Scoops: Ron Paul, Zionist; Scarlett’s Jewish Literacy
J.J. Goldberg December 29, 2011
Haaretz’s Chemi Shalev scores an interview (via email) with Ron Paul, who seems to think he’s the only true Zionist in the race. How’s that? Well, Paul says,
Two of the tenets of a true Zionist are “self-determination” and “self-reliance.” I do not believe we should be Israel’s master but, rather, her friend. We should not be dictating her policies and announcing her negotiating positions before talks with her neighbors have even begun.
Paul also tells Chemi that American support for Israel was “a major factor” in causing the September 11 attacks (though he adds: “That in itself does not make our policies right or wrong”). Also of note: He has “no intention or interest in running as a third party candidate.”
Also worth a read: Chemi’s previous blog post, laying out the most cogent case I’ve seen yet that Obama may be preparing an attack on Iran’s nuclear installations as an October surprise.
And speaking of vital interviews on contemporary Jewish affairs, don’t miss this clip in which Scarlett Johansson aces (almost) MTV host Josh Horowitz’s Jewish literacy quiz. Key moments: Johansson defending gefilte fish, singing “I Have a Little Dreidel” (watch her non-Jewish co-star Matt Damon squirm as he tries to keep up with the rapid-fire questioning):
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
