Shortly after his reelection in 2004, President Bush met in the White House with Natan Sharansky and told reporters that if they wanted to understand his foreign policy they should read the Soviet dissident-turned-Israeli politician’s book “”The Case for Democracy.” The plummeting popularity of his foreign policy has apparently done nothing to harden Bush’s soft spot for Sharansky, who quit politics last year to become the founding chairman of the Institute of Strategic Studies at the Shalem Center.

Bush has agreed to attend a June 4-6 conference in Prague, titled ““Democracy and Security: Core Values and Sound Policies,” that is being co-sponsored by Sharansky’s Jerusalem-based institute. The other headliners include Sharansky, former Czech president Vaclav Havel and one-time Coalition of the Willing member Jose Maria Aznar, the former prime minister of Spain.

Click here for more details.

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Joel Brown, Forward board chair

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT