September 17, 2004/Tishri 2 5765, Vol. 57, No. 3
Letters to the EditorSeptember 17, 2004
Israel is not the only issueEditor:George W. Bush talks the talk, including in a recent address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ("Bush policies helpful to Israel," Jewish News, Sept. 10). Lovely words. Whatever happened to the roadmap to peace? What has Bush done beyond talking about his support for Israel and his disappointment in Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat? I do not dispute that Bush is pro-Israel. However, an investigation into John Kerry's voting record regarding Israel shows a 100 percent pro-Israel history. Before we cast our votes in November, we should study each candidate's position on education, employment, health care, senior citizens' issues, women's rights and the environment. Voters who feel Israel is the only issue might want to consider moving there. And lest anyone believe that Israel is not important to me, I'd like to point out that I have many family members living there, have contributed financially and have visited many times. With John Kerry, America's support of Israel would continue and we would a leader concerned with the issues of all of the people, not only the wealthy. George Bush does not deserve another four years based solely on his expressed support for Israel. Madeline Israel Phoenix Plea for fairness, balanceEditor:A Jewish Telegraphic Agency article about politics and American Jews ("Year of passion, preservation and passivity," Jewish News, Sept. 10) had no photograph of Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president, and only one sentence about him, stating that he "had two Jewish grandparents and has a brother who converted to Judaism." You published a fine photograph of ex-candidate Howard Dean and a photograph of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon shaking hands with President George W. Bush. Perhaps you will give some thought to a fair and balanced article and include a photograph, with more background about Kerry, who has an exemplary voting record in the U.S. Senate in support of Israel. Esther L. Felix Scottsdale Seniors move to top of agendaEditor:Your editorial "Measuring our maturity" (Jewish News, Sept. 10), expressed concern about issues and challenges facing our community as we work to provide the services needed by our elderly. The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix joins you in taking the needs of our elderly population very seriously. The federation is placing services for seniors at the top of the agenda for the newly created Jewish Community Development Initiative. We will bring together the many community organizations that provide services to the elderly, with the intention of developing a comprehensive strategy responsive to the full range of issues facing our elderly population. We believe that this issue is of great concern to the Jewish community, and that together we can and must continue to care for our elderly population. Adam D. Schwartz Executive Vice President Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Scottsdale Do not abandon the elderlyEditor:I am sad that the Jewish Community Center Senior Center in Central Phoenix is closing ("Senior site to close," Jewish News, Sept. 10). I have seen firsthand how much it is an outlet and lifeline for those people who attend regularly. Could a bus not pick up the seniors at a designated place they could reach by Dial-a-Ride or automobile and take them to the JCC in Scottsdale for lunch and activities, then return them to Phoenix? Seniors should not be abandoned in their years of greatest need. Selma Ost Phoenix Come together to meet need Editor: The anticipated closing of the Jewish Community Center Senior Center ("Senior site to close," Jewish News, Sept. 10) is heartbreaking for me from both a personal and professional prospective. Seniors I have spoken with and listened to clearly feel as though they are being abandoned. Keeping kosher is very important to many of these individuals. They have experienced a drain of services as the Phoenix Jewish community has migrated east and north, and when Temple Beth Israel moved to Scottsdale and the JCC closed its doors in Central Phoenix. Now they are being told they'll "get used to the idea" by February. As a geriatric social worker for Jewish Family & Children's Service for the past 12 years, I have been honored to be welcomed into many of these seniors' homes to evaluate needs and initiate requested services wherever possible. I have been proud to work for an agency that has always held a high priority on trying to serve the Jewish elderly community. I am hopeful that we can come together to address this very important need. Dorie Sanders Phoenix
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