Letters do not reflect deep Jewish values
I was dismayed to read a group of letters in the April 17 issue that reflect an unrealistic, unfair and uncompromising view of Israeli politics and international relations.
One letter, while highlighting the Zionist Union’s reservations about the emerging deal with Iran, emphasizes criticisms the Israeli political party has voiced about the agreement — overlooking the Zionist Union’s suggested approach — to work closely with the United States to improve, not scuttle, the final agreement.
The next letter briefly reviews the history of Israel and her allies, noting, for example, that in earlier times Israel obtained military support from the Soviet Union and later France. But then the writer wonders about the primary reason Obama hasn’treduced U.S. aid to Israel, suggesting, without any evidence, that Obama fears an Israeli-Chinese military deal — adding that “with a person like him, anything can happen.” A person like him? Someone who has pursued close intelligence and military ties with Israel while working doggedly to establish a long-lasting peace in the region? The letter’s innuendo is patently offensive.
The next letter decries “Obama’s give-away nuclear weapons pact with Iran.” Of course, criticism of the framework is legitimate. Characterizing it as a “give-away” deal is not. For example, Gen. Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, described the deal as “not a negligible achievement.”
Finally, there is a letter describing the historical Jewish presence on the West Bank and equating negotiations to establish a Palestinian state on that land with appeasing Hitler — as if Palestinian nationalist goals and Hitler’s were of the same ilk.
These letters do not reflect the deep Jewish values of pursuing peace and doing justice — values which, I believe, are treasured by the vast majority of American and Israeli Jews.
Yonkel Goldstein | San Carlos
Now waving his flag as an Israeli citizen
We were pleasantly surprised to see our son Miguel on last week’s cover (“Israel Independence Day,” April 17). You may want to know that, since this picture was taken (in April 2014), he made aliyah and has joined the IDF as a chayal boded, or lone soldier. He made good on his passion for Israel that you see in the picture.
Hopefully all of us will follow him very soon.
Moshe Meir | San Carlos
Doubting claims made by anti-circumcision camp
In his opinion piece about anti-circumcision extremists, Andrew Gross brought up many valid points (“It’s time for anti-circumcision extremists to stop the bullying,” April 17). However, what is absent is any response from the people or organizations opposed to circumcision, explaining how they came to form opinions so strong that they would threaten those who perform it or seek to ban the practice.
I’d also like to know whether anyone making claims about the dangers of circumcision has ever attended a brit milah or spoken to parents who have had their sons circumcised.
Having attended countless such ceremonies myself and spoken to plenty of parents, I’ve never heard of an instance in which the alleged “victims” suffered more than a moment’s pain (similar to that caused by a vaccination, judging by the very minimal crying). Moreover, I have never heard parents complain that their son had any lasting negative effects. I also have never heard any Jewish man complain that he feels “mutilated” or is unable to enjoy sexual intercourse as much as he would with a foreskin.
I would like to see more exploration of the kinds of people who are making these unfounded claims and have the chance to refute them properly. Perhaps Mr. Gross should be given an opportunity to continue his research and report back to us.
Naomi Lifschultz Preston | San Mateo
Poignant meeting between survivor, German diplomat
On April 17, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Herman Shine met for nearly two hours with German Consul General Stephan Schleuter at the German Consulate in San Francisco. For Mr. Shine, who was the subject of an April 10 story (“San Mateo man escaped from Auschwitz; his story is on film”), it was a poignant occasion.
Mr. Shine and the consul general spoke about the need to maintain proper remembrance of the Holocaust. Mr. Schleuter spoke of his work to ensure the remembrance of both the horrors of the Holocaust and the many acts of courage during that period. He spoke of the formative influence of a diplomatic post he held in Israel early in his career, and getting to know the German-Israeli journalist Inge Deutschkron, who has worked to promote Holocaust education in Germany.
Mr. Shine discussed his escape from Auschwitz, touching on many aspects that were not in the documentary about him, “Escape from Auschwitz: A Portrait of Friendship.” Of particular interest to the consul general was the help provided by the family of Herman Shine’s wife, who provided hiding in Gleiwitz. The consul general talked about his family connection to Gleiwitz and the fact that events there helped trigger the formal commencement of World War II in 1939.
Mr. Shine presented the consul general with a copy of the documentary and the video message he sent to the Sachsenhausen Memorial Foundation for the 70th anniversary of the camp’s liberation. Mr. Shine spent three years as a prisoner in Sachsenhausen before being sent to Auschwitz. He also presented the consul general with a collection of essays in honor of the late Rabbi Joseph Asher of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.
Oscar A. Rosenbloom | Palo Alto
Opinion writer gets facts wrong
In his April 3 op-ed (“If U.S. backs off, Bibi’s wish could become his nightmare”), Douglas M. Bloomfield writes that “Obama … can veto a Palestinian or French resolution [at the United Nations], as he did in December.”
President Obama did not veto the U.N. resolution. There was no need — the resolution did not pass the Security Council. From U.N. press releases on Dec. 30, 2014: “The Security Council today failed to adopt a draft resolution calling for Israel, within three years, to withdraw from Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 and, within one year, for the parties to reach a negotiated solution to the conflict.”
A man with Bloomfield’s credentials should be aware of the facts and not repeat misinformation and lies propagated by the mainstream media.
Anastasia Glikshtern | San Francisco