In the Mail - Letters to the Editor

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TORAH STUDY
     Sukkah represents temple of God

October 13, 2000/14 Tishri 5761, Vol. 53, No.3

Letters to the Editor

October 13, 2000

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Place blame where it belongs

Editor:
An editorial in a newspaper reflects the opinion of that paper on a given subject as articulated by the paper's editor or editorial board. While opinions expressed may be controversial, readers have the right to expect them to be factually correct. Sadly, such was not the case in the editorial titled "A Time for Responsibility" (Jewish News, Oct. 6).

The editorial dealing with the tragic and needless violence that recently erupted in Israel and took so many lives, points the finger of blame equally at all parties involved. This is such a blatant misrepresentation of fact that it cries out for instant and vigorous rebuttal.

The facts are:

The violence, allegedly spontaneous in nature, attributed to Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount actually began two days prior to his visit when a bomb was detonated in Gaza killing one Israeli soldier and wounding another.
The Palestinian Authority was informed in advance of Sharon's planned visit and assured the Israeli government that if Sharon avoided their holy mosques, which he did, there would be no violence.
The rioting that ensued following Sharon's visit did not start until the next day when schools were closed and children were sent into the streets.
Palestinians were encouraged to riot and violence was incited by their religious leaders following prayers. In some instances, rocks were even provided. Martial music was played.
The so-called Palestinian police force opened fire with live ammunition on Israeli military personnel, killing two.

There remains no question as to where the responsibility for these tragic events lies. Yasser Arafat has repeatedly resorted to violence whenever peace negotiations become stalemated as he attempts to squeeze one more concession from an Israeli populace crying out for peace. This, despite his pledge not to do so, as part of the Oslo Accords. In this instance the violence was in no way spontaneous, but carefully and deliberately staged by Arafat and the Palestinian Authority.

We have the right to expect and deserve to receive greater accuracy from a newspaper which services our community and to some extent is our voice.

Eugene Schupak
Scottsdale

Democrats, repent

Editor:
I have just finished reading "Valley Jews Share New Year's Resolutions" (Jewish News, Sept. 29). I consider one of the quotes insulting to me, not once, but twice. One insult was committed by the letter writer; the other by your editorial staff for disseminating it.

The quote I am referring to is the one made by a community member who vows that she will "try not to hate Republicans."

I am not ashamed to be a Republican, but I would never say I hate Democrats - or anyone else - especially during the High Holidays. It's a time when the word "hate" should never enter one's mind.

Hy Rosenfeld
Phoenix

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