AJC On Air: David Harris show

AJC On Air: David Harris

Summary: Since 2001, AJC Executive Director David Harris has produced national radio commentary.

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 Rising Anti-Semitism in Europe | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:00

May 14, 2013 - New York – The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. The full text of this week's commentary follows: This month, I was invited to speak at Mauthausen, the wartime Nazi concentration camp in Austria. Ninety thousand people perished there. In all, there were six speakers, including the Austrian, Hungarian, and Polish presidents. Movingly, among the 1000 invited guests were elderly survivors who came from America, France, Israel, and other countries to bear witness. After reflecting on the past, I made three points about the present. First, “Today, anti-Semitism is on the rise in Europe. Surveys show it. Statistics prove it. And it is shameful that there are at least three openly anti-Semitic political parties sitting in European parliaments.” Second, “The Holocaust is a sobering reminder of the centrality of Israel to the Jewish people and to Jewish security.” And third, “The words ‘Never again’ must not be just for repetition at commemorative events. They must be practiced on a daily basis.” Join our efforts. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AJCGlobal. This is David Harris of AJC.

 Will EU Act on Hezbollah Terrorism | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:00

May 28, 2013 - New York – The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. The full text of this week's commentary follows: Europe continues to debate the painfully obvious: Is Hezbollah a terrorist group? Of course, it is. How many more people need to be killed by Hezbollah, from Syria to Argentina, from Lebanon to Bulgaria, before Europe acts? How many more terrorist plots need to be uncovered across Europe, Asia, Africa, and elsewhere before Europe acts? How much more intelligence needs to be gathered about Hezbollah’s jihadist nature before Europe acts? There are now the first stirrings of European recognition that you can’t kick this can down the road forever, much as some might wish. Let’s see if courage and principle in Europe prevail. America and Canada long ago added Hezbollah to their terrorism lists.It’s high time for Europe to do the same. For years, AJC has been urging European Union action on Hezbollah. This Monday, we’ll have a full-page ad on the subject in the Wall Street Journal. Join us. Help us. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC.

 Rising Global Anti-Semitism | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:01:00

Anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide. In April, Tel Aviv University issued its annual assessment. In Europe alone, there was a 30 percent jump in anti-Semitic incidents last year compared to 2011. And this week, the State Department issued its 2012 report on global religious freedom. Here’s an excerpt: When political leaders condoned anti-Semitism, it set the tone for its persistence and growth in countries around the world. Of great concern were expressions of anti-Semitism by government officials, religious leaders, and the media, particularly in Venezuela, Egypt, and Iran. At times, such statements led to . . .violence. The report also cited anti-Semitic incidents in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries. Since 1906, AJC has been combatting anti-Semitism and, indeed, all forms of racism. We strive for democratic societies built on mutual understanding and respect. To join us, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AJCGlobal. This is David Harris of AJC.

 Discovering the Real Israel | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

July 19, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, stresses the importance of visiting Israel to understand all aspects of this dynamic, vibrant country. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: I’m just back from Israel. It wasn’t my first visit. But for some around me it was. And it’s always fascinating to see Israel through their eyes. Having never been before, they tend to imagine Israel as it’s too often portrayed in the media – as a political conflict in a rough-and-tumble area. How surprised newcomers are then to discover the real Israel. They learn that Lonely Planet named Tel Aviv the world’s third hippest city this year. They discover that Travel + Leisure just cited Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the two best cities in the Middle East. They see a beautiful country full of life, history, and innovation. They witness a democratic nation with political parties galore, a spirited media, and a vibrant civic society. They encounter an amazingly diverse Israel of many faiths and ethnic backgrounds. And they feel, above all, the yearning for peace. Israel. The more you know, the more you understand. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Censored | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

July 6, 2011 – New York The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Two years ago, I was invited to blog for the Huffington Post. I was honored. It's a major site with a large readership. During the past two years, I've published nearly 50 articles. And now, for the first time, one article was not published. HuffPo simply said "no." It deals with the Gaza flotilla. It said that those supporting it were, deliberately or not, aiding Hamas. After all, Gaza is run by Hamas, a terrorist group according to both the US and European Union. Since aid is reaching Gaza via land from Egypt and Israel, the flotilla's purpose is transparently political, not humanitarian. That's why the US, the UN Secretary General, and the EU's foreign policy chief have all opposed the flotilla. But when it came to my article, HuffPo simply refused to publish it. Despite efforts, no explanation has been forthcoming. But they can't stop you from reading it and deciding for yourself. Visit ajc.org to read "The Hamas -- Oops, Gaza -- Flotilla." This is David Harris of AJC

