Coral Gables, FL – American Billionaire Suspends Funds For Israel Over Kotel, Conversion Issues

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    Ike FisherCoral Gables, FL – Major US Jewish philanthropist Isaac “Ike” Fisher has suspended his financial support of Israel, in light of two explosive decisions made last week by the Israeli government that have upset liberal Jews around the world.

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    American born Knesset member Michael Oren confirmed to The Jerusalem Post a report in Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot on Sunday, that Fisher had sent him a letter informing him of a series of measures he is taking in protest of a government decision to backtrack on an agreement for an egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall, and another on the issue of conversion.

    These steps include cancelling a 1 million dollar investment made into Israeli bonds, suspending fundraising activities, and suspending his involvement in AIPAC.

    Oren himself told the Post last week that he was furious about the decisions, and would vote in the Knesset against the government’s decision to grant the Chief Rabbinate a monopoly on conversion, even it meant getting fired from his post as a deputy minister. This has not yet been necessary as on Friday, a deal was reached to freeze the conversion legislation, while a special task force will be created to find a solution to both the haredi parties and the opponents of the bill.

    In an email obtained by the Post Sunday, Fisher thanked Oren for his support for Diaspora Jewry over these issues. “As you know, I actively support the State of Israel, however my support is suspended till the Government of Israel reverses course,” he wrote.

    “Last week I purchased one million dollars of Israel Bonds. That support is suspended. I am the incoming Campaign Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. I have advised them my work is suspended unless Israel reverses course. I am a National Board member of AIPAC. That work too is also suspended. I sit on the Board of American Friends of Tel Aviv University. I have advised them that my financial support is suspended,” Fisher stated.

    “Enough is enough,” he concluded. “It is time for the Government of Israel to understand that its constituency includes Am Yisrael.”

    “I was very saddened by what he wrote,” Oren told the Post, but added that “Israelis have to hear it.”

    “I don’t think there is appreciation of the depth of hurt and alienation that liberal North American Jews feel toward Israel now, and this was a last straw for many,” the MK added.

    Oren does not see this issue disappearing anytime soon, nor is it likely that Fisher is the only Jewish figure who will take concrete action in protest of the government decisions.

    “I’ve heard from several major philanthropists that they were crestfallen, disappointed, hurt and they were certain it would have impact on Diaspora giving [to Israel]” he noted, though he said he was not at liberty to reveal anymore names.

    While reactions might be expressed via financial avenues, Oren stressed that this is not about money, but about the concept of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people.

    “I agree with this,” he emphasized. “The state of the Jewish people is not just about Jewish people living in Israel. We demand that the Palestinians recognize us as such so we should be the nation state of the Jewish people.”


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    24 Comments
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    6 years ago

    Does the “State of Israel” want to be a nation-state or an international charity scam? One difference is that nation-states don’t entertain the bribes and threats of foreigners.

    RobertS
    RobertS
    6 years ago

    American non-Orthodox like to point out they are the majority of American Jews, so they consider their voice most important. But they think that (tiny!) minority voices should always get their way in Israel. Gotta love hypocritical democracy!

    lazy-boy
    Active Member
    lazy-boy
    6 years ago

    looks like he is blackmailing the Jewish state to do what he wants or he will not contribute or support the Jews who live in Israel.

    Well I suppose it is his right to do so, but it is my right to say that it is not much more than blackmail done with a sneer.

    “You want my money? Do what I say!”

    6 years ago

    Does anybody else see the irony of mega rich Liberal American Jews like Ike Fisher, trying to dictate policy to Jews in Israel and by extension the rest of us Jews in the Diaspora. Mr Ike,take your Trangendered,Feminist,Liberal, Pro Gay,Fake Jewish, agenda, and stick it where the sun don’t shine. The unmitigated arrogance of a rich mamzer expecting everyone to bow down to his money.The Jewish People do not need your stinking money. what an A.H.

    Lieba
    Lieba
    6 years ago

    money comes, and money goes. This guy is filled with a lot of hot air and only thinks about himself and his desires.
    He doesn’t care about the Jews.
    Statistically speaking, if he doesn’t mend his ways shortly, his vast empire will crumble.

    FarRockDude
    FarRockDude
    6 years ago

    So this Reform yutz who is a “supporter’ of Israel in now boycotting Israel. Well, why don’t we boycott his clients? Here is a list direct from his website: http://www.capital-realty.com/clients.html
    You can also access his resume from that page if you’re interested in what he’s proud of and what he’s not. I’ll give you a hint; he doesn’t include his former ties to AIPAC.

    6 years ago

    HOW MANY NON JEWS IN HIS FAMILY

    HOW MANY OF HIS CHILDREN ARE INTERMARRIED
    HOW MANY OF HIS GRANDCHILDREN ARE OUT AND OUT GOYIM

    sissel613
    sissel613
    6 years ago

    Another self hating Jew–

    6 years ago

    Let him keep his money…

    Plenty people see it as an honor to support the Jewish state and ask for NOTHING in return. Let this Liberal self hating reform Jew try to force his non Jewish agenda elsewhere.

    6 years ago

    Seems like VIN is tempted to give this Yutz Billionaire status but he ain’t no billionaire.

    6 years ago

    He can joined the Netura Katre.

    common-sense
    common-sense
    6 years ago

    It’s not enough to criticize Fisher. Frum millionaires should step up and buy the 1 million dollar bonds that he won’t buy. In fact, they should buy twice as much. This will show Fisher that he can’t blackmail us and that we can manage without him.

    Normal
    Normal
    6 years ago

    He can add the extradition of Malka Leifer to his list.

    PaulinSaudi
    PaulinSaudi
    6 years ago

    You can build a house just the way you like it. You can add all sorts of things that make you alone happy, indoor pool, greenhouse, whatever. You can’t be too surprised to discover other people think your mansion is a monstrosity. I suppose the same thing is true of nations. You can build one that is just for you alone. But of course few others will support it.

    scy4851
    scy4851
    6 years ago

    Fisher…..take your money and stick it you know where….

    thetruthis
    thetruthis
    6 years ago

    Ike and the Zionists apikorsim will all share place in Gehenim together. These people are not part of the עם ישראל.

    Sholi-Katz
    Sholi-Katz
    6 years ago

    It is not Ira or Ike Fisher living in the USA we have to worry about. It is the 80% “not yet frum” In ISREAL we have to worry about. Why get them united against us?? We will lose everything. You think Lapid is frightened of the Mea Sharim protesters. The Army can control rioting rock throwing Arabs, they can control a bunch of Reb Ari’lech’s. The key is, always work within the system just like we do here in America, somethings we get, some we don’t.

    PaulinSaudi
    PaulinSaudi
    6 years ago

    #18 Cool. It would be an interesting thing to see, Israel on its own.