To the editor: Questioning the protesters' motives, one letter writer lists several instances of misconduct by other governments in the form of persecution of indigenous populations and, in the case of Russia, launching a war against Ukraine.
While these are all worthy causes of protest, they are irrelevant to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This is an example of a “what's up” pseudo-argument that attempts to dilute or distract from legitimate examination of a particular topic.
By expressing concern that Israel has been “singled out” for criticism, the implication is that these criticisms are driven by anti-Semitism. After all, what other reason would there be to focus on Israeli government misconduct to the exclusion of all these other cases of bad governance?
Indeed, the pro-Israel lobby seeks to dismiss criticism of the brutal Israeli siege of Gaza as anti-Semitic. It is not. The target of global condemnation is Israel's extremist political leadership.
Andrew Spathis, Los Angeles
..
To the editor: As a Jew and a baby boomer, I am distraught, saddened and concerned by the protests on campuses over the war in Gaza. I too might join these protests if it weren't for some inconvenient truths. Namely:
- Hamas began this conflagration with a massacre and the taking of civilian hostages.
- Hamas continues to fight from bunkers while willingly placing Gazans in the line of fire.
- Hamas continues to delay new hostage releases and a ceasefire agreement.
I would ask the protesters this: If your father, son or brother were one of the hostages, what would you like Israel to do to free them?
Mark Warmbrand, San Diego
..
To the editor: I shake my head. Anti-Semitism is still very much alive here in the 21st century.
One reader suggests that current student protests criticizing Israel have their roots in anti-Semitism. It is very possible that it is true.
However, there is another reason. Myanmar, China and Russia (the countries whose repressive actions the letter's author cites) are all dictatorships.
Israel remains a vibrant democracy, so its expectations are higher.
Bob Wieting, Simi Valley
..
To the editor: I've read a few letters to the editor lately wondering why college students don't protest against other countries that do terrible things or against Hamas. The question is actually very simple to answer.
The students do not have the ability to have any effect on those other countries or Hamas. It is our country that has supplied aid and weapons to Israel.
The first demand of the protesting Columbia students is this: “Divestiture all Columbia finances, including endowment, from companies and institutions that profit from apartheid, genocide, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.”
Alex Magdaleno, Camarillo
..
To the editor: So it's about hostages.
Pro-Palestinian protesters are trying to hold American universities hostage until they get rid of Israel. Hamas holds its Israeli hostages until Israel ceases to exist.
And we are all hostages of fanatics and fundamentalists.
Barry M. Dank, Palm Desert
