{"id":78749,"date":"2020-06-03T17:05:03","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T15:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/?p=78749"},"modified":"2020-06-03T15:38:38","modified_gmt":"2020-06-03T13:38:38","slug":"12-05-53","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/?p=78749","title":{"rendered":"Letters to the Editor June 3, 2020: George Floyd and Iyad al-Halak"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>Letters to the Editor June 3, 2020: George Floyd and Iyad al-Halak<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Letters \/ (photo credit: PIXABAY)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Two recent incidents in the United States and Israel show disturbing similarities.<\/span><\/p>\n

YIGAL HOROWITZ<\/strong>
\nBeersheba<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a steal?<\/span>
\nRegarding \u201cMandatory social distancing: The greatest theft of all time\u201d (June 2), I am greatly disturbed by your decision to give a platform to the three economics\/ business professors who labeled social distancing a \u201ctheft.\u201d Wasn\u2019t their ad hominem attack on public health scientists (\u201csupercilious and myopic infectious disease experts\u201d) a clue that this was a non-science based, disinformation article from an extremist political viewpoint?<\/span>
\nThe price of coronavirus disinformation is high. To spread this politically motivated, non-scientific propaganda during a serious public health crisis is beyond the pale of fair comment and free speech; it is the height of irresponsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

BURTON FRANCIS<\/strong><\/em>
\nJerusalem<\/em><\/p>\n

It takes the combined wisdom of three senior professors to conclude that social distancing, which saved millions of lives during the current pandemic, is \u201cthe greatest theft of all time.\u201d Their next study will probably show that since a person\u2019s medical costs are disproportionately higher during the last year of his life, we must do something to prevent this theft of kupat holim funds.<\/span><\/p>\n

For genuine theft, we should look at the working conditions of these professors, who receive a full salary for a maximum of eight hours of lecturing per week.<\/span><\/p>\n

DR. SAMUEL DERSHOWITZ<\/strong><\/em>
\nJerusalem<\/em><\/p>\n

It is unfortunate that the three economists describe mandatory social distancing as \u201ctheft.\u201d A thief steals for personal gain. This is not the case with the government\u2019s policy concerning corona. It would have been sufficient to castigate the government as \u201cnegligent\u201d or even \u201cgrossly negligent.\u201d I do not believe there was criminal intent, as the word \u201ctheft\u201d implies. I also feel that they are unnecessarily rude about infectious disease experts. One should also recognize that the government\u2019s massive program has been effective in managing the epidemic from an epidemiological standpoint.<\/span><\/p>\n

The government\u2019s approach to the pandemic has been restricted to strategic planning, with a complete absence of tactical planning. Effective tactical planning might have permitted phased closures and avoided a universal shutdown. Tactical planning depends on information \u2013 and I believe that information is contained in the records of general practitioners (family physicians), every one of whom has the information on her\/his desktop. However, to use this information one needs continuous monitoring. This is possible and can be done automatically while at the same time preserving our patients\u2019 privacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bearing in mind that large sums are spent on relatively uncommon causes of illness, it would be worthwhile to find the money to develop an ongoing program to anticipate and contain future major public health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

DR. ALBERT JACOB<\/strong><\/em>
\nBeersheba<\/em><\/p>\n

Clear as mud<\/span>
\nI agree with much of the opinion expressed in \u201cFor annexation to work, it needs clarity and preparedness\u201d (May 31), but I am a bit confused about its characterization of Samaria Council chairman Yossi Dagan and of Mahmoud Abbas\u2019s Palestinian Authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dagan is portrayed as a person adamantly opposed to any attempt to solve the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Yet, three weeks ago, he hosted a group of Muslims at a combined Iftar\/Lag BaOmer dinner. The guests included Israeli Arabs and Palestinians who said they welcomed the plan for extending Israeli sovereignty to parts of Area C and also looked forward to reaping the economic benefits proposed by the Trump peace plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conversely, the article\u2019s writer feels that the Palestinian Authority has shown itself to be against violence. Yet another article in the same issue details the pay-for-slay program and the PA\u2019s encouragement of seeking \u201cmartyrdom\u201d by murdering Jews.<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparation for applying Israeli civilian governance to parts of Area C requires clarification of who is seeking peace and who is not. It would also help to inform those who advise against Israel\u2019s taking \u201cunilateral\u201d action that the PA leaders\u2019 automatic rejection of any and all movements toward peace is a prime example of \u201cunilateralism.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

TOBY F. BLOCK<\/strong><\/em>
\nAtlanta, GA<\/em><\/p>\n

Is the \u201ctwo-state solution\u201d really a solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?<\/span><\/p>\n

