Shorts: U.S.

Sharon calls Kerry

washington (jta) | Ariel Sharon called John Kerry to congratulate him on his nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate. The Israeli prime minister and the Massachusetts senator spoke Friday, July 30, Kerry campaign officials said, and Kerry expressed his condolences to Sharon over the attack that day on the Israeli Embassy in Tashkent.

Kerry told Sharon that he looked forward to the emergence of an alternative leadership to Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.

The nominee also told Sharon that whatever the outcome of the U.S. election, Israel could count on his support, whether in the Senate or the White House, campaign officials said.




Jewish stars plug federations

new york (jta) | Jewish celebrities will plug the federation system in its first national TV campaign.

The United Jewish Communities, the coordinating body for the North American Jewish federation system, is sponsoring the commercials, hoping that Jewish stars will draw young Jews to donate and participate in local federations.

The advertisements, under the slogan "Live Generously," were shot Thursday, July 29, and will air in September, accompanied by print advertisements.

The two 30-second TV spots feature Marlee Matlin of "Children of a Lesser God," Joshua Malina of "The West Wing," Kevin Weisman and Greg Grunberg of "Alias," Larry Miller of "The Princess Diaries" and Jonathan Silverman of "Weekend at Bernie's."