Why do newspapers exist? To do what the Boston Globe is doing so valiantly today: publishing three stories about the recall of Israeli consul general Nadav Tamir (pictured) for being openly critical of the Netanyahu government’s tactics with Obama in a memo (which Adam covered last week). Here is the Globe’s lead story, which says that Jewish groups are in an "uproar" over the move, and Israelis are trying to blame the consul’s heresies on Boston’s liberal "bubble." Amazingly, the story tops the paper on the front page. And just as important, reporter James F. Smith quotes Steve [AIPAC-adoring, Tutu-bashing] Grossman, one of the most powerful Jews in America, condemning the move.
“I’ve known Israeli consuls general for the last 30 years or so. [you bet he has!] And I don’t think Israel has had a more effective leader in New England in that time than Nadav Tamir.’’
Grossman said that while he hadn’t seen the memo, Tamir appeared to have been doing precisely what an effective Israeli diplomat should do.
Story #2, here is Avigdor Lieberman suggesting that Tamir resign. Here’s the third, in which the Russian Jewish community in Boston wants Tamir to go home!
The Globe is taking a stand in favor of Tamir, and alarming the Jewish community over this question. The coverage signals the ways that a rightwing accession in Israel is finally eroding PEP–the undying liberal Jewish orthodoxy on Israel: Progressive Except for Palestine. Starting in liberal bubbles of SF, Boston, Brooklyn. Soon playing everywhere. (Photo from Tel Aviv University supporters’ site).
