Queens Reacts to Historic Jewish Veep Pick

The Queens Courier asked a number of prominant Jewish leaders in Queens to give their reaction to the historic selection by Al Gore of Senator Joseph Leiberman of Connecticut to be the first Jewish running mate on a national ticket
I represent the largest constituency of Orthodox Jews in the nation and I applaud Al Gores choice of Senator Joseph Lieberman for running mate.
This is an extraordinarily proud day for the Jewish community and a day for celebration among Democrats. Joe Lieberman, a Senator of unquestioned moral standing, is perhaps the single most respected member of the United States Senate. He has been an outspoken leader on international affairs, the education of our children and economic development. Joe Lieberman is an inspired pick.
Congressman Anthony Weiner
Queens/Brooklyn
Vice President Gores selection of Senator Joseph Lieberman to be his running mate did not surprise me. When Senator Liebermans name first came up some weeks ago, I suggested that we invite the Senator to speak at Bell Park Jewish Center.
Senator Lieberman is not an extremist, neither right nor left. He is thoughtful; he has an analytical mind and he votes his mind. I feel confident that the analysts will not find too much in his voting record to which they can object. Of course, there are those who will find fault with anything and anybody who disagrees with them on anything. I dont believe any two people can agree on anything 100 percent of the time.
For those who are concerned that Senator Lieberman is an orthodox, observant Jew; a candidates religion has no place in an election. There are anti-Semites and those who cannot see any religion other than their own. But, the American people have awakened, and dont see religion as a major criteria for candidacy. The number of Jewish Senators and Congressmen has increased in recent years. Jews have served in the Cabinet and have held high positions in our government, i.e., Herbert Lehman was Governor of New York State, Jewish justices of the Supreme Court, etc.
Senator Lieberman is conscientious and he does not shirk responsibility. An article I read some months ago, pointed out that when the Senate met for Saturday sessions, to avoid desecrating the Sabbath by riding from his home to the capital and in order to be present for the Senate session, the Senator slept on a couch in his office Friday night. This was not beneath his dignity. When Vice President Gore learned of this, he insisted the Senator stay in his house, as the Vice Presidents guest, on those Saturdays the Senate was meeting. Im sure this helped the two to get to know each other better and will be important in their being able to work together.
David L. Friedenreich
Bellerose Manor
The choice of Senator Joe Lieberman as a Vice Presidential candidate is a milestone in Americas political maturity. Senator Lieberman is a man of experience, values, conscience, and a strong commitment to Americas democratic principles.
The Senator, an observant Jew, who has served the people of Connecticut for 12 years, is proud of his tradition and religion. While anti-Semites and those on the fringe of society who subscribe to conspiracy theories may have a field day with the choice of Senator Lieberman, we remain confident that the American people will dismiss the extremists and consider him on his public record.
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director, Anti-Defamation League
On Monday, Senator Joseph Lieberman received the most important phone call of his life. On the other end of the telephone was Vice President Gore, inviting the Senator to join him on the Democratic Presidential ticket. Moments after receiving the call, Senator Lieberman exclaimed, "Its a miracle." The Senators statement was an expression of personal humility, conveying how honored he felt that of all the people qualified for the post, he had been chosen. Many in the Jewish community are also proclaiming "Its a miracle," but to them the miracle is found in the fact that a member of the Jewish community has been chosen to run for the second highest office in the land.
throughout the history of western civilization, the Jewish people generally found itself on the outside of the political process. Indeed, in most of the world, Jews were considered subjects rather than citizens, even in places where their families had lived for hundreds of years. Citizens rights did not come to the Jew until the time of Napoleon.
The situation in America has been phenomenally different. In America we have been able to demonstrate what our tradition teaches: Tzedakah, the pursuit of justice, Gimilut Hasadim, acts of loving kindness, and Tiddun Olam, helping to make the world a better place. Despite the existence of unofficial, personal anti-Semitism in various segments of American society, Jews have participated in every facet of political life. Jews have been judges, mayors, governors, admirals, generals, senators and members of Congress. For many in the Jewish community, Senator Liebermans candidacy is another sign confirming our acceptance in American society.
Naturally, as a Jew, I am proud that someone from my own tribe, has achieved the status necessary to be offered the vice presidential candidacy. I am equally proud of America for having reached a level of national maturity where a Jew can be seriously considered for national office.
John F. Kennedy inspired a generation of Americans by winning the election despite being young and Catholic. Geraldine Ferraros vice presidential bid signaled to a generation of women that they had achieved equality. Joseph Liebermans candidacy has the power to teach a whole new generation that what they have been taught is true. In America we measure a person, not by their race, creed, color, religion, general or national origin. We measure them according to their achievements, abilities and ideas.
Rabbi Steven M. Graber is the spiritual leader of the Whitestone Hebrew Centre. President of the Rabbinical Assembly Queens Region, as well as Director of the Hillel Institute for Judaism.