 Fourth of July | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

June 27, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, celebrates America’s Independence Day. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: On Monday, we'll celebrate the 4th of July. Amidst the fireworks and family fun, let's reflect on the larger meaning of our nation's birth date. Freedom is a priceless gift. We owe those who defend it more than we can ever express. From the beginning, America has served as a beacon of hope for the oppressed. Just ask those who fled political and religious tyranny what America means to them. And America is a work in progress, constantly seeking to overcome its shortcomings. This, too, reflects our nation's greatness. We know we must always do better to achieve our founder's vision, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. On this 4th of July, let's recall the words from the Hebrew Bible inscribed on the Liberty Bell. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”. Happy 4th of July, America. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 In Memory of Yelena Bonner | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

June 21, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, pays tribute to Yelena Bonner, the longtime champion of human rights in the Soviet Union, who passed away over the weekend. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Yelena Bonner, a champion of human rights, just passed away. Born in the Soviet Union, her father was killed by Stalin, her mother was imprisoned in a labor camp. Yelena Bonner courageously joined the human-rights movement in the 1960s. She married the legendary Andrei Sakharov, the best known Soviet dissident. Together they formed a formidable human-rights couple. They were threatened repeatedly and banished far from their Moscow home, but the Kremlin couldn’t silence them. They continued to speak up for basic democratic freedoms. They also spoke up for oppressed Soviet Jews, including their right to emigrate. And they staunchly defended democratic Israel, while the USSR mercilessly attacked it. Sakharov won the Nobel Prize for Peace. Bonner accepted the award, as the Kremlin wouldn’t let him go to Oslo. Sakharov died in 1989. Bonner died a few days ago. May their extraordinary example of moral courage serve as an inspiration to us all. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Constructive Relations with Germany | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

June 13, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, speaks about the close relations between AJC and Germany that began shortly after World War II, and expanded significantly over the decades. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. In recent days, we received two groups of German officials at AJC. What’s important is that such a program would have been unthinkable not that long ago. The ravages of the Second World War -- and the Nazi attempt to eliminate the Jewish people -- left long shadows and searing pain. AJC was the first Jewish organization to try to write a new chapter in German-Jewish relations. It began tentatively decades ago. It’s evolved and grown. It’s touched more and more young people on both sides. Needless to say, essential discussions about history are never easy. Yet the conversations have also focused on the present and the future. A common agenda has emerged – to defend democracy, protect human dignity, combat anti-Semitism, and guard against historical denial. At AJC, we’re proud of this new chapter. It tells us to never stop dreaming about what can be – and to never, never, stop working for a more hopeful world. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Israel Can Depend on Canadian Prime Minister Harper | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

June 6, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, salutes Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada for his stalwart and courageous support of Israel. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Mark Twain was a legendary American writer. “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” are classics. Here’s something else that Mark Twain wrote: “Moral Courage and a Hankering to learn the Truth ... are on vacation in the human race.” What he wrote is especially true these days in the Middle East. Too often truth has been thrown to the wind. Moral courage has yielded to moral ambiguity at best, cowardice at worst. But Mark Twain, who visited and wrote about the region 150 years ago, would be proud of Canada’s prime minister today. Stephen Harper stands for “Moral Courage and a Hankering to Learn the Truth.” He’s insisted on Israel’s right to live in peace and security. He’s defended Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself. He understands the true nature of Israel’s enemies. And he grasps that, much as democratic Israel yearns for peace, it needs genuine partners to seal the deal. To learn more about Harper’s Middle East views, visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 U.S, Israel – Shared Values, Shared Journey, Shared Goals | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

May 31, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, speaks about the extraordinary reception for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he addressed the U.S. Congress last week. “Democrats and Republicans joined as one to welcome the Israeli prime minister,” says Harris. “He received thirty standing ovations during his eloquent speech.” The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: In these politically charged times, there was an extraordinary scene in Congress last week. Democrats and Republicans joined as one to welcome the Israeli prime minister. He received thirty standing ovations during his eloquent speech. Here are a few excerpts: “Israel has no better friend than America. And America has no better friend than Israel. We stand together to defend democracy. We stand together to advance peace. We stand together to fight terrorism.... “In an unstable Middle East, Israel is the one anchor of stability. In a region of shifting alliances, Israel is America’s unwavering ally. “In a region where women are stoned, gays are hanged, Christians are persecuted, Israel stands out. It is different. “Of the 300 million Arabs in the Middle East and North Africa, only Israel’s [one million] Arab citizens enjoy real democratic rights.” Stirring words all. The U.S. and Israel: shared values, shared journey, shared goals. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Palestinians Must Decide – Hamas or Peace | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

