‘Infected thinking’
Confusion infects Evan Goldstein’s thinking in his op-ed about openness at Hillel (Oct. 17). Acting against Israel is not free speech; it is not the same as speaking out. Encouraging, supporting, and cooperating with those who boycott, divest and sanction Israel is participating in aggression against Israel. These acts are not speech; they are physical attacks. To those Jews who think they are superior to Israelis and their leaders and would promote BDS — be ashamed.
Harve E. Citrin | Palo Alto
‘BDS not homegrown’
Evan Goldstein’s op-ed was just another of the many pieces supporting Jewish involvement in the BDS movement.
Goldstein, like virtually every other supporter of this movement, is either ignorant of, or is aware of and ignores, the connection of this movement with the Palestinians. The BDS movement is not a homegrown, grassroots movement. It was begun by and is supported by the International Solidarity Movement, a totally anti-Israel organization formed and run by Palestinians. Its aim is to gather support for the Palestinians against Israel.
If one supports the BDS movement knowing this, then one is clearly anti-Israel and ought to openly admit that. Such groups should not be included in the overall Jewish community because of this position.
If one has been ignorant of this connection, then see the above sentences.
BDS advocates aim to damage the Israeli economy and its international standing. Do they really belong in our community?
Joel Ackerman | Richmond
Affront to democratic principles
As a former long-standing executive secretary of the Jewish Home for the Aged, I feel qualified to voice my opinion with regard to the turn-back of Zim cargo with Israeli merchandise for sale.
In more ways than one, this is an affront to democratic and socialistic principles the U.S. government adheres to. Also, Judaism negates this affront.
I hope the Israeli government chooses to strongly object to the forces beyond this betrayal of humanistic and competitive goings on.
Esther Kramer | Shingle Springs, El Dorado County
Call a terrorist a terrorist
There is commonality between the shooter at Fort Hood, the beheader in Oklahoma, the shooter in Ottawa, the hatchet wielder in New York City: Each is a “lone wolf” extremist Muslim terrorist. There have been others who were arrested. The Canadian government said the Ottawa shooter was a terrorist, but Secretary of State John Kerry said it was an attack on the federal government of Canada without saying he was a terrorist. All Muslims are not terrorists, but President Barak Obama has consistently not called a Muslim a terrorist when he should have. If the U.S. government would recognize and identify terrorism when it occurs, that would better show a determination to stop future terrorism. Obama also said that ISIS is not Islam. He needs to start to call a spade a spade.
Norman G. Licht | San Carlos