December 1, 2017: Comfy Diaspora

With regard to Seth J. Frantzman’s “The elephant in the Diaspora-Israel Jewish ‘crisis’: Wealth and understanding” (Terra Incognita, November 28), there has been much reaction...

NOVEMBER 30, 2017 22:01

Updated: NOVEMBER 30, 2017 22:00

Letters (photo credit: REUTERS) — Letters

(photo credit: REUTERS)

Comfy Diaspora

With regard to Seth J. Frantzman’s “The elephant in the Diaspora-Israel Jewish ‘crisis’: Wealth and understanding” (Terra Incognita, November 28), there has been much reaction to Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely’s comments in a TV interview after a rude and sudden refusal to allow her to speak at an American campus Hillel. Frantzman’s column clearly sums up the situation without a lot of emotional regurgitation. He says it like it is.

The difference between American Jewry and Israelis has little to do with the Western Wall and much to do with the economic and existential challenges facing Israelis compared to the good life that American Jews experience. An 18-year-old American Jewish male generally has no greater worry than which shiny sports car to purchase. In contrast, his Israeli counterpart is serving his country on a dangerous border and is fervently aware of his responsibility to his country and family.

Having grown up in the US, I realized in young adulthood that being a Jew there was too comfortable for the prognosis of continuity and I chose to raise my four children in Israel.

The enormous difference in the value systems as adults and parents is hard to fathom.

There are wonderful Jews in the US who are deeply and sincerely committed to Judaism and the Jewish state. They are, unfortunately, outnumbered and, in my prediction, will one day soon face the uncomfortable reality of having to choose where home truly is.

MEIRA OVED

Modi’in

Truth often hurts, and that’s why so many ignore it. The hullabaloo that followed some candid remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely is a case in point.

American Jews can never understand the Israeli mentality when it comes to taking risks for peace. Ms.

Hotovely correctly stated that inasmuch as most American Jews do not send their kids to the army, they do not understand the reality of life in Israel. There is a different reality when it is your kids who have to pay the price by going to war if the risks for peace fail.

No one denies the right of Diaspora Jews to criticize Israel. Many participate in solidarity missions and offer financial support. Yet when it comes to ensuring a Jewish future, they are sorely wanting. If these Jews want to play a more active role in decision-making, they should make aliya with their children.

It is refreshing to hear from an elected official who does not speak from both sides of her mouth.

Tzipi Hotovely’s remarks were courageous and correct.

ROBERT DUBLIN

Jerusalem

Shabbat, coalitions

The proposed solution to the political crisis triggered by the Shabbat rail maintenance work (“PM staves off coalition threat after Litzman quits,” November 27) is likely inferior to the method applied to track work on the New York subway system in terms of the inconvenience it causes.

In New York, where the subway operates 24/7, selected maintenance work is mostly carried out at night. It is probably more expensive, but it’s less inconvenient to the riding public.

IRA SOHN

New York

Kudos for your balanced article. This is the first time I have seen you use quotes from Hamodia, a religious newspaper, in addition to quotes by various politicians.

I agree with Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel that Ya’acov Litzman was one of the best health ministers Israel has had. I hope you will interview him so that we can hear of his accomplishments firsthand.

As far as Yesh Atid MK Yael German’s statement that the Haredim are “forcing their way of life on the general public,” I would like to point out that it can go both ways, with the anti-religious segment forcing its way of life on the public.

A friend wrote on Facebook “There are many (including me) who are for having Shabbat. Why do we have to succumb to the whims of non-observers...? Jews don’t want to work on Shabbat, even in Tel Aviv. Please understand this!”

LEAH URSO

Modi’in