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Israel fosters hostility by attacking Lebanon
To the editor: (August 2. 2006)
As a pro-Israel American Jew, I am, like many thousands of other Jews, saddened by and ashamed of Israel's attacks on Lebanon and the support of these acts by those self-appointed spokesmen for American Jews like the leaders of AIPAC and their ilk. A right of self-defense against a terrorist organization like Hezbollah does not include the extensive destruction of a country's infrastructure and environment and the often indiscriminate bombing of its civilian and mostly innocent population. These acts are morally indefensible and are likely to increase the world's hostility toward Israel.
The Bush administration could help Israel better by ceasing to block the efforts of the international community to impose a cease-fire and thus save Israeli, Lebanese and Palestinian lives. Then it could use this tragedy as an opportunity to work toward a permanent solution to the Israel-Palestine problem.
Some equitable models already exist. One of them, the Geneva Accord of 2003, was developed by both Israeli and Palestinian non-government leaders and still enjoys considerable support among both peoples.
Marcos Kleinerman, Amherst
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Blame game won't solve the Mideast's problems
August 3, 2006
To the editor: -
I would like to thank the Gazette for publishing Warren Goldstein's excellent guest column, ''Israel needs to hear the truth'' (Gazette, July 28). This view is shared by many Jews in the U.S. who care deeply about Israel's survival. A number of Jewish organizations - e.g., Jewish Voices for Peace, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, Tikkun - have been working to advocate non-military solutions to the long-standing conflicts between Israel and her Arab neighbors, as well as speaking out against Israel's unjust occupation of the Palestinian territories. It is crucial that these perspectives be heard.
The ''blame game'' of who started what in the Middle East could go on forever and is ultimately futile. The scores of Lebanese children who died tragically in the most recent Israeli airstrike at Qana were not responsible for anything more than seeking shelter from massive bomb attacks. The Israeli children who now sit in bomb shelters instead of in school classrooms are equally innocent. In Israel, there is an organization of soldiers, known as Yesh Gvul, who have selectively refused to serve in the occupied territories, although they are willing to do their army or reserve service in some other capacity.
Massive bombing, more rockets and endless retaliations on both sides will result not in peace and justice, but in increasing hatred and enmity.
Meanwhile, children will continue to die. As an American and a Jew, I can only say, ''Not in my name.''
Stephanie Schamess, Williamsburg
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U.S. needs to support the call for a cease-fire
August 4, 2006
To the editor:
I would like to add my voice to those of Warren Goldstein (Guest Column, July 28) and Nancy Felton (Letters, Aug. 1). As an American Jew, I am anguished over the violence in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel.
I understand Israel's need to defend itself, but I cannot condone the policy of retributive justice that has resulted in the deaths of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians. And I am ashamed that the U.S. government is unwilling to intervene by supporting UN Security Council resolutions calling for a cease-fire. I am heartened by the voices within Israel calling for a negotiated settlement to the current crisis.
Even in this terrible time, Israeli and Palestinian peace activists continue to work together for a long-lasting resolution to their conflict. They need to know that we support them in their efforts to end the violence. I call on other Jewish Americans to speak out and to urge our government to insist on an immediate cease-fire.
Lisa Lieberman
Amherst