made strongly negative comments about Jewish control of media
“and what they are doing to this country.”
The Jewish community was furious. Even Graham biographer
William Martin, who studied the entire transcript, wrote in an
online commentary of his reaction: “I shuddered, and still wince,
at hearing and reading those words, but I think it quite likely [his
statement] ‘how I really feel’ refers to the liberal political and
social convictions of the particular Jews in question, not to their
status as Jews.”
When the tapes were made public, Billy quickly apologized.
“My remarks did not reflect my love for the Jewish people,” he
said. “I humbly ask the Jewish people to reflect on my actions on
behalf of Jews over the years that contradict my words in the Oval
Office that day.”
You never know when the strength of a bridge is going to be
tested. While some Jewish leaders continued to express disap-
pointment and anger, their reactions were mostly tempered by
Billy’s record. Over the years, he had reinforced his bridge to the
Jewish community. Now, that bridge proved strong enough to
carry the weight of his careless remarks with Nixon.
Yes, some Jewish leaders continued to grouse about “the
insensitive way he prays at public gatherings.” Rabbi Samuel Stahl
said, “In his prayers at presidential inaugurations in 1993, 1997,
and 2001, he concluded his words in the name of Jesus and to
the Trinity. Christian prayers in Christian settings with Christian
congregations are perfectly appropriate. However, I do not
approve of offering sectarian prayers at public functions.”
But in the end, Billy’s lifelong pattern was to be clearly and
distinctly Christian, yet one that built bridges of friendship, under-
standing, and support to the Jewish community.
■ ■ ■
Billy built bridges not only across denominational and ethnic
divides, but also across the gulf between the academic and activist
worlds. Billy freely acknowledged that he was no intellectual, and
Building Bridges