In the last Palestinian elections held 14 years ago, Hamas won 74 of the 132 seats available. By a clear majority, the Palestinian people rejected Fatah in favor of Hamas. Today the West is largely in agreement that Hamas is a terrorist organization, and both Israel and the US refuse to deal directly with Hamas.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a Palestinian state is declared, there will need to be elections. The reason that no Palestinian elections have been held for 14 years is clear: Hamas will win and take over the state. So the \u201ctwo-state solution\u201d that the West is promoting will lead to a state controlled by an organization that the West considers a terrorist organization and will not talk to. What could be more absurd? Is this really a solution? Strike One.<\/span><\/p>\n

Any agreement that the Palestinian state will be demilitarized is laughable. Not only will the Palestinians arm themselves, they will also enter into agreements with other countries. Iran will jump at the opportunity. Israel will have Iranian troops looking directly at Ben-Gurion Airport and stationed outside Jerusalem. Is this really a solution? Strike two.<\/span>
\nThere are approximately two million Palestinian \u201crefugees\u201d and descendants living in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Once a Palestinian state is declared, it seems likely that they will be ordered to go to it. Unemployment will skyrocket and chaos will result. Imagine the consequences of a million unemployed people marching to the Israeli security fence on the West Bank and demanding a \u201cright of return.\u201d Strike three \u2013 you\u2019re out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only when countries genuinely abandon their intention to destroy their neighbors is peace possible. The Palestinians need to end their maximalist demands and abandon their so-called \u201cinalienable right of return.\u201d They have to abandon terrorism. Without this, the \u201ctwo-state solution\u201d is really an oxymoron.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Abbas holds up four maps indicating smaller and smaller areas for a Palestinian state, he is showing the world the legacy of Palestinian rejection of all past \u201ctwo-state\u201d solutions. The consequences of another rejection are clear. The Palestinian State in the next map will be even smaller. It\u2019s time for the Palestinians to face reality and abandon the failed policies of the past. Until then, the West to stop supporting an unworkable \u201ctwo-state solution.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

NEVILLE BERMAN<\/strong><\/em>
\nRa\u2019anana<\/em><\/p>\n

Under the heading \u201cAnnexation vexation\u201d (June 1), five letters support annexing parts of Judea and Samaria. While the letters make some good points, it is important to consider the potential negative effects of such an annexation.<\/span><\/p>\n

These include making a resolution of the Israeli\/Palestinian conflict even harder, if not impossible; ending the long-running successful cooperation between PA security forces and the IDF to curtail Hamas and other terrorist groups; making terrorism and another Intifada more likely; weakening relations between Israel and many other nations, including the European Union, which has threatened a very negative reaction to annexation; undermining current peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt; lessening support for Israel among American Jews; and widening divisions between Israel and US Democratic politicians.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is widespread opposition to annexation, including from Commanders for Israel\u2019s Security\u2019 (CIS), which includes \u201cthe overwhelming majority of retired IDF generals and their Mossad, Shin Bet (Security Agency) and police equivalents;\u201d most American Jews; almost all US Democratic politicians, including Joe Biden; and a strong majority of world leaders.<\/span>
\nThis is an especially bad time for annexation, as it is urgent that nations work together to combat the coronavirus pandemic and the potential climate catastrophe that climate experts are increasingly warning about.<\/span>
\nAnnexation is a terrible option for Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n

RICHARD H. SCHWARTZ, PH.D.<\/strong><\/em>
\nProfessor Emeritus, College of Staten Island<\/em><\/p>\n

Regarding \u201cImam jailed for smuggling charity funds to Hamas\u201d (June 1), the imam received a one-year jail sentence for smuggling $3,000 to the Hamas terrorists who control Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not questioning the justice of the punishment, since assisting the enemy is a severe crime that must be punished. I just figure that if the punishment for smuggling $3,000 of charity funds is one year in jail, the sentence for those facilitating the transfer of $480 million of Qatar charity funds to Gaza would be 160,000 years.<\/span>
\nNot to worry \u2013 I\u2019m sure whoever was responsible for the transfer of the funds will have one third of his sentence commuted for good behavior!<\/span><\/p>\n

