July 16, 1999/3 Av 5759, Vol. 51, No.41
Letters to the EditorJuly 16, 1999
'Fixing pets' can fix overpopulation
Editor:Thank you for Tami Bickley's beautiful and inspiring article, "Escape from pet prison" (Jewish News, June 25). It is heartening to see that the Jewish community in my former hometown of Phoenix is recognizing the plight of homeless animals and getting together to help them. Rabbi Kenneth Segel is so right when he says that helping animals get adopted "is the Jewish thing to do." I'd like to add one thought: If everyone made sure that their pets were spayed or neutered, we could empty the shelters and stop the unconscionable number of healthy animals being euthanized each year. Low-cost spay and neuter programs exist in every community. Pauline Dubkin Yearwood Evanston, IL (Via the Internet) Gun control does not breed anti-Semites
Editor:I must take issue most vigorously with the argument concerning gun control credited to the outgoing regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, Joel Breshin, and the incoming board president, Marc Lieberman (Jewish News, June 25). They said that ADL's stand nationally for stricter gun control laws could alienate otherwise neutral gun owners and cause them to become anti-Semites. Thus ADL might be "creating enemies where before there may have been none." I have profound respect for both Mr. Breshin and Mr. Lieberman and admire the work they have done for ADL and the Jewish community. I believe strongly, though, that their thinking on this issue is specious. The fact is that anti-Semites are anti-Semites. They always will be, barring a very few instances in which events and education might possibly allay their prejudices. They don't hate Jews because Jews think the country would be a bit better off with a few less AK-47s. They hate Jews because they think Jews are rich and clannish and control the media and the banks and run the federal government. Reversing ADL's stand for fewer guns in circulation isn't likely to thaw frozen minds - or make people cozy up to us. Joseph Stocker Phoenix B'nai B'rith's support of Hillel critical to success
Editor:I have read the article "Hillel center successfully meets needs of Jewish college students" by staff writer Chris Garifo (Jewish News, June 25). I'd like to add some information about B'nai B'rith's role. Hillel began at the University of Illinois in 1923. In 1925, B'nai B'rith took Hillel under its wing. Hillel grew - not only in size, but in the richness of its programs - to become an integral part of the American university tradition. In 1995, a new vehicle for management of Hillel was created, called the Foundation for Jewish Life, with appropriate B'nai B'rith representation on its board and executive committee. There is a shared ownership of Hillel among B'nai B'rith, the federations and major individual philanthropists. In 1999, and continuing into 2000, B'nai B'rith has allocated $400,000 in direct support plus $168,484 in in-kind support to Hillel. In addition, the local Grand Canyon B'nai B'rith affiliate has donated $2,000 directly to Hillel at ASU. David Schachter Vice President Western Region B'nai B'rith Scottsdale |
