Something disturbing happened recently which slipped right past Pro-Israel advocates. Mati Weiderpass is a fervent ally of Israel who happens to be gay. He hosted a discussion in his Manhattan home with Republican Presidential candidate, Texas Senator Ted Cruz who is a staunch ally of Israel, very strong on Iran and other issues key to those of us who care about Israel.
In the aftermath, Weiderpass and his businesses’ are being boycotted by extremists in the gay community for daring to host an event with Cruz. In these days of Israel having enemies in every corner we turn, I am thankful for support of the Jewish State no matter what ones’ personal beliefs are. Thankfully for us, Weiderpass cares about Israel.
There’s an indefensible hypocrisy of groups such as Palestinian Queers for BDS or Queers for Palestine and their ilk, who could easily and legally stand in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv proclaiming who they are and what that stand for, while if they did stand in the center of Ramallah (or most any of the 22 Arab nations) they would likely end up being hanged even if they shared the commonality of Jew hatred with their would be killers. Israel is a pluralistic democracy where freedoms vastly similar to those here in the U.S..
Weiderpass is a wealthy supporter of a safe and secure Israel. He has been outspoken against Iran, which is a danger to America & Israel. Homosexuality is punishable by jail or death in Iran — why is the gay community silent on this issue, yet so often outspoken against Israel? Weiderpass hosted a discussion where Cruz spoke primarily about foreign policy, and to support the GOP’s Israel strategy.
Does not the gay community care that in Iran homosexuals are being hung? Or concern for the fact that throughout the Arab world, homosexuals are in danger?
Perhaps the real issue comes down to Israel. These hosts – together with their business partner Sam Domb, a major Pro-Israel philanthropist – hosted a discussion with Ted Cruz. And now, Broadway Cares and others boycott Out NYC, a NYC hotel which the men own.
Israel advocates should stand up and show this fellow advocate that we
stand with him on the defense of Israel, and against Iran.
Let Broadway Cares know they are wrong to boycott those who host Pro-Israel discussions – and we find it a double-standard bias.