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November 21, 2003/Cheshvan 26 5764, Vol. 56, No. 9
Letters to the EditorNovember 21, 2003
Late-term abortion is wrongEditor:Kate Michelman quotes several Jewish sources in her defense of the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion. ("Defend a woman's right to choose," Jewish News, Nov. 14) Yet none of these sources are remotely associated with the subject she is trying to defend. She wrote "To be pro-choice is to espouse a particular and positive view of women and childbearing." How low have we gone to view the process of partially delivering a possibly viable baby, inserting a metal tube into its skull, scrambling its brain and sucking it out, and then disposing of the body as a "positive view of childbearing"? And make no mistake, that is exactly what is done in this procedure. She blames the "far Right." Yet in every poll taken, while the majority of Americans don't favor banning abortion outright, most Americans do favor the ban on partial-birth abortion. It is Michelman and her ilk that are the extremists on this issue. It is completely wrong to say that Jewish law would allow this procedure to take place. Every halachic authority I have consulted agrees that this practice is completely against Jewish law. Jason Knust Phoenix Editor: I'm delighted that President Bush signed the bill banning late-term abortion. ("Defend a woman's right to choose," Jewish News, Nov. 14) I feel a woman has a right to choose until brainwaves are detected, at which time termination of that pregnancy becomes murder of the unborn. Abortion should have never been decided by the men and women on the Supreme Court, who were appointed, not elected. It is a matter between a doctor and a woman. I'm religious, I'm pro-choice, but I'm against late-term abortion. Gila Klein Fountain Hills Editor: I trust you'll be printing an editorial that illustrates the other side of the abortion debate. Not everyone who reads your publication holds the same extreme views as Kate Michelman, who is "pro" every type of abortion, including partial birth. ("Defend a woman's right to choose," Jewish News, Nov. 14) Please include an article or an editorial that balances the issues. Karen Bare Phoenix Asian-American Havurah touches livesEditor:I was so surprised to see Leisah Namm's wonderful article about the Asian-American Havurah. ("Kreplach and wontons," Jewish News, Oct. 24) I feel blessed to have been part of the feature article and absolutely love the title she chose as well. She did a great job and I can't wait to make copies and send them to my family and friends to read. I have received two messages on my machine as well from other biracial families who are very excited about joining this group. I'm sure your article will have touched their lives forever. Alicia Messing Phoenix Et tu, 'you people'?Editor:Barry Kluger's "Voices" column, "In defense of 'you people'" (Jewish News, Nov. 7) brought back some unpleasant memories. As an American soldier during World War II, there were numerous occasions when I heard the remark, "if it wasn't for you people, we wouldn't have to be here." Talk about a double-edged sword. I not only had to worry about the Nazis in front of me but also had to be concerned about my "buddies" behind me. Hy Rosenfeld Phoenix Misplaced priorities?Editor:At a time when the Valley Jewish day schools are having a very hard time attracting Jewish children, I am ashamed to see that the only Jewish newspaper in the Valley is carrying advertising for Christian day schools. I would like to understand the message you are sending to the Jewish community. Why not advertise Islamic Day schools? Where is the limit? Mercedes Roussel Phoenix Heed Abe Foxman's warningsEditor:We were honored to hear Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, speak at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center last week. He began by asking "What if the world had responded with outrage to Kristallnacht in 1938?" We thought that anti-Semitism had been in decline since the end of World War II - that it was history. With the murder of Daniel Pearl, a journalist and an American Jew, we must confront the violence of racism once more. The speaker said that this is a wake-up call, that all Jews are vulnerable and should be alert and protective. He cited the demonstrations and votes against Jews at the conference at Durban, South Africa. The influence of Islamic and white supremacist groups is increasing. Modern technology aids in the proliferation of lies about the Jews. Now, canards that once spread more slowly, take off through the use of electronic equipment. Foxman closed with the message that we, as Jews, and all freedom-loving people must ever be alert and vigilant to intolerance, hate crimes and bigotry in the media. People must never forget; we must protest and demand honesty from elected officials and community organizations. Jane M. Podall Scottsdale Editor: Abe Foxman, said: "The suicide bombers in Israel do not wrap themselves in a Palestinian flag. They do not in their last video talk about free Palestine, Jerusalem, Hebron. They wrap themselves in the green and white flag of Islam. They talk in religious rituals. They talk as martyrs. ... They go after the people who are infidels." Jewish News of Greater Phoenix carried a small item about a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Ohio at which pro-Palestinians were shouting "Allahu Akbar." ("Middle East face-off in Midwest," Nov. 14) These items plus the recent anti-Semitic speech by the former Malaysian prime minister which was applauded by the leaders of 57 Muslim countries may be added to a mountain of other evidence to prove that the Arab conflict with Israel is not a territorial conflict; it is a religious conflict. Muslims everywhere - and that includes the Muslim community in America and right here in Phoenix - simply refuse to recognize the legitimacy of a Jewish state anywhere in the Middle East. Redrawing Israel's borders will not change this dreadful fact. Carl Goldberg Tempe Give the gift of synagogue membershipEditor:I enjoyed reading the article, "Members only: Gifts of membership are long lasting." (Jewish News, Nov. 7) The idea of giving a gift membership as a Hanukkah gift is a beautiful idea, and the organizations that you suggested are all great suggestions. In fact, I am a member of many of them myself. But I was disappointed when I finished the article and realized that there was no suggestion that a gift membership to a synagogue would make an excellent Hanukkah gift. Hanukkah, after all, is about the rededication of the Temple. What better way to celebrate Hanukkah than to join a synagogue? Furthermore, the synagogue is the only institution in American Jewish life that is there to educate learners of all ages, provide a spiritual home, a community to pray with and a community that will celebrate the highs of life with you and support you in times of sorrow. Call a synagogue and join today. No one is ever turned away for financial reasons. Rabbi Andrew Straus Temple Emanuel of Tempe Don't critique JDate so harshlyEditor:I'm surprised at Leisah Namm's response toward having to "pay to play." ("No play if you don't pay," Jewish News, Nov. 14) Do you really think the policy at Jewish News is any less prohibitive regarding comparatively hefty sums for the ability to meet a special someone or at least initiate a conversation with someone new? I frankly think this opportunity for singles to meet should be a public service offered by Jewish News. Then again, Jewish News, like JDate, is just a business, isn't it? Dorie Sanders Phoenix
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