Letters to the editor

Unfortunately, Israel is at war 24/7/365 with non-state actors and countries guided by religion that seek to eliminate us from the Middle East.

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters (photo credit: REUTERS)
Letters
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Informative article...
Sir, – Thank you for the informative article on breast cancer (“Women warriors,” Cover, October 3). However, you omitted the fact that men can also get breast cancer, although the percentage is much lower than in women. Nonetheless, men in high-risk families should be on the lookout for symptoms.
SALLIE TANGIR
Tel Mond
...but poorly timed
Sir, – Although breast cancer is a very serious issue and one worthy of being featured on the cover of The Jerusalem Post Magazine, it was not appropriate for the issue that appeared on the eve of Yom Kippur (October 3). The cover story should have related to Yom Kippur and how it is observed in Israel, or to the Yom Kippur War.
In addition, the fact that there were no articles related to the 1973 war was disturbing.
A nation that forgets its past is, God forbid, doomed to repeat it.
FRED SAMUELS
Rehovot
The need for spies
Sir, – Lawrence Rifkin wishes there had been more than 43 members of IDF Unit 8200 who refused further service in the unit (“Objecting conscientiously,” Grumpy Old Man, September 24). The 43 had troubled consciences because they were designating civilians due to hidden or forbidden aspects of their lives, making them vulnerable to blackmail and pressure to work for Israel’s security services.
Rifkin states that this mission is not for every conscript although it’s a “necessity in times of war....” He is right about the first part. However, countries enlist spies, including through coercion, during peace as well as in wartime. Out of extreme necessity to counter terrorism and the threat of a new war, Israel does the same.
Those who agree with the 43 must realize that both signal intelligence and human intelligence make it possible for us to sit in coffee bars or restaurants without fear of being blown up or being subject to surprise attack on our borders.
Unfortunately, Israel is at war 24/7/365 with non-state actors and countries guided by religion that seek to eliminate us from the Middle East.
When the guns are quiet it is a silent war never revealed to the public. It is fought by the Shin Bet, Mossad, IDF Military Intelligence and Unit 8200. It includes turning civilians, enemy soldiers, diplomats and government officials into our spies.
The missions is to keep us safe.
Kol hakavod to those who carry it out. We respect, honor and love you.
BERNARD SMITH
Jerusalem