war
against terror, and assistance to Israel.
"Today, Jews in America
know they have a steadfast friend and defender in the Oval Office," the
booklet states in its introduction.
Only 39 percent of American
Jews voted for President Bush in the 2000 election, and since then
Republicans have been making a significant effort to woe the Jewish vote
on November 2.
The booklet is studded with full-page pictures of
Bush at various Jewish events, and notes Bush's statements against
anti-Semitism and against the statements of Mahatir Mohammed, former prime
minister of Malaysia. It also highlights administration action against
terror, including Bush's declaration that the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades is
a terror organization, and the arrest of Hamas fund-raisers in the U.S.
Bush also presents disengagement as a central achievement in his support
for Israel.
"For Yasser Arafat, the message has been clear," the
booklet states. "While he was a frequent White House guest during the last
administration, he has never been granted a meeting with President
Bush."
At the end of the booklet the White House presents a series
of quotes from prominent Jewish leaders supporting Bush. A number of those
quoted said they had not given permission for their statements to be used,
and had not intended them to express political support for
Bush.
The National Jewish Democratic Coalition (NJDC) criticized
the White House for publishing the booklet.
"This is completely
inappropriate," said David Harris, NJDC deputy executive director. "It is
something a campaign should be putting out, not the White House. It is
overtly political."