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October 22, 2004/Cheshvan 7 5765, Vol. 57, No. 8
Letters to the EditorOctober 22, 2004
American Jews have a choiceEditor:An issue was made of John Kerry's omission of Israel in his comments at the Democratic National Convention. I'm far less concerned about what Kerry doesn't say than about what Kerry and Bush do with regard to Israel. President Bush has consistently done right by our ally. He voices clear opposition to Palestinian terrorism and when he saw that the 2001 United Nations "Conference against Racism" was just an anti-Israel conclave, Bush ordered the U.S. delegation to leave. In contrast, the Kerry campaign embraces Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and Michael Moore. Moore named Israel as one of the world's epicenters of evil in no less prestigious a paper than The New York Times. Kerry has described Yasser Arafat as "a statesman," while Bush will have nothing to do with the terrorist. I realize that Kerry will easily win the majority of the American Jewish vote, even though a recent Israeli poll shows that Israelis support Bush almost three to one. But it would be nice if more American Jews recognized President Bush and the present-day Republican Party as the allies that they are. Barney Brenner Tucson Who will support more funding?Editor:In response to "When peace eludes us" (Jewish News, Oct. 15): We consistently turn away close to two thirds of all victims and children who seek emergency shelter. The state's General Fund contribution for domestic violence services and prevention has remained stagnant at $2.5 million since 2002. There has been only a 10 percent increase since 1999. It's one thing to tread water with stagnant funding, quite another to be drowning with no life preserver in sight. And it's important to know that we are talking about lives here. Studies repeatedly show that the most dangerous time for a victim is when they try to leave. Death rates skyrocket for victims after an unsuccessful escape. We have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to make sure that victims and their children have a place to go. Right now, there is a confluence of events that allows us to use that power to affect this change: It's getting cooler outside, it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and there's an election coming up. The combination of the election and the cooler weather means that candidates for the legislature will be out and about, knocking on your doors. October reminds us about domestic violence, so when those politicians come calling, simply ask them, "Will you support an increase in funding for domestic violence shelters and services?" Don't let them dance. Make them answer yes or no and then vote your conscience. Bill Hart Phoenix Get the U.S. back on trackEditor:On Nov. 2, we will be voting in the most important election of our lifetime. It is most important that we consider some of the Bush administration's actions that affect each and every one of us and future generations.
Barbara and Norman Gould Willa and Martin Laderman Doris Perlmutter Jennifer and Donn Resnick Saraly and Bob Whitefield Phoenix Helping others help themselvesEditor:I'm writing in response to "When peace eludes us" regarding the need for women's shelter space, and in particular, Rabbi Bonnie Koppell's expressed frustration at having to dial for a shelter and finding no beds. Perhaps it would be possible, as an interim fix, to find people willing to open their homes for the night until shelter space is available. Jewish Family & Children's Service could approve homes just like they do for foster care families. Maybe corporate or personal contributions could fund a kind of "temporary foster care program" for a woman and child in need. In addition, maybe we need a "kibbutz style" shelter to enable women with children to feel secure while starting a new life, where they can share the duties of the kibbutz and thus contribute in a meaningful way, helping others while helping themselves. Lee Goldsmith Scottsdale Bush a divider, not a uniterEditor:Mr. Bush, who promised us he is a uniter and not a divider, has not only divided the American people, he has done a fabulous job of doing the same to the American Jewish community. In my 78 years of living, I have never seen the Jewish community so divided. I would not vote for Bush as dog catcher, nevermind president of the United States. Bush and his cabinet cloak their words in all kinds of ideological disguises and then turn around and do the opposite. I have nothing against anyone praying to God, but I vehemently mistrust those who claim they talk to God. They think they are above the law, and that is extremely dangerous. Zachary Winograd Phoenix A lifelong relationshipEditor:Some people might have known Rabbi Herbert Silberman. He was a wonderful man. He was a gentle man. He was a kind man. He was a wise man. He always knew what to say and how to make it understandable and meaningful. To some people, he was a rabbi. To other people, his students, he was a teacher. But to me, he was my friend. We developed a very special relationship over the last six months, although I have known him my entire life. In fact, Rabbi Silberman led my baby naming ceremony and married my parents, too. Every Monday when I went to my bat mitzvah lesson, he always had a joke to say in his own humorous "rabbi" way. My last lesson with Rabbi Silberman was great - I did my best and gave it my all, not knowing it would be my last lesson with him. Going to shul on Saturday morning, Oct. 2, and finding out that Rabbi Silberman had died broke my heart. All I could think about was the end of my last lesson with him when he told me that he was so proud of me as we walked out together. He had told me that he would see me next week. Rabbi Silberman did more for the Jewish community than anyone I know. As I practice for my bat mitzvah, I will always think of Rabbi Silberman even though he won't be here physically to celebrate my bat mitzvah with me. He will be with me in my heart and soul. Melissa Medwin Age 12 Phoenix Kudos to Rabbi BismanEditor: Rabbi Herbert Silberman's memorial service on Oct. 12 at Har Zion Congregation was attended by hundreds of people. It truly was a great tribute, in part due to Har Zion's spiritual leader, Rabbi Mark Bisman. He must be recognized for his vision, leadership skills and menschlichkeit, which allowed Rabbi Silberman to become an integral part of the Har Zion community. Rabbi Bisman realized the great benefit of Rabbi Silberman's continued involvement in the Phoenix Jewish community. Indeed, Rabbi Bisman's status has been elevated to the highest level. Best wishes to Rabbi Bisman, for many, many more years of leadership at Har Zion and in the entire community. Steve Nathan Phoenix
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