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Obama to Address UJC Assembly

First speech as president to major Jewish group

by
Sara Ivry
October 23, 2009
Obama at a campaign event in New Jersey this week.(Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Obama at a campaign event in New Jersey this week.(Mario Tama/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama will address the annual General Assembly meeting of the United Jewish Communities and Jewish Federations next month in Washington, D.C., the UJC announced this morning. It will be his first speech as president to a broad audience of Jewish leaders. “The speech comes as many American Jews and Israelis have been encouraging Obama to do more to explain his Middle East peacemaking efforts,” notes the JTA in its report, “although Obama could also choose to discuss domestic issues such as health care and other social services that UJC advocates for in Washington.” Obama will speak on November 9, replacing Vice President Joe Biden, who was previously announced to speak. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to attend the meeting.

Sara Ivry is the host of Vox Tablet, Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast. Follow her on Twitter@saraivry.