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Watch for subtle racism in letters

The Herald recently published two letters to the editor that we believe were anti-Semitic (Mickas, March 11, and Phelps, March 15). Criticism of Israeli policies is OK – different opinions and critical evaluation of issues are valuable components of democracy. But both letters incorrectly used “Israeli” and “Jews/Jewish” interchangeably. They also directed disparaging language at Jews. We believe they were intentionally racist and should not have been published.

First, the words “Jews” and “Jewish” include all Jews – both Israeli and around the world. We object to using “Jews” interchangeably with “Israeli.” The Israeli government includes dozens of political parties and is well-known for internal dissent. Jews in Israel and around the world are at least equally diverse in their viewpoints, certainly including views on Palestinian issues. To imply that all Israelis support any government action – let alone that all Jews in the world support an Israeli government action – is inaccurate. We welcome healthy discussion and problem-solving, but it should be based on facts and precise language.

Maybe more importantly, we object to the Herald’s printing letters written in racist tones. We hope the Herald would never print a letter ending with “but after all, he is black,” yet it printed a letter ending with the sarcastic conclusion: “…what would we do without guidance and direction from G-d’s chosen people?” Few Herald readers, we hope, would tolerate “all Muslims are terrorists,” but the Herald printed: “…the extremely harsh treatment of Palestinians under Jewish control.”

We believe the letters’ language subtly feeds anti-Semitism by oversimplifying Israel’s actions and attributing them to the entire Jewish people, serving to build resentment and conflict rather than focusing on understanding of real issues. Such generalizations can become rationalization for violence towards Jews, e.g., this winter’s shooting of Jews (and non-Jews!) in a Kosher deli in France.

We believe those letters were intentionally anti-Semitic, should have been recognized as hate speech and should not have been published. We hope that the Herald will require more civil language, and that readers will hold the Herald to higher standards.

Will Rottenberg, president, Congregation Har Shalom board of directors

Durango



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