The anti-Zionist plague

Editorial

Anti-Semitism is spreading like a plague throughout the world. But the disease that once targeted individual Jews or Jewish communities has mutated into anti-Zionism, an effort to deny Israel the right to exist among the family of nations.

In prominent European newspapers, Israel is denigrated and de-legitimized. This rhetoric no doubt has fostered violence against Jews in France, Holland, Germany and Slovakia, among other nations.

A culture of Israel-hatred permeates the Arab world, from mosques to the media, from national leadership to the street. The entity that authorized the creation of the modern state of Israel - the United Nations - is now acting as a conduit to spread anti-Zionist rhetoric. (See "Funding hate," Page 10.)

Now is the greatest time since the Yom Kippur War for Israel to have a strong relationship with its only proven ally, the United States.

Throughout the years, Republican and Democratic presidential administrations and members of Congress have developed lasting relationships with Israel. Though at times these relationships may have been strained, we've remained strong allies.

As supporters of Israel, we can help maintain the health of the U.S.-Israel bond - an inoculation against the anti-Zionist plague.

We can join the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The large number of local participants at the AIPAC national summit, Oct. 26-27, illustrates the strength of the local AIPAC chapter.

We can support pro-Israel student groups at Arizona State University - the Hillel Jewish Student Center and Arizona Students for Israel.

Individually, we can foster relationships with our elected federal officials and stress the need for the United States to stand by Israel's side.

We can also contact President George W. Bush and thank him for maintaining the legacy of pro-Israel administrations.

Assist wildfire victims

We know how wildfires can destroy communities, lives and dreams. In southern California, fire has consumed 608,000 acres and taken the lives of at least 16 people.

In response, Jewish community organizations in southern California are offering relief to the fire's victims, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.

We can assist in this effort by contributing to one of a number of funds that have been established (see "So. Cal Jews struggle with wildfires," Page 1) or by sending a check for the "Southern California Fire Relief Fund," to the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 201, Scottsdale 85254.

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