In the Mail - Letters to the Editor

Editor:
Joseph Aaron ("Tsunami thoughts," Jewish News, Jan. 7) affirms that the tsunami deepened his faith. Now, faith requires no evidence, by definition. All faiths deal with human suffering - especially when it is on a monstrous scale - by claiming that it is part of divine providence, either as a punishment, or for some divine reason that humans cannot understand.

Thus, when a shul in Metz collapsed in the 18th century, Gluckl of Hameln (Glikl bas Yehudah Leib) reported that it was "for our sins." Similarly, when the Mongols razed Baghdad in 1258, Christian monks asserted that it was "because of the sins of the Muslims." When more than 60,000 died in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, Protestants blamed the "heathen Catholics" for having brought on God's wrath.

For centuries, theological commentaries, sermons, and insurance plans have referred to catastrophes as "acts of God." But Mr. Aaron does not see God behind the tsunami. May I suggest that he read "Acts of God: A Primer for Atheists, Agnostics, and Those Who Have Lapsed."

Maurice Wolfthal
Tempe

ARMDI supports worldwide relief efforts

Editor:
American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI) applauds the efforts of the American Red Cross to support Magen David Adom in Israel. We look forward to the day when the "Federation" will be known as the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Star of David Societies. ARMDI is the exclusive support arm of Magen David Adom in the United States. Our annual contributions to MDA account for 25 percent of the annual budget.

MDA is privileged to be participating in the relief efforts for victims of the tsunami. Wearing our own uniforms, we are proudly operating field clinics in Sri Lanka. In addition to being responsible for 95 percent of the blood requirements in Israel, MDA is also currently supplying blood products from the MDA National Blood Services Center to those in need in Sri Lanka.

If you would like to know more about how to support Magen David Adom, please go to our Web site www.armdi.org, or call us at (800) 323-2371.

Daniel R. Allen
ARMDI Executive Vice President

Kyl, Gonzales deserve praise, not censure

Editor:
In response to the editorial "The American Dream" (Jewish News, Feb. 4), it is high time that this Arizona newspaper recognizes one of our own senators, namely Jon Kyl, as one of Congress's leaders and most supportive members when it comes to the U.S./Israel relationship, rather than the oblique criticism it offered.

The editorial then goes on to label Attorney General Alberto Gonzales a "cipher," quoting Senator Diane Feinstein. Has the Jewish News forgotten John F. Kennedy's appointment of his brother Robert as attorney general or the appointments of Edwin Meese and John Mitchell as attorneys general by presidents Reagan and Nixon respectively? Perhaps the paper preferred President Clinton's choice for attorney general, Janet Reno? A little fairness here and less political partisanship seems appropriate. After all, Mr. Gonzales' achievements do represent the "American Dream."

Eugene Schupak, M.D.
Scottsdale

Articles spotlight community menschen

Editor:
Many thanks to the Jewish News and particularly to Ira Morton for his "Time Capsule" articles.

The article on Jay Edson ("Boxing icon started career in Phoenix," Jewish News, Dec. 17) brought back many wonderful memories of a man who made working at the Phoenix Jewish Community Center a good experience; through him my commitment to our community was strengthened. He was a mensch who helped us grow and take pride in our heritage. The article brought back many good feelings about a man who influenced many of us. Also, the article on Dr. Melvin Cohen ("A real-life Marcus Welby, M.D.," Jewish News, Feb. 4) reminds us of a man who is the very best in medicine. May he continue in good health for many years.

Fran Frazin
Phoenix

Letters to the editor must be 200 words or less; include the writer's first and last names; city of residence; and a phone number or e-mail address. All letters may be edited by Jewish News for content, style and space allowance.

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