Checkmate situation I fully agree with Ilan Baruch's statement in “End the self-defeating occupation” (January 12) that Israeli citizens must “vote for a center-left pro-peace government that will give us all a chance for a better life.” The abysmal problem, though, is – what if the West Bank votes for Hamas or a Hamas-like party, which is to be expected. In a region where a nightmarish radical Islamism is on the rise, how does Baruch envisage Israel surviving without resorting to measures, which certainly would be much more inhuman than the present loathsome occupation? I do hope he has an answer to this checkmate situation. Irene G. Freudenheim São Paulo, Brazil First restored cemetery I read with interest “The bridge builder” (January 26) about American Baptists restoring Jewish cemeteries in Poland. I was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1917 and now reside in the US. On my many trips to Cologne I used to visit the Jewish cemetery at Koeln-Deutz, which dates back to 1660, and where my grandparents are buried. I found the cemetery to be in deplorable condition and had to pay to get my grandparents' tombstones maintained properly. After I approached the mayor of Cologne and his staff, the city agreed to restore the whole cemetery. The mayor entrusted the cleanup task to the Catholic Church and they engaged the help of school volunteers. As a result, and probably the first time it had happened in Europe, the cemetery was cleaned up. Walter Kahn New York Ungrateful nation “Losing the Druse?” (January 26) reveals Israel as an ungrateful nation, which rewards the patriotic sacrifices of the Druse, going back to the 1948 war, with “rampant discrimination.” Druse towns are neglected, and education and job opportunities are denied this heroic people whose IDF warriors put their lives on the line daily in defense of Israel. And Israel treats them no better than its Arab Israelis who wish Israel the worst. Jack Saunders Holderness, New Hampshire What are the reasons for the lack of infrastructure in Druse communities? Does the Israeli electorate see allotting resources to Druse less of a priority than allotting resources to Haredim (who are not interested in becoming integrated in the labor market – unlike the Druse)? Haredi communities, such as Beitar Illit, are well provided with suitable infrastructure and resources by the state. Daniel Saunders Binghamton, New York Suspected genius I am beginning to suspect that Haim Watzman is a genius. His story “The last war but one” (December 29) had me giggling hysterically at his humor, but also in awe of his wisdom, caring and concern for us common folk. I found myself rereading it three times. Dr. Shimshon Bitnun Bar Yochai, Galilee In the same frame In “Panic in Paris” (February 9), you published a photo of the funeral here in Jerusalem of the victims of a terrorist attack in a Paris kosher supermarket. In the background of the photo we can see the houses of the Har Nof neighborhood, where four Jews (and a Druse policeman) were killed two months before in their synagogue by terrorists. So local and distant victims are bound together in the same frame. Yochanan Cohen-Yashar Jerusalem Who's provocative? In the article by Andrew Friedman on “East Jerusalem's simmering summer” (November 3), one quotation is highly noteworthy. Yehudit Oppenhemier of the left-wing NGO Ir Amim is quoted as saying “all presence of settlers is provocative.” In today's Jerusalem, Arab families are buying properties in French Hill, and Arab families can routinely be seen barbecuing in Liberty Bell Park, playing in the fountains near the windmill, and shopping at Mamilla Mall. No one describes this Arab presence as “provocative.” So why is one presence provocative and the other not? Dr. Jack L. Arbiser Atlanta Send letters by email to: jrepletters@jreport.co.il Please include your full postal address. The editor reserves the right to edit letters as appropriate. Priority will be given to brief letters that relate to articles in the magazine.
