|
March 15, 2002/Nisan2, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 26
Letters to the EditorMarch 15, 2002
Graham's remarks unforgivableEditor:It was with total shock and deflation of respect that I read of the apology to the Jews by Rev. Billy Graham. The New York Times, March 3, quotes his remarks to then President Richard Nixon as the Jews having a stranglehold on the news media: "This stranglehold has got to be broken or this country's going down the drain." This statement, 30 years ago, recorded on tape, removes the mask of friendship and Graham's falsely based attempts at mutual respect and understanding between Christians and Jews. It clearly reveals a religious leader who, underhandedly and with malice, is anti-Jewish and a bigot of huge proportion and clout. His further statement that he has no recollection of that conversation shows the real value of exposure of the recorded tapes of our leaders. One cannot deny their utterances later. I wonder if Rev. Graham's well known smile is less angelic today. Justin Friedman Sun Lakes Stereotypes sometimes self-perpetuatedEditor:Leisah Namm's recent article "Stereotypes detrimental to Jewish identity" (Jewish News, March 1) on Jewish female stereotype was outstanding. While there is no way to quantify subjective characteristics, it is likely that there are just as many pampered princesses among non-Jewish females as among our own group. The problem is that old stereotypes hang around long after the facts change. As Namm so accurately suggested, Jewish men and women perpetuate some of the negative stereotypes we frequently criticize. As for Jewish males with their JAP phobias, wake up and look around: a substantial portion of our community's most effective leaders are women, who also raise their children, are devoted home- makers, and many of whom have business or professional careers. That's a combination that deserves honor and respect. David R. Frazer Phoenix
|
