Barack Obama Discusses Middle East in Call to 900 Rabbis

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By JTA September 23, 2014

In his annual Rosh Hashanah call with American rabbis, President Obama focused on crises in the Middle East.

“He spoke about the complexities and dangers of the Middle East and the challenges facing the world,” said Rabbi William Gershon, one of two rabbis who posed questions to the president during the call. Gershon said there were 900 clergy who called in.

“In general, he spoke about seeking our help in domestic issues, and more importantly foreign policy issues,” said Gershon, who is president of the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly and also senior rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas.

Gershon said he could not go into further detail as the call was off the record. The White House would not comment on the call.

Also asking a question during the call was Rabbi Leonard Matanky, an Orthodox rabbi at Congregation K.I.N.S. in West Rogers, Ill.

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