Letters to the editor, April 21

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
letters good 88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
letters good 88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Seat belts save lives Sir, - I was so sad to read about the young athlete Yevgenia Vexler and her son, Arthur, killed while minding their own business at a red light in Tel Aviv ("Maccabi Tel Aviv track star killed in traffic accident," April 14). Every time I hear of an accident I wonder if the driver and passengers were belted, and wish that was part of the report. A good friend of mine, driving recently on the Arava Highway with two teenager passengers, was in an accident. They came out of it virtually unharmed, but I shudder to think of the outcome had they not been belted. I wonder how and when Israelis will get it that seat belts save lives. I bet if the police started handing out tickets for unbelted kids - as they do to those using phones without a speaker - more people would adopt this lifesaving measure for all the family. LINDA AVITAN Rehovot Like it is Sir, - How wonderful to read the words of a general who tells it like it is ("We are at war," April 14). Maj.-Gen. Yitzhak Harel cuts through all the cliches about the "humanitarian crisis" in the Palestinian towns and villages. I would just add that the debate involving continued aid to the Palestinian Authority demonstrates the international community's twisted priorities. The millions facing imminent starvation in the Horn of East Africa can be saved, according to reported estimates, by less money than the Palestinians are demanding to pay their government salaries - for one month! Let the world tell them: "No - there are some things more important than your fat bureaucrats!" DOUG GREENER Jerusalem Peace offensive? Sir, - If the Iranians are developing nuclear technology "for peaceful purposes," how do they plan to wipe Israel, the most powerful nation in the Middle East, off the map? ("Iran seen beefing up nuclear facilities," April 17.) ALEX LOVINGER Ra'anana Turing in reverse Sir, - The report that 40,000 trained suicide bombers are ready to strike American and British targets if Iranian nuclear sites are hit shows how proud the Iranians are of their up-to-date R&D and "creativity" in which Iranian minds substitute for the microchip used in the navigational guidance system of a cruise missile. A new Turing test in reverse would be appropriate - a human proving that he is a machine. MLADEN ANDRIJASEVIC Beersheba Shira's teddies Sir, - Twelve-year-old Shira Goldstein has shown vision, organization and industry by transporting 7,000 teddy bears to lighten the hearts of Israel's sick children. As a psychologist I am well aware that a cuddle and a smile promote health. Yet I recognize the priorities and integrity that this impoundment represents. I am proud that we seek to include more critical medications in our national health-care package, and that we give tax dispensations to the chronically ill and disabled. I suffer no shame or embarrassment that we cannot provide tax breaks for Diaspora gift-horses. Perhaps there is a philanthropist with a "plush fund" out there who can see these teddies safely into the arms of the sick kids. And, Shira, at 12 you have sent us your teddy bears. I hope it won't be too long before you join us with your vision and industry. You will be most welcome. PHYLLIS STRAUSS Efrat To be brief Sir, - I would like to add one word to Amotz Asa-El's "Silvan to the rescue" (UpFront, April 14) - Amen! MIRIAM NATHANS Rishon Lezion