New York, Jan 11: US President Barack Obama’s Israel policies and his clashes with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could cost him a membership at an elite mostly- Jewish golf club, according to a media report.
Mr Obama is looking to join the elite Woodmont Country Club in Maryland once he becomes a private citizen, the New York Post reported.
But members of the mostly-Jewish club are at each other’s throats over whether to accept the golf-loving president, with many saying he deserves to be snubbed for not blocking an anti-Israel vote at the UN, the report said, citing sources.
Mr Obama’s UN decision was followed by a speech by Secretary of State John Kerry that was seen by many in the Jewish community as hostile to Israel.
“In light of the votes at the UN and the Kerry speech and everything else, there is this major uproar with having him part of the club, and a significant portion of the club has opposed offering him membership,” a source was quoted as saying.
Mr Obama’s complimentary membership in the club - which charges regular members an $80,000 initiation fee - would have begun after he leaves the White House on January 20, Inauguration Day.
The Obamas will continue to live in Washington, DC - and the Rockville club would offer a relaxing respite just kilometres from his new home.
“It’s a very exclusive, high-end club,” a source was quoted as saying.
In addition to the steep initiation fee, members must spend $9,673 in annual dues.
“Originally, this was supposed to be a back-door thing to get this done and give him the membership - free of charge - and circumvent the rules. But now, with the UN thing, they are not in position or likely to do it,” the daily quoted a source as saying.
Democrats and Republicans in the club both oppose waiving normal procedures for the soon-to-be ex-president, the report said.
“Can you imagine how angry I would be if I had paid $80,000 to have to look at this guy who has done more to damage Israel than any president in American history?” an official in a Washington Jewish organisation told the daily.
