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Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, in his column, “Reform Jew Responsible for Wall Street Scandal” (Queens Jewish Link, October 31, 2019), bemoans the fact that this headline will never happen. He gave an example from The New York Times about Michael Milken, which did not mention that he was Jewish. Rabbi Schonfeld argues, in contrast, that when it relates to an Orthodox Jew, there is a different standard. His example is from a Daily News article, “Rudy Pals Aided by Jewish Bigs,” which has a smaller headline of “Right-Wing Orthodox Helped Get GOP Access.”

On occasion, I have written to take issue with some of the comments made by fellow columnists. This week, I was proud of the tone set by the Queens Jewish Link (October 3, 2019). For example, Rabbi Oppenheimer, as he has before, has addressed the importance of the Jewish community working together even with our religious differences. Moshe Hill wrote about how those who have political disagreements should not engage in personal attacks. I agree with both sentiments and hope we can act this way the entire year.

James Mattis and John Bolton either resigned or were fired by the president as defense secretary and national security adviser, respectively. Months later, the president referred to Mattis as “the world’s most overrated general.”

On September 17, the past presidents were honored at the Queens Jewish Community Council’s Testimonial Dinner. This year was the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the organization.

When I bring up the president’s foibles, the refrain I usually hear from the Jewish Trumpians is that he is good for Israel. Therefore, I will address current events with that in mind. There are two major issues involving the president. One is the holding up of funds from Ukraine and the second is the situation in northern Syria. The president’s conduct in both should cause supporters of Israel concern.

A number of years ago, John Bolton was the keynote speaker at the Yom Yerushalayim program at the Young Israel of Hillcrest sponsored by then Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Queens Jewish Community Council. The shul was packed. He was well-received because even then it was well-known that he was a strong supporter of Israel and tough on her enemies.