There should be an outcrySir, – In reference to Gil Troy’s article last month on the Galilee rape case (“Anglos are enraged about the Galilee rape. Are others numb?,” January 12), as well as later articles and the current trial (“State gets 30 days to consider releasing teen allegedly abused in custody,” February 9), my mind refuses to accept what was allegedly done to this boy in jail. It is a disgrace to the State of Israel that such an event could take place, that Jewish youth could act with such a lack of values. Corruption of too many police is also well known.My heart goes out to his parents and family, and I have no words of comfort. We were all at fault, as when our Temple was destroyed and Jewish society did not get involved – i.e., the story of Kamza and Bar Kamza (Gittin).There should be an outcry from all of us, to analyze ourselves regarding what it means to be a Jew and to live up to Jewish values.
HENRY HIRSCH NetanyaProud to be Israeli...Sir, – Contrary to Anat Hoffman’s assertion, we are not with Naomi Chazan (“We are with you,” February 8). It appears that most Israelis deplore not only the activities of the finally exposed NIF, but also the fact that an ex-MK has lent her name to such an effort.Hoffman’s statement that Chazan’s activities make her “proud to be an Israeli” reminds me of Michelle Obama’s statement after her husband’s election, that now, for the first time, she is proud to be an American.There are better reasons.And let me remind Ms. Hoffman – who, rather than present a cogent argument, invokes plays on words – chazanim have been known to sing off-key.Im Tirtzu has done us all a service.DR. NETTA KOHNJerusalemSir, – Anat Hoffman is playing on a surreal field of political battle. The “bullies” of Im Tirtzu running roughshod over the “model of strength” of Naomi Chazan and her beknighted NIF? Is this a joke?Im Tirtzu is a grassroots organization made up of the committed Zionist youth of Israel. Their budget is a rounding error of the NIF’s. These kids are the backbone of the country, and without the likes of them, we are in great danger. Particularly if the field is left to the likes of the effete blame-Israel-first crowd that the NIF finds so funding worthy.The Left is so quick to self righteously criticize and even to threaten to undermine that which doesn’t comport to their sensibilities. But dare oppose them, and of course you are a bully.Ms. Hoffman, your model of strength needs a much thicker skin.
DOUGLAS ALTABEFRosh Pina... disappointed in the ‘Post’...Sir, – A newspaper should protect its journalists – both staff members and regular (non-staff) contributors – even if that means turning down a lucrative ad that slanders one or more of them. To allow, on the pretext of free speech, an ad that smears a regular contributor is tantamount to quashing freedom of speech.This is what happened in the case of Naomi Chazan and the New Israel Fund.When NIF lawyers responded to the ad, The Jerusalem Post added insult to injury by stopping Chazan’s column. Not only did the paper fail to protect one of its journalists, it blocked that journalist’s opportunity to speak ever again on its pages.It is a pity that a paper that prides itself on editorial balance should contribute so brutally to the diametric opposite of a free press.ESTHER HECHTJerusalemSir, – We are totally shattered by your decision to fire Naomi Chazan, whose column was a refreshing, thought-provoking and intelligent assessment of what goes on in this country. Her position as president of the New Israel Fund is another feather in her cap, as that organization supports so many important social service programs in Israel.We do have to commend you for printing the articles written by Ray Hanania (“We come and go,” February 9), Gershon Baskin (“A dark day for democracy,” February 9) and Anat Hoffman, all of whom express their support for Prof. Chazan, what she stands for and the things she has accomplished on behalf of Israel and its citizens. We totally agree with Mr. Hanania that there should be room for journalists with differing opinions on all newspapers.We also think that The Jerusalem Post should have examined that vicious cartoon demonizing Naomi Chazan, before agreeing to print it. Does money overtake principles?JUDY & STEW TELMAN Mevaseret Zion... and seeking a solutionSir, – Am I being naïve in suggesting that a simple solution to the controversy over the New Israel Fund would be for it to cease acting as a center for receiving and dispensing funds, allowing the Israeli public to see exactly who is supporting what?GERALD STANHILL RehovotNothing better to do?Sir, – Meretz activist Shimon Bigelman may have nothing better to do with his time than get “ready for a lengthy struggle” trying to open the Jerusalem Theater on Shabbat (“Jerusalem Theater may be next battleground in capital ‘Shabbat wars,’” February 4). However, the article concludes with Deputy Mayor Pepe Alalou saying that he is “firmly behind the campaign and was also prepared for the long haul.”Certainly, with all the problems in our city, our deputy mayor could find a better use for his time?SHARON ALTSHUL JerusalemIran’s new dance stepSir, – Jonathan Spyer was wrong in describing Iranian progress towardthe bomb as “one step forward, two steps back” (“The Iranian quickstep:One step forward, two steps back,” February 4). That would be going inreverse, which would be progress for us, not for them.Inreality, they have devised a new dance step. They are going three stepsforward and one step back. This succeeds in deceiving the West and is,indeed, Iranian-style progress.BARRY SHAW Netanya