To the editor: So there are (or at least there were) no-go zones for “Zionist” students on the UCLA campus. That should be enough for you to recognize what these protest camps are.
However, if you need more, it's right in his article on the hostility toward Zionism within the pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA: Wearing a Star of David makes you suspicious of the camp guards (an ugly irony in itself), and for To rid himself of this suspicion, he must declare himself an anti-Zionist.
If only the liberal media covering these protests would learn the lessons of history. It does not begin with the concentration camps. It starts with demonization, which is the purpose of these protests.
People have the right to be Zionists without becoming second-class citizens, and most anti-Zionism is a fig leaf for intolerance.
Branden Frankel, Arcadia
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To the editor: There are many Jews who are not Zionists. Some of them participated in the numerous university demonstrations that took place throughout the country.
Zionism is a right-wing nationalist political ideology that emerged in the late 19th century. Conflating being Jewish with Zionism is no different than claiming that all Italians are fascists.
John Zavesky, Riverside
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To the editor: Zionism means that a people (the Jews) with a culture, a history and a language have the right to a place (a country) in the world to live in safety, not necessarily Israel. It has nothing to do with Israel's policies.
During the Holocaust, countries, including the United States, did not help Jews or let them enter. Zionism is necessary for Jews to survive. Anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.
Edward Gilbert, Studio City
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To the editor: “Are the students aware that Israelis and Palestinians are basically the same people?”
This was asked by my cousin, a retired Jesuit theologian who taught biblical history at the University of San Francisco, as he spoke of the rabid clash of sincere but opinionated students, challenged by history, at so many esteemed institutions.
Pro-this, anti-that, and Zionist exhortations cannot be reconciled when zealous agitators overlook the fundamental connective tissue. Researchers have discovered that both groups are genetically linked to the ancient Canaanites, who lived in the region 3,000 years ago.
I am a Baby Boomer who grew up with the travails of the Middle East and the troubles in Ireland perpetually framing international discourse. One was resolutely resolved; the other, unfortunately, seems intractable.
Maria MacGregor, La Quinta
