Newport Beach welcomes Barak talk

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- He’s just one in a line of some very impressive

speakers Rabbi Mark S. Miller has lured to Temple Bat Yahm. But former

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s talk nonetheless promises to be

special.

“I think that he really will bring a hopeful message to the

congregation and community,” Miller said. “He has a vision that went

beyond any other Israeli prime minister, and I would doubt if that

ultimate vision has been diminished.”

Israel’s 10th prime minister, Barak was at his nation’s helm from 1999

to 2001. While working toward peace with Palestinians, Barak also led the

country out of a prolong recession with 5.9% annual growth and almost no

inflation, attracted record foreign investment, slashed national debt and

cut the deficit in half.

And if, during his talk at the temple Tuesday night, Barak doesn’t

touch on wider security issues, Miller still hopes to tap into his

wisdom.

“If he doesn’t include it in his talk, in my questions following I’ll

ask him about Iran and its progressing nuclear capability and the threat

it imposes -- questions beyond the immediate region that affect us all,”

Miller said.

Miller was the one who managed to lure the internationally renowned

speaker to his only Orange County talk. Through his connections in the

international community, Miller has also managed to attract three other

former prime ministers of Israel -- Benjamin Netanyahu, Shimon Peres and

Yithzak Rabin -- as well as former U.S. Secretary of State Henry

Kissinger.

“I look forward to hosting [current] Prime Minister [Ariel] Sharon one

day,” Miller said. “That will be interesting.”

FYI

* WHAT: A presentation by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, a

patron dinner and a dessert reception at a private home afterward.

* WHEN: Tuesday. Patron’s dinner will begin at 5 p.m.; presentation

will be at 7 p.m.

* WHERE: Temple Bat Yahm, 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach

* COST: Patrons $300; lecture only $36

* CALL: (949) 644-1999 for reservations and information