July 30: Fast for Jerusalem

For those who feel the threat and the pain of political isolation and unfair world criticism, fasting today for ancient tragedy could be fitting and helpful in preventing future tragedy.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
letters 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
letters 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Fast for Jerusalem Sir, - The Talmud (Ta'anit 30b) states: "He who mourns for Jerusalem merits to see its rejoicing." Perhaps it works the other way around as well - He who rejoices with Jerusalem should know when to mourn for it. For those to whom the rejoicing with Jerusalem regained and rebuilt is something they can take or leave, the current dangers to Jerusalem are no problem. But for those who feel the threat and the pain of political isolation and unfair world criticism, fasting today, Tisha Be'av, for ancient tragedy could be fitting and helpful in preventing future tragedy. JACOB CHINITZ Jerusalem Courage & kudos Sir, - I wanted to commend former Foreign Ministry legal adviser Alan Baker in a very genuine way for writing his superb "The forgotten factor that so skews Goldstone's mission"( July 29). His point is crystal-clear, and bringing it to the attention of the Israeli public (and internationally) is a real mitzva on behalf of all of us in Israel. Kudos to your paper as well, for having the courage to bring out into the open what is happening under the surface. There is so much work to be done on this front. As an avid Post reader and a citizen, I very much hope that publicly revealing the anti-Israel bias that provides the basis for these types of missions and mandates will lead to them being exposed for what they are - just another way to delegitimize the Jewish state. HIRSCHEL (HARRY) MOSKOFF Beit Shemesh Looked, but didn't find Sir, - According to Mikhael Manekin, Breaking the Silence "is a registered non-profit company which prides itself on transparency... its annual reports can be found online by all" ("Let's talk about Operation Cast lead," July 29). However, when I searched the organization's Web site, I could find no information about its registration or annual reports, and the Registrar of Non-Profit Organizations (Amutot) does not list it. In the name of transparency, can Mr. Manekin tell us where and how Breaking the Silence is registered, where we can see its annual reports, and whether among its foreign donors there are any foreign governments? JAN SOKOLOVSKY Jerusalem Dubious motives Sir, - Seth Frantzman accurately describes the anti-fence protesters and their malevolent provocations aimed at delegitimizing, and thus undermining Israel's right to self-defense against Palestinian-Arab terror attacks ("The colonization of the conflict," July 28). I suspect, however, that he felt it prudent not to raise the likelihood that anti-Semitism and Jewish self-hate play a role in motivating these fighters for "peace." ZVI NOVEMBER Jerusalem Pardon me while I throw up Sir, - "Revulsion" is the only word I can use to describe what I felt when I read your front-page story about the Rogatka "bar" ("Trendy Tel Aviv restaurant-bar forbids soldiers to enter," July 29). To paraphrase Jack Nicholson in the movie A Few Good Men, how dare they live under the banner of democracy and the security the IDF provides, then question the way that security is provided? It's even more revolting that this establishment exists in Tel Aviv, just now celebrating its 100th anniversary as the first Jewish city of modern times. Wouldn't Ramallah be a much more fitting location for an establishment that is the antithesis of Jewish pride? I can only imagine the uproar that would ensue if a rule prohibiting servicemen or women in uniform existed anywhere in the United States. Shame on them, and on anyone who patronizes them. MARSHA GREENBERG Englewood, New Jersey Sir, - This is not really a business open to the public. At best, it is a private club. At worst, it is an obscenity. This place ought not to be allowed to advertise itself in newspapers or magazines as a public concern. In fact, its name should disappear from all public mention. Let's not give it any more free publicity. Organizations and individuals who respect our country, and those who defend it, will boycott this disgraceful place. S.L. WOOLF Ramat Beit Shemesh Sir, - A thought and two questions came to mind as I read the article about the Rogatka restaurant-bar. First, the picture of the rat in their logo is pluperfect! Second, is their motto "My country, never right, always wrong"? Third, while they ban IDF soldiers in uniform, would they allow in Palestinians "in uniform" - i.e., those wearing suicide belts? MARC W. HIRSCH Kochav Ya'ir Sir, - It was with disgust that I read about the Rogatka restaurant-bar, which disallows soldiers from eating there. Such gall and hutzpa - it's like saying "No dogs. No blacks. No Jews"! These owners should have their trading license revoked and be closed down by the police and government authorities. Shame on them. DAVE ADLER Karmiel Sir, - Shut the Rogatka Bar down! Surely its policy is discrimination, even incitement. Shut it down and erect an Israeli flag in its place. SUSAN TARAGIN Jerusalem Why all the bad news? Sir, - We appreciate The Jerusalem Post, have subscribed to it for over 10 years and have always compared it to a serious British newspaper. However, the first page of your July 26 edition dismayed us. We are unable to understand the reasons for your paper having published only depressing news on the front page. Also, is printing "Father confesses to strangling three-year-old daughter to death" as your top headline the face of Israel that we really want to advertise to the world at large? Reading your page 1 was certainly not a pleasant way to start the week. Could you try and find something uplifting to include in future front pages? EZRA AND AVRIL MEALLEM Jerusalem Noble, but not 'Righteous' Sir, - "Morocco's King Mohammed VI challenges Muslim Holocaust mindset" (July 28) related to Khaled Abdulwahhab of Tunisia, noting that his case is still under study. The case was discussed by the Commission for the Designation of the Righteous Among the Nations, who concluded that despite Abdulwahhab's noble actions, he did not meet the criteria for recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations. IRIS ROSENBERG Spokesperson, Yad Vashem Jerusalem Short and meet Sir, - Re "A shekel for your thoughts - MK proposes currency motto to 'remind Israelis of Judaism': Shas's Ze'ev wants 'We believe in the creator of the world' on shekel bills, citing America's 'In God We Trust'" (July 29): Given the times we live in and our tri-lingual currency's space constraints, how about the short, simple and consensus commandment: "Do not steal"? YONATAN SILVER Jerusalem