Article exposes BDS by presenting facts
Congratulations to Dan Pine for his excellent article about the BDS movement (“When does anti-Israel become anti-Semitic?” May 22). His research and information were excellent.
I hope articles like this help more people realize how dangerous the BDS movement is; that it is not a peace movement (it promotes hatred) and that BDS encourages anti-Semitic sentiment and related activities. Many Jews and non-Jews have been lured into supporting BDS not realizing these facts.
Bill Epstein | Oakland
‘Grave mistake’ to label Israel critics as anti-Semites
Ron Kampeas’ piece about an Israeli news show’s discussion of the deterioration of the Obama-Netanyahu relationship illustrates a common phenomenon, albeit one played out in a rarefied environment (“Bibi-Obama rift dissected on Israeli news show,” June 5).
The general phenomenon is defending Israel’s official policy by labeling its critics as anti-Semitic (or self-hating Jews, if they are Jewish). The article recounts a specific instance when Netanyahu accused two former Obama aides — David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel — of being “self-hating” or anti-Israel or anti-Semitic Jews.
Tarring a Jew with the label that s/he is “self-hating” says there is something in his/her development that is so twisted that s/he feels compelled to reject his/her own identity. Accusing a Jew or a gentile of being anti-Semitic claims that s/he is so bigoted such that his/her opinions are animated by hatred.
No doubt among Israel’s critics there are such people — people who wish to see the end of the Jewish state because it galls them that Jews enjoy the same nationalism and pride others do (or Jews who feel so guilty or ashamed that they cringe at any assertion of Jewishness). But to assume that any critic of Israel is motivated by anti-Semitism and/or self-hatred is a grave mistake and one that is inherently, deeply offensive to many sensitive, thoughtful people.
The Middle East presents complex and difficult issues. Some focus on Israel’s vulnerability — for example, three relatively small, well-placed “dirty” bombs might wipe out the country. Others focus on the ever-dwindling area for a Palestinian state and the oppression of Palestinians in the name of Israeli security. Both perceptions are valid. To assume that those who emphasize Palestinian concerns are necessarily anti-Semitic is wrong. Moreover, that attitude alienates many who are concerned with effecting peace in the region and delegitimizes meritorious claims of anti-Semitism.
Yonkel Goldstein | San Carlos
Who has Israel’s back?
A few weeks ago, President Obama went before a synagogue, claiming he had Israel’s back. If this is so, how come he uttered not a peep of protest when the Gaza rockets began to fall on Israel once again?
Scott Abramson | San Mateo
More protection to pack for college
I read Phillip Doppelt’s letter (June 5) about college-age kids being trained by the IDF “to get some backbone” before attending a U.S. college. That’s an interesting idea, but in my opinion, more than that is needed.
Instead, I strongly recommend competent martial arts training for every Jewish kid who is concerned about his or her safety on a college campus or anywhere else.
I have been teaching Goju Ryu karate for over 40 years and have been instructing at the Palo Alto JCC since 1992. I welcome anyone to join me if they would like to build their confidence and develop an actual ability to defend themselves.
Desmond Tuck | San Mateo
Obama, J Street a little too cozy?
There was a lot of indignation and eye rolling when President Obama reportedly said, “I am the closest thing to a Jew that has ever sat in the Oval Office.” But the president may believe that this is not empty rhetoric.
First, more than 70 percent of American Jews voted to elect and re-elect him to the White House. Second, he follows to the letter the program of the Jewish organization J Street. J Street calls for pressuring Israel into more concessions toward the Palestinians. Obama presses Israel. J Street calls for a return to the pre-1967 borders. Obama calls for it, too. J Street considers Benjamin Netanyahu as anathema to Israel. Obama has very tense relations with Netanyahu.
The J Street slogan “pro-Israel, pro-peace” reflects an approach that is totally detached from the reality of the Jewish state living in a sea of hate and war-mongering. Ideologically, J Street and Obama are very close. And that makes him feel like he’s the closest thing to a Jew in the Oval Office.
Vladimir Kaplan | San Mateo
‘Land is ours,’ without apology
After years of hearing Israeli officials playing defense when it comes to their actions, it is refreshing to hear a new generation of leaders not embarrassed by Israel’s achievements in war and in peace.
Tzipi Hotovely is now deputy minister of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the 36-year-old has already turned heads with recent comments, reminding the Israeli diplomatic corps that the land of Israel was given by God to the Jewish people.
While those who try to delegitimize Israel by denying the connection of the Jewish people to our land, she is out in front on the issue. To understand her position, one needs to look at her entire statement. Beyond the headline of “This land is ours and we have nothing to apologize for” is a coherent and refreshing approach to the problems that Israel faces on the diplomatic front.
When President Obama said in Cairo that Israel rose out of the ashes of the Holocaust, he ignored over 3,000 years of history. Whether one believes in the literal words of the Torah or not, there is no denial of Jewish roots in the land of Israel. We have said “next year in Jerusalem” for centuries. For half the world’s Jews, next year has come.
No doubt Hotovely will be criticized as are others in the new Israeli government. However, we all know that Israel’s approach to public relations has been a dismal failure over the past several decades. Maybe an assertive and less passive tact is needed. Israel and the Jewish people do not need to apologize for taking back what is rightfully theirs. I am glad she said it, because it is long overdue.
Gil Stein | Aptos