SAMMY HIRSCHMAN<\/strong><\/em>
\nKarnei Shomron<\/em><\/p>\n

Masked intentions<\/span>
\nRegarding \u201cPM: Lockdown will return if coronavirus guidelines ignored\u201d (May 31), it was disheartening to read about the spike in coronavirus cases and especially closing down a school.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Health Ministry is concerned about \u201cdisregard for the rules\u201d (wear a mask, good hygiene, and maintain two meters apart, yet in supermarkets and stores, many people wear masks as chin straps and some cashiers don\u2019t have masks at all. Many students and teachers aren\u2019t wearing masks.<\/span>
\nIf the Health Ministry is serious about enforcing the rules, I suggest that they make the storeowners responsible for ensuring that their staff and customers wear masks covering both their mouth and nose. Anyone violating the rules should be required to leave the store. Health inspectors should visit the stores. If they notice people not wearing their masks properly, they should photograph them and then issue a citation to the store. A first citation is a warning. A second citation will require the store to close for 10 days, with a notice posted on the entry door to inform the public that \u201cThis store did not comply with the coronavirus rules.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the first store in the neighborhood is shut down for 10 days, the other storeowners will insist that their staff and customers comply. This policy will also impress upon the public the seriousness of the situation.<\/span>
\nWith no enforcement and such complacency, it\u2019s no surprise that so many tested positive. The public needs to realize the pandemic isn\u2019t over!<\/span><\/p>\n

BARBARA FEINBERG<\/strong>
\nJerusalem<\/p>\n

Missionary TV position<\/span>
\nI was taken aback by Ellen W. Horowitz\u2019s article, \u201cHow did missionary TV come to Israel,\u201d (May 31), just by the sheer lack of trust it affords Israeli people to make their own choices and come to their own conclusions.<\/span>
\nThere is little room in this article for Jews who may think differently, choose to adopt an alternative viewpoint or not fall in lock step with what is deemed to be the only way Jews can and should think. Quotes which prove my point: \u201cthis new-old challenge to our faith,\u201d \u201cwe Jews march to a different drummer and have different values,\u201d \u201cJewish people living here are certainly entitled to ensure religious continuity,\u201d \u201cthis is an \u2018every Jew\u2019 moment,\u201d and finally, \u201cspiritual distancing from our very zealous Christian friends is in order at this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As an independent Jewish Israeli thinker, I\u2019d like to believe that I have the ability to discern a threat to my existence and the existence of my people and my country. I\u2019d also like to think that I have the right and privilege to turn on a TV channel or, likewise, turn it off. I do not relinquish my right to view content of any kind, allowing someone else to make the determination for me of what is dangerous or immoral. So my message to Horowitz is \u2013 thanks, but no thanks. I am old enough, smart enough and aware of Jewish history enough to know how to make my own decisions and not feel intimidated by evangelicals who may have a different viewpoint.<\/span><\/p>\n

I highly suggest that you respect the Israeli people enough to let them make their own choices and not need you as a filter of what is sanctioned worthy for Jews.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAVA STEIN<\/strong><\/em>
\nJerusalem<\/em><\/p>\n

Regarding \u201cGod TV says threat of closure of Shelanu \u2018religious discrimination\u201d (June 2), the history of modern Christian missionary activities in Israel goes back to the early 19th century, when under the aegis of the British consulate in then-Ottoman-governed Jerusalem, numerous missionary activities directed at the Jews were incorporated into educational and charitable institutions. Their success in converting Jews is attested to by the records of parents and rabbis in trying to extricate their children from conversion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Missionary activities became so rampant that they were repudiated by no less a personage than Queen Victoria herself, who rebuked those seeking to bring Christianity on the inhabitants of the land.<\/span>
\nIt is therefore appropriate to examine the motives and methodology of this new TV channel.<\/span><\/p>\n

MARION REISS<\/strong><\/em>
\nBeit Shemesh<\/em><\/p>\n

Here comes the bribe<\/span>
\nI read with interest the letters under the subheading \u201cInnocent until proven guilty?\u201d (June 1). I agree with that sentiment.<\/span>
\nHowever, I was perplexed by the assumption that \u201cmedia bribery\u201d could not possibly be a crime.<\/span><\/p>\n

If it is shown that Bezeq, in particular its owner, monetarily benefited by a change in regulations in exchange for and control over news coverage, is this not bribery?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBARRY LYNN<\/strong><\/em>
\nEfrat<\/em><\/p>\n

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Letters to the Editor June 3, 2020: George Floyd and Iyad al-Halak LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say. Letters \/ (photo credit: PIXABAY) Two recent incidents in the United States and Israel show disturbing similarities. YIGAL HOROWITZ Beersheba It\u2019s a steal? Regarding \u201cMandatory social distancing: The greatest theft of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[26,24],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78749"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=78749"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78764,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78749\/revisions\/78764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=78749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=78749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reunion68.se\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=78749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}