An American actor known for his allegiance with Israel has authored a scathing open letter to US President Barack Obama, accusing him of "putting Israel in harm's way. Academy Award-winning actor and ardent Israel supporter Jon Voight published a missive to the US president in The Washington Times on June 22. "You will be the first American president that lied to the Jewish people, and the American people as well, when you said that you would defend Israel… against all their enemies," the letter began.
Voight went on to accuse President Obama of "propagandiz[ing] Israel" and "promot[ing] anti-Semitism throughout the world."
"You have brought this to a people who have given the world the Ten Commandments and most laws we live by today," Voight said, and signed the letter, "With heartfelt and deep concern for America and Israel."
In early June, following a brutal attack against Israel Defense Forces soldiers by self-described peace activists aboard the vessel Mavi Marmara headed for Gaza, and the world's subsequent fervent anti-Israel backlash, Voight joined a demonstration of several thousand people gathered in Los Angeles to stand with Israel.
Voight has been consistent in his defense of Israel, arriving in the Jewish state in May 2008 to celebrate Israel's 60th birthday, and visiting the missile-bombarded town of Sderot in the country's south, near Gaza. During his visit, he was interviewed by Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher, and reminded listeners "those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed."
