WASHINGTON (JTA) — In an interview with The New York Times ahead of the paper’s endorsement of a Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders said he is “proud to be Jewish” but is “not actively involved in organized religion.”
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“I am Jewish,” Sanders told the Times’ editorial board when asked whether he believes in God. “I am proud to be Jewish. I was bar mitzvahed from the Kings Highway Jewish Center, a long time ago. I am not actively involved in organized religion.”
The Times notes in a comment in the interview that “if elected, he would be the first Jewish president, and also one of few who have openly discussed a disconnect from organized religion.”
The Vermont senator goes on to say that he believes in God and in freedom of religion, contrasting himself with President Donald Trump, whom Sanders says practices discrimination by restricting immigration from a number of Muslim majority countries.
The Times is publishing its editorial board’s interviews with Democratic candidates ahead of its endorsement, which is set to appear on Jan. 19.
Sanders, 78, was for a long time reluctant to talk about his Jewish heritage during his 2016 presidential campaign. Some of his campaigners have made his Jewishness central to his 2020 campaign.
The Times links to an essay he wrote in the left-wing Jewish Currents magazine, in which Sanders opens up about his Jewish identity.
Asked if anyone advises him on spiritual matters, Sanders referred to his wife, Jane.
“My wife was raised as a Catholic, holds some pretty strong feelings,” he said.
This man went to Russia in the late 50’s yo celebrate his marriage. Americans couldn’t get in. Unless you where a party member. His religion is communism not socialism
There’s nothing Jewish in his post present or future
He’s not proud.
It’s the style to say ‘I’m proud’.
Deep down it must irk him.
Crazy Bernie together with evil Soros can go to hell.
With friends like him, who needs enemies?
hes like Soros. he sounds like a meshumad to me as his Catholic wife advises him on spirituality.
This socialist disgrace only refers to being Jewish to swing some votes his way. Cheap shot, and we recognize it, Bernie. May we all be there to witness your fall from politics and fame. We are embarrassed that you are counted among us.
Like most things in politics, he’s only Jewish when it suits his agenda.
Nebach
His Catholic wife is his Mashpia !
A truly lost soul ….
I am not sure what it means when someone says that they are proud to be a Jew. How does he manifest his pride?
The “emes” is that Bernie and Soros nerom”yoir are Yiden by halacha, according to Jewish Law. You are allowed even obligated to desecrate the Shabbes to save them. So is Bloomberg, Schummer, Schieff and Nadler. Trump , McConell and 95 – 98% of Republicans are not Jewish. Emes??? Kushner is Jewish. Was a Democrat untill 4 years ago. Hillarys son in law is Jewish too. Emes?
Bernie has lived his life like a gentile, and therefore qualifies for the label of JINO (Jew In Name Only).
If he is proud to be Jewish, why does he have anti-Semites on his staff?
Why does he support the enemies of Israel and treat Israel worse than any other nation?
Me k’amcha yisrael!
an old trotzkyite and a product of hashomer hazair
I would prefer a religious person in the White House for a change. All in all, I think I might support Buttigieg.