Let'
s Clear up some of the Misconceptions in these postings.
A Jew is a person who's mother is Jewish. (Some streams of Judaism argue that Jewish patrimony can be acquired through the
father as well).
Jews are not a
race but an eclectic mix of different races, nationalities, and cultures; they are a truly multi-cultural and multi-ethnic
people. However, within this mix, there are distinct ethnic groups such as the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews that make up the overwhelming majority of the Jewish
People.
Most American Jews are of Ashkenazic origin -- usually originating from Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union. Therefore, American Jews could largely be classified as an ethnic group, hence the characteristic stereotypes, although there are exceptions.
A Jew is not a person who practices Judaism, although most Jews do adhere to some form of Jewish practice or cultural tradition.
A Jew is not an Israeli and an Israeli is not a Jew. An Israeli is a citizen of the state of
Israel. While most Israeli's are Jewish, there are also non-Jewish citizens of
Israel.
A Jew is not automatically a citizen of the state of
Israel. A Jew must apply for and be granted citizenship to the state just like everyone else, although most are awarded citizenship rather easily.
Larry
King's parents were Ashkenazic Jews. Therefore, regardless of whether Larry
King practices Judaism or not, Larry
King is an Ashkenazic Jew.
Larry King is not an Israeli citizen.