To the editor: Older people's responses in the survey about Israel and the Gaza Strip draw on the hard lessons of previous wars. (“Younger and older Californians have wildly different views on the war between Israel and Hamas,” January 12)
World War I demonstrated what happens when an armistice is signed but the threat is not eliminated. In the 1920s, Adolf Hitler was inciting the Germans to rearm, which eventually led to World War II in 1939.
The Allies ended that fighting completely and there have been no more German wars.
It is always like this, as Machiavelli told us in 1532: an implacable enemy that is not destroyed will bide its time and attack again, because hatred does not dissolve on its own.
Israel's situation is complicated by its neighbors adopting an avowed anti-Jewish course to eradicate the country. Naturally, Israel will counterattack to eliminate the source of the murderous attacks.
American protesters should consider this when demonstrating for an Israeli ceasefire. Older people who respond to surveys like yours see first things first: the world is not rosy.
Joel Athey, Valley Town
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To the editor: As an orthopedic surgeon, I cared for three people who were shot in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017, and spoke to many more who were there. As expected, they were traumatized that tragic day.
On October 7, 2023, hundreds of people were massacred at a similar music event in Israel. Many remain hostages.
Isolation from difficulties and threats allows the individual the luxury of judgment without the need for true intellectual engagement.
It is my hope that these young people will never have to face the cruel realities imposed by terrorists. If they do, will your opinions about how to treat them change?
Richard A. Brown, Del Mar
