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The Schmooze

Jon Voight is a Chabadnik at Heart

Jon Voight is a Chabadnik at heart, or so he declared at a cornerstone-laying ceremony in an east Jerusalem neighborhood.

A long-time Israel supporter, the American Academy Award winner and star of films such as “Midnight Cowboy” is visiting the country with likely Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

“I’m proud to stand here today with believers of the justness of the Jewish nation, and their heritage,” he said, addressing the crowd. “I possess a deep feeling and connection to the Jewish nation.

“When I see you, I see all the greats who throughout the centuries dreamed of giving over the heritage to the next generation, and the sacrifices and hardships they endured to do so. And now, all you here, this is your time, and you’re doing what is incumbent on you, namely, to prepare the future generations to be the hope of the world.”

Voight has also spoken of his desire to have his movie-star daughter, Angelina Jolie, join him in Israel. While he is unaware of her stance on the country, he told the associated press that he would love to have Jolie accompany him.

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