November 2: He's missing too

When Israel's newspapers report about Israel's missing soldiers, they should include Druse soldier Majdy Halaby in the list.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
letters 88 (photo credit: )
letters 88
(photo credit: )
He's missing too Sir, - When Israel's newspapers report about Israel's missing soldiers ("World Jewry rallies for release of kidnapped soldiers," October 31), they should include Druse soldier Majdy ben Fahmiya Halaby in the list. He left home after a weekend visit to report to his IDF base but was never seen again. Especially because he is a member of the Druse community that supports Israel by serving in the IDF, his disappearance should be given special public recognition. We should not concentrate our attention only on the Jewish soldiers who are missing. HILLEL GREEN Modi'in Gas masks Sir, - Without a doubt, the first priority for gas masks is the IDF ("IDF lacks NIS 1 billion to provide gas masks," November 1). Next in priority is all members of the Knesset and their families. Next in priority - forget it, there is no next priority. EDWARD S. FORTUS Kfar Saba Awareness Sir, - We Israeli citizens continually read reports that our government and intelligence agencies are "aware" of the constant and insidious buildup and strengthening of Hamas and Hizbullah on our borders. They are "aware" that Hamas has compiled a huge arsenal of sophisticated weapons and continues its smuggling across the Egyptian border. They are "aware" that Hizbullah has also more than replenished its arsenal, added longer range missiles and has crossed south of the Litani. We are informed that there is no cause for alarm since the matter is being closely followed. This brings to mind the psychiatric patient who for years has been convinced his wife has been poisoning him with her soup, but continues to eat it each day while closely being "aware" of her every move while he swallows. Both these situations can only occur in psychiatric states. DR. YEHUDA OPPENHEIM Jerusalem I'm delighted Sir, - I have been startled by the change in people since my last visit to Israel. From the airport arrival to the taxis, to the hotel receptionists, to the supermarket checkouts and, more importantly, the queues - the list goes on. The change is reflected in politeness, friendliness, less shouting, less pushing and shoving, less stress and, all in all, a friendlier, more caring Israel. I couldn't be more delighted, as the last time I was here (six years ago), it was a nightmare from the moment I touched down at the airport until I left. And in spite of the obvious political and military pressures that abound, people seem to have learned that treating another human being with respect and kind words has far-reaching benefits. Well done, I am proud. The negative note is Jaffa which I visited the other day. The harbor water was full of empty plastic bottles; waste plastic and rubbish were everywhere. Dead fish were floating in the water from what could only be pollution. If the change I have seen can go one step further to encompass the environment, then we can all truly say that you are indeed "a light unto the nations." STAN BENJAMIN Adelaide, Australia