King’s dream a Jewish one, too
Fifty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what would become known as his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington. That day, he called upon America to “make real the promises of democracy” for all of its citizens, and in a powerful crescendo without peer in the history of American political oratory, he set forth his vision of a nation that was “free at last” from the hateful chains of racial bigotry.
Today, it is worth pausing not only to recall a moment that transformed our country, but to note that the dream Dr. King so eloquently articulated from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial was also, in its essence, a dream the Jewish people had held in their hearts for more than 2,000 years: to be free to live in peace with the same rights as their neighbors; seen and evaluated not as a group, but as individuals; and judged not by superficial qualities or features – and especially not by unfair stereotypes imposed upon them collectively – but rather, “by the content of their character.”
Stephen A. Silver | San Francisco
Shoe on the other foot
Regarding “Campus anti-Semitism complaints dismissed” (Aug. 30): Here is another way to challenge those offensive tactics employed by pro-Palestinian activists which involve stopping fellow students at mock checkpoints and cardboard walls. If dressing up as Israeli soldiers and mocking Israel’s attempts to keep out Palestinian suicide bombers is free speech, then I suggest that students who want to challenge these lies about Israel have a little fun while pointing out the truth.
Simply dress up like an Arab suicide bomber with headscarf, kaffiyeh or one of those green headbands the real Palestinian terrorists wear along with a mock suicide vest, and hold a sign that says “I built this fence” or “I built this checkpoint.” Then let’s see if the shoe fits on the other foot.
Sheree Roth | Palo Alto
So-called peace talks
If John Kerry’s surreal optimism about Middle East peace is an indication of the Obama administration’s foreign affairs logic, the only more incredulous thing is how our media seems to have lost its bearings in reporting Kerry’s progress reports as if they make any sense.
The Voice of Palestine radio, controlled by the same Palestinian Authority conducting so-called peace talks with Israel, cheerfully announced on Aug. 8 that “…one day Palestine will be Palestine again.” For those who don’t understand “Palicode,” this means Israel will cease to exist. Now why would someone negotiate their own ultimate destruction if it was clear that was what was coming down the pike?
A major reality check isn’t in the cards until the current crop of brainwashed Arab Palestinian kids change the channel. Unfortunately, if they watch Western TV, they’ll get the same message, only more confusing but just as ridiculous.
Desmond Tuck | San Mateo
Jewish Agency fan
On Aug. 25, Peninsula Sinai Congregation, upon the initiative of Rabbi Corey Helfand, held a round-table discussion with Josh Schwarcz, secretary general of the Jewish Agency for Israel. In a free-flowing conversation, topics from saving Jews from anti-Semitism to Women of the Wall were discussed.
Mr. Schwarcz stressed the new approach taken by the agency under the leadership of the famous former refusenik Nathan Sharansky: Instead of always emphasizing aliyah, the Jewish Agency is now working on connecting diaspora Jewish youth to Israel. Programs like Taglit-Birthright Israel, Masa and others are dedicated to this purpose. Of course, the physical security of Jews outside of Israel, and their spiritual rebirth, remain prime goals of the agency.
Unfortunately, many synagogues in the Bay Area passed up the chance of meeting with Mr. Schwarcz and learning about the Jewish Agency’s vitally important work.
Vladimir Kaplan | San Mateo