Chabad of Poway Rabbi: Trump's phone call was "highlight of the day"

The horrific mass shooting at the California synagogue is the latest example of a national tragedy laced with stories of inspiration. Whether it is a story of bravery displayed by a hero or a miracle experienced by the rabbi, those directly affected as well as Americans across the country are comforted by them.

Advertisement

The shooting occurred as the Jewish worshipers observed the last day of Passover. The date also marked the six-month anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pennsylvania. Americans are coming to grips with murderous anti-Semitic attacks. Leadership comes from the top and a story emerged Sunday that comforted many Americans. President Trump has grown into the role of America’s comforter-in-chief, as he showed again in a phone call with Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.

It must be a shock for the anti-Trump leftists in the media to report on the phone call placed by President Trump to express sympathy and condolences to the Chabad of Poway community. The call was received by the rabbi and he went on to tell reporters during a press conference that at first, he was amazed that the president took the time to call. Like most of us, he had never spoken with a President of the United States. The call lasted almost 15 minutes.

Goldstein spoke of the phone call during a press conference on Sunday afternoon and again during an interview on MSNBC. The rabbi was grateful.

Speaking at the press conference, Goldstein said he was “amazed” when he answered the phone to discover the White House on the other end of the line, adding that Trump spent 10 or 15 minutes on the phone with him.

“He shared with me condolences on behalf of the United States of America. We spoke about the moment of silence. And he spoke about his love of peace and Judaism and Israel. He was just so comforting, I’m really grateful to our president for taking the time and share with us his comfort and consolation,” Goldstein told reporters.

Advertisement

He later told MSNBC’s Kasie Hunt he was “exceedingly comforted” and Trump spoke to him “like a friend, like a buddy.”

He was so gracious and generous with his words. Exceedingly comforting to me, my community. He spoke to me like a friend, like a buddy. I didn’t realize I’m talking to the president of the United States of America. He was just exceedingly kind and sensitive. We spoke for close to 15 minutes. I thought to myself, for the president of the United States of America to take time out of his day to talk to me about the issues at hand absolutely incredible and admirable.

This recollection from the rabbi flies in the face of one of the left’s favorite tropes – that President Trump is a hate-filled man who divides Americans. The two men also spoke about the rise in anti-Semitism and Rabbi Goldstein commented favorably on the Trump’s response.

And we spoke about anti-Semitism. And I asked him, Mr. President, what are you doing about anti-Semitism in the United States of America? And he was very generous in explaining that he has made it as a priority.

He said, listen, I have a son-in-law who’s Jewish, a daughter that’s Jewish, I have grandchildren that are Jewish. I love Israel, we’re going to do whatever we can to protect the Jewish people of the United States of America and abroad. It was the highlight of the day after everything I’ve been through to hear from the president himself to be so comforting and consoling. It meant a lot to our community, meant a lot to me.

Advertisement

This is something I’ve never understood about Trump critics – why do they continue to claim Trump is anti-Semitic or racist when he’s been shown time and time again to not be so? The rabbi asked Trump about reinstating a moment of silence in schools. He reasoned that change begins with children. Trump was receptive to the idea.

“Something has to change; we have to do something about this. We’ve got to start it from early childhood education, that’s where it all starts,” Goldstein said. “And if the families at home and in the schools teach the children to respect God and respect each other as human beings and to be accountable for your actions, your thoughts and your speech, perhaps children will grow up with clearer moral and ethics.”

The rabbi’s recollection of his phone call with President Trump should be a comfort to everyone. Perhaps it will soften the hearts of those so deranged about the president that they cannot even attend a music festival without raging against a red MAGA hat. Case in point – a festival-goer in New Orleans.

It’s Jazz Fest time in New Orleans. The annual event brings music lovers from all over the world to the city. It even attracts unhinged anti-Trump writers. Behold a tweet from one such person.

Advertisement

She’s triggered to the point of yelling at a stranger over a red MAGA hat. The next tweet sums up her utter lack of self-awareness.

She went on to tweet that the person was walking toward an Irma Thomas performance. That person doesn’t deserve to be “within 10 miles” of Thomas apparently. Good heavens. This is where we are, America. The same day a religious leader praised President Trump’s compassion and was grateful for his attention, this writer sent out unhinged tweets as a member of #TheResistance. I guess we should be relieved she didn’t react violently.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement