January 5: Who's a bigot?

Derfner comes down hard on Netanyahu for expressing satisfaction at the decline in the birthrate of Israel's non-Jewish population.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
letters good 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
letters good 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Who's a bigot? Sir, - Larry Derfner comes down hard on Binyamin Netanyahu for expressing satisfaction at the decline in the birthrate of Israel's non-Jewish population ("A bigot called Bibi," January 4). I'm sure he will now denounce those liberal professors who, in support of Israeli withdrawal from Judea and Samaria, express concern over the high Arab birthrate; and voice dissent from his ideological colleagues who attack religious Jews for having so many children. And I'm absolutely certain Mr. Derfner's editorial does not derive from the hatred and fear of Netanyahu that characterizes the writing of left-leaning journalists in Israel. ZEEV GOLIN Rehovot Sir, - Bibi's remarks about population decreases in the haredi and Arab sectors are truths, and warranted. Fewer haredi births means fewer nonproductive consumers and freeing women from that sector to become productive in hi-tech and other suitable occupations. It also contributes to the intermingling of the extreme religious with the less and non-religious, resulting in more tolerance. Fewer newborn Arabs mean proportionately fewer potential suicide bombers, drive-by killers, knifers and car thieves. Accuse me of being racist, if that means pride in one's nationality, or of deriding one's neighbor, as long as the Arabs continue their system of education towards hating Jews. SAM LEVY Caesarea Sir, - Larry Derfner is in a state of denial. Israel was founded as a homeland for the Jews. A decline in the Arab birthrate is most certainly a positive for the Jewish state as it decreases the demographic threat. This is common sense. The only true bigot here is Derfner. DAVID M. LEVIN Jerusalem Teddy Kollek St. Sir, - Since he had Jerusalem in his heart, at his passing can we rename King George Street Teddy Kollek Street? It would be most fitting for a man who unselfishly gave and gave. Kollek was of that brand of politicians we need so much today. M.M. VAN ZUIDEN Jerusalem Speak for yourself Sir, - Given the overwhelming disaffection with Ehud Olmert, Jonathan Rosenblum's "Ehud who?" (UpFront, December 29) was right on target. The solution, however, is not so clear. Rosenblum, like the rest of us, wants a leader who can articulate why it is important that we prevail. Unfortunately, Jews and their leaders will always have a rocky relationship. Even David and Moses had a hard time, which is why the Bible speaks of the appointment of a king as a second-best option. Better that each of us should speak for ourselves, rather than continue our anxious obsession with looking to these highly-flawed characters to do it for us. Josh Mark Jerusalem Simply, heroes Sir, - "Border police destroy 60-kg. bomb ("January 4) Can you imagine how many lives our soldiers saved by spotting terrorists planting this bomb? Our soldiers are risking their lives every minute of the day and night. Give their names, give them big coverage. These heroes deserve it. JENNY WEIL Jerusalem