Letters
Thursday, March 26, 2009 | byOne check makes a difference
As co-chairs of the 2008-2009 Annual Campaign of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, we were pleased to read the recent letters extolling the virtues of the federation.
While we all have been adversely impacted by the current economy, there are many who are truly suffering. We are working very hard to raise the dollars to aid those in need and to support the agencies that are so ably serving our community. With significant reductions in federal and state dollars, it is up to us to make up the difference.
By writing one check to the federation, a single donor can make a significant impact across many agencies. The federation’s work is accomplished not only by the dollars we raise, but also by dedicated volunteers and staff professionals. Together we ensure that our local Jewish community remains vibrant and relevant.
We are writing to say “Thank you!” to those who have written to express their support. We also want to thank the j. for its editorial acknowledging the critical role played by the federations, and urging readers to “maintain and even increase our gifts.” Most importantly, we thank the thousands of donors whose support enables the federation to engage in tikkun olam.
Nancy Grand and Tom Kasten
Co-Chairs of the 2008-2009 Annual Campaign
Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma
Cal activist ‘vindicated’
I was gratified to read the article March 19 by Dan Pine describing how a maligned Jewish activist at U.C. Berkeley has now been vindicated (“Video raises questions about recall of student senator”).
Not only were the charges that he engaged in violence proved false by virtue of a video, but the deception of his accusers is now brought into focus. All along, John Moghtader, a proud advocate for Israel on campus, asserted he was being targeted because of his political views — and it turns out he was right.
As a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, I am waiting to see how the university administration responds to the overt lies leveled by his accusers, and how the UCPD will try to reconcile their shoddy job in investigating this incident.
But I am not uninitiated in this matter. I am a member of the Israel Peace Initiative, a group helping local college students advocate for Israel over the last seven years.
When John and the pro-Israel group he leads (Tikvah) could not buy a friend, IPI continued to give meaningful support to John and his colleagues during the recent difficult months. Now, the rest of our Jewish community should do the same.
Ealon Joelson | San Mateo
President, Israel Peace Initiative
Bad call on Durban II
In response to Ira Forman’s article (“Cut the Obama drama on Durban II boycott,” March 13):
The U.S. government has decided to be an observer to the United Nations Review of Durban Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Xenophobia and related Intolerances. President Obama repeatedly stated that he would bring change to our relationship with other nations. Racism and other forms of intolerance continue to harm hundreds of groups and thousands of people. Opposition to racism is among the highest obligations of U.N. member states, so the U.S. as a member of the U.N. ought to participate fully rather than as an observer.
Reportedly, the U.S. choice to observe was based on concern that the final document for Durban II included language which might be interpreted as anti-Israel. Israel needs allies which support movement towards peace and relationship with the family of nations.
“Protection” by the U.S. further isolates Israel from this community by drawing anger rather than building ties. The U.S. can stand as a true ally of Israel and stand against racial injustice in the U.S., Israel and everywhere. The Obama administration can demonstrate its policy change by engaging in the discussion rather than by withdrawing as Bush did at Durban 2001.
This stand is urgently needed now.
Dolores Taller | Berkeley
Avoid stereotyping
Like every Jew, I feel horrified when Israel is attacked and its buildings and citizens harmed. It bothers me further, to see the media place sole blame on Israel for the violence in Gaza. The letter to the editor (March 20) titled “Hamas hatred” stated: “Anyone who suggests they [Muslims around the world] do not hold Judaism in contempt is delusional.”
While it may seem that Muslims around the world “hold Judaism in contempt,” this is certainly not the case for all Muslims. Because many Arab countries have oppressive governments, it is difficult to safely voice controversial ideas. In spite of this, an Iranian student newspaper published an article that condemned both Israeli and Hamas attacks in Gaza. Unfortunately, the Iranian government closed the newspaper, the day after the article was published. Just like every other religious group, some Muslims are extremists, and others are moderates.
Prejudice against any group strikes a harsh chord in my heart, because Jews are so often victims of stereotypes.
Miriam Moran | Livermore
Plagued by myopia
Rachel Eryn Kalish’s letter (March 13) defending Bay Area Women in Black’s “more nuanced view” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict suffers from the same myopia that BAWIB has displayed for years. If she had read Dan Kliman’s many flyers handed out at anti-BAWIB protests, she would know better.
As I wrote for another flyer that San Francisco Voice for Israel distributed last month: “We are not opposed to criticism of the Israeli government per se — in fact, many of our supporters are critical of Israel, from both sides of the political spectrum.
What we do oppose is one-sided criticism of Israel, attempting to present an indelible impression that all fault lies with Israel and none with those who seek its eradication — whether Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaida or Iran. And that’s exactly how Bay Area Women in Black operate. They have never displayed signs declaring their opposition to suicide bombers, or to the indiscriminate launching of rockets at Israeli civilians by Hamas and Hezbollah.
Even when one of their leaders was physically attacked by a Palestinian during a march on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland a few years ago, they refused to seek prosecution — because the perpetrator was a Palestinian.
Marshall E. Schwartz | Oakland