May 24, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, says that Israel is ready for peace, but the Palestinians are not. “Israel has said yes. Yes to direct talks. Yes to two states for two peoples. Yes to peace,” says Harris. “But the Palestinians have gone in the opposite direction. They’ve brought in Hamas.” The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Peace. Can there be any greater goal? Israel has sought peace from day one. But its Arab neighbors had other ideas. They wouldn’t accept the Jewish state. It didn’t matter that the Jews had always been connected to the land – or that the UN recommended the Jewish state. So democratic Israel had to defend itself – time and again. Eventually and happily, peace came with Egypt and Jordan. But not with the Palestinians. Successive Israeli leaders offered a two-state deal. All were rebuffed. Now, again, there’s talk about how to get a deal. Israel has said yes. Yes to direct talks. Yes to two states for two peoples. Yes to peace. But the Palestinians have gone in the opposite direction. They’ve brought in Hamas. Go online and read the Hamas Charter for yourself. You’ll see its true nature as a genocidal terrorist group. Let the Palestinians decide – Hamas or peace. Let’s hope they make the right decision. For the sake of peace. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Egypt’s Christian Copts at Risk | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

May 17, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, urges listeners to speak out in support of the besieged Coptic community in Egypt. “As a Jew who saw Jewish communities driven out of Egypt and neighboring Arab countries because of intolerance, I won’t keep quiet when another minority is in danger,” says Harris. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: When a religious minority is victimized, people of goodwill need to speak out loud and clear. Coptic Christians in Egypt have been attacked repeatedly. An ancient community, today they’re an estimated ten percent of the population. Christians are being killed simply because of who they are. Churches have been burned simply because they’re churches. There’s been a lot of media reporting about the attacks. Unfortunately, some of that coverage speaks about “sectarian clashes.” That term doesn’t begin to distinguish between perpetrators and victims. Let’s be clear. There are perpetrators – those who wish to harm the Christian community. And there are victims – members of that Christian community. As a Jew who saw Jewish communities driven out of Egypt and neighboring Arab countries because of intolerance, I won’t keep quiet when another minority is in danger. If Egypt is to enter a new era, then let it be for all Egyptians, not just some. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Happy Birthday, Israel! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

May 10, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, delivers hearty congratulations to Israel on the country’s 63rd birthday. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: This week, Israel celebrates its 63rd birthday. For most countries, that number would elicit a shrug of the shoulders. Not in Israel’s case. Considering its extraordinary history, each birthday is cause for celebration. An ancient people, born and rooted in this land, have built a modern, dynamic state. A dry, barren area has become lush with the earth’s fruits. Despite the threats from its neighbors, Israelis have embraced life to the fullest. Israel today is a high-octane and multicultural country. It’s a democratic oasis in a region that, as the world has now vividly seen, has had too much despotism, torture, and corruption. Israelis have built a remarkable country in their ancestral land through their courage, sacrifice, and inspiration. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, once said: “In Israel, in order to be a realist you have to believe in miracles.” He was right. Happy 63rd birthday, Israel! Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

 Bravo to America’s Heroic Forces | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

May 3, 2011 - New York - Praising the American forces that killed Osama bin Laden, AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, also raises concerns about Hamas, which called bin Laden "a holy warrior," and Pakistan, where the terrorist mastermind had been hiding. "This is the same Hamas that's supposed to unite with the Palestinian Authority this week," says Harris. "That would clearly spell big-time trouble for the U.S., Israel and the region." The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week's commentary follows: It's no longer breaking news, but incredible nonetheless. Terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden is dead. The American plan was brilliantly executed. All people of goodwill welcome the news. But, of course, there are others. Hamas, the terrorist group that rules Gaza, praises bin Laden as a "holy warrior." This is the same Hamas that's supposed to unite with the Palestinian Authority this week. That would clearly spell big-time trouble for the U.S., Israel and the region. Meanwhile, bin Laden was found hiding in plain sight in Pakistan. We want to think Pakistan is our ally. That's why we send it billions in aid. But who exactly in Pakistan was protecting bin Laden all these years? So, there's much to deal with - from Hamas to Pakistan. But for now, all I can say is bravo to America and our heroic forces. The message is clear: America will defend itself against evil, whatever it takes. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC.

 U.S.-Israel Friendship Endures | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

April 25, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, speaks of the enduring, strong, friendship between the United States and Israel, spanning 12 consecutive presidents, from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. “Never has it been so clear that there’s one country there which was America’s friend yesterday, is today, and will be tomorrow, “says Harris. “That country is Israel.” The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Remember the wonderful James Taylor song “You’ve got a friend”? There were those memorable words: “Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there, you've got a friend.” He was talking about personal friends, but those words could as easily apply to countries. America need friends we can call on “winter, spring, summer, or fall,” friends we can count on through thick and thin. Nowhere is this truer than in today’s turbulent Middle East. And never has it been so clear that there’s one country there which was America’s friend yesterday, is today, and will be tomorrow. That country is Israel. To celebrate the enduring American-Israeli partnership, AJC has placed an ad in this Thursday’s Wall Street Journal. Beginning with Harry Truman and right up to Barack Obama, it highlights how America’s presidents have valued that unique partnership. See the ad in Thursday’s paper or go to ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC

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