Planners all wet
Sir, – Water, water, everywhere – and so much going to waste
(“Storm brings much of country to standstill,” January 9).
Many years
ago, experts determined that if we were to channel the runoff from streets and
hills into reservoirs and purify it, money would be saved on building
desalination plants. The water would probably taste better, too. However, it
seems that one government after another cannot bring itself to plan for the
future.
KURT SIMON
Jerusalem
Sir, – In 2009 the government announced it
would complete two more desalinization plants by 2012, solving Israel’s
perennial water crisis. Israelis were charged punitive rates to pay for this
plan.
It is now 2013 and it’s been pouring rain for days, with the
Kinneret rapidly filling up. The question is, was the government hasty in its
exorbitant collections and outlays? Hasn’t it noticed that a few dry years do
not have to mean we will run out of water? Perhaps our leaders simply should
have waited until the inevitable rains, for which Israelis pray
daily.
SAUL ESTREICHER
Elazar
No renegade
Sir, – From what I have read of
Rabbi Haim Amsalem, I have the impression that he is more tolerant and more in
touch with reality than many of his so-called religious brethren. I was
therefore rather puzzled to see the rabbi described as a “renegade” (“Deri’s
mom, God’s messenger and Likud’s ’96 slogan,” January 9).
Not knowing
what renegade means, I turned to the Concise Oxford Dictionary and found it
defined as (a) an apostate, especially from Christianity to Islam, (b) a
deserter of party or principles, (c) a turncoat. Amsalem is none of the above.
May I suggest that the word not be used to describe him.
MARION LUPU
Haifa
Not from afar
Sir, – With regard to “US rabbinical students deliver more
than 700 letters against E1 to Netanyahu’s office” (January 9), I have a
suggestion.
In less than two weeks there will be elections, time enough
for the rabbinical students to make aliya, vote with their feet, and then claim
the moral authority to publicly urge on Israel decisions that – only then – will
impact them.
Until that time they should have the decency to restrain
themselves.
IRVING WIESEN
Jerusalem
Sir, – The 700 letters sent by
American rabbinical students and cantors expressing their concern over the
deteriorating relationship between Israel and the US would be more meaningful
and relevant if the advice-givers planned to bear the consequences by living in
Israel and experiencing a shower of bombs.
L. BLASS
Jerusalem
Abstain for
reform
Sir, – With elections looming, everyone is telling me it’s my duty to
exercise my democratic right to vote. I don’t agree.
I see it as my duty
not to vote for a list of people of whom I have never heard, except for one or
two of its leaders, and which will inevitably change, merge, compromise, do
shady deals and scramble to be in a coalition, whether in the government or
opposition.
Either way, its members will receive all the perks that come
with being an member of Knesset.
Until I have the choice of electing an
individual who is committed to represent my interests and those of my local
community, as in other Western democracies, I consider it my duty and democratic
right to abstain.
People may scoff and accuse me of wasting my vote and
thereby empowering the aspiring big shots, but I say that if everyone abstains
in disgust at the present system, perhaps electoral reform and true
parliamentary representation might finally be achieved.
GEOFFREY PREGER
Caesarea
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