LETTERS

Monday, August 23, 2004

Pro-Palestinians don't have moral superiority

I'm writing in response to a letter from Shirley Zempel (Description of silent vigil as "rude" is puzzling, Aug. 15). Is she unaware that Palestinians glorify suicide bombings that kill innocent Israeli women and children, that Palestinians danced in the streets upon learning of the World Trade Center attack, or that they launched a bloody Intifada in response to a generous Israeli peace proposal? Is she unaware of the Muslim "charities" that have been busted for funneling U.S. Muslims' money to terrorist groups like Hamas, which calls for Israel's destruction in its charter and that no local Imams will even call Hamas a terrorist group?

The local Muslim community has not only refused to call for a change in this policy, they encourage it in the Ann Arbor Islamic Center by erasing Israel from the maps in their classrooms. If Zempel and her friends were truly committed to peace, they would be protesting in front of the Ann Arbor Islamic Center.

The anti-Semitic vitriol coming from liberals here and in Europe is eerily reminiscent of pre-World War II events.

Hopefully U.S. Jews will stand by President Bush, a loyal friend of Israel, in the election.

Robert P. Smith, Ann Arbor

Protests at Beth Israel attack religious freedom

I have read with interest many letters to the editor and viewpoints published in The Ann Arbor News regarding pickets in front of my synagogue, Beth Israel Congregation. The point I have not seen emphasized strongly enough is this: Targeting religious expression, even under the disingenuous guise of political protest, runs absolutely counter to cherished American ideals. We are Americans practicing our faith on our day of rest, but we must pass through a hostile gauntlet, and our services are truly disrupted by the honking of horns on Washtenaw, a practice encouraged by the protesters.

I ask Ann Arbor-area residents to respond to this intolerable interference with free religious observance. I specifically call on:

Religious leaders of every synagogue, church and mosque in Ann Arbor and environs to speak out publicly against this outrageous behavior. If this affront to simple human decency is not challenged by all, everyone is at risk to be so targeted.

The Interfaith Roundtable to condemn actions that threaten the religious expression of one of its members. Failure to do so will indicate that this organization has completely lost sight of its purpose.

Mayor Hieftje and the Ann Arbor City Council to add their voices to this chorus. This is an attack on the quality of life in Ann Arbor, and should not be ignored.

Please add your voice to ours in proclaiming that Americans will not tolerate attacks on those attempting to exercise the religious freedom guaranteed in our Constitution.

Barry H. Gross, Ann Arbor




LETTERS Monday, August 23, 2004 Pro-Palestinians don't have moral superiority I'm writing in response to a letter from Shirley Zempel (Description of silent vigil as "rude" is puzzling, Aug. 15). Is she unaware that Palestinians glorify suicide bombings that kill innocent Israeli women and children, that Palestinians danced in the streets upon learning of the World Trade Center attack, or that they launched a bloody Intifada in response to a generous Israeli peace proposal? Is she unaware of the Muslim "charities" that have been busted for funneling U.S. Muslims' money to terrorist groups like Hamas, which calls for Israel's destruction in its charter and that no local Imams will even call Hamas a terrorist group? The local Muslim community has not only refused to call for a change in this policy, they encourage it in the Ann Arbor Islamic Center by erasing Israel from the maps in their classrooms. If Zempel and her friends were truly committed to peace, they would be protesting in front of the Ann Arbor Islamic Center. The anti-Semitic vitriol coming from liberals here and in Europe is eerily reminiscent of pre-World War II events. Hopefully U.S. Jews will stand by President Bush, a loyal friend of Israel, in the election. Robert P. Smith, Ann Arbor Protests at Beth Israel attack religious freedom I have read with interest many letters to the editor and viewpoints published in The Ann Arbor News regarding pickets in front of my synagogue, Beth Israel Congregation. The point I have not seen emphasized strongly enough is this: Targeting religious expression, even under the disingenuous guise of political protest, runs absolutely counter to cherished American ideals. We are Americans practicing our faith on our day of rest, but we must pass through a hostile gauntlet, and our services are truly disrupted by the honking of horns on Washtenaw, a practice encouraged by the protesters. I ask Ann Arbor-area residents to respond to this intolerable interference with free religious observance. I specifically call on: Religious leaders of every synagogue, church and mosque in Ann Arbor and environs to speak out publicly against this outrageous behavior. If this affront to simple human decency is not challenged by all, everyone is at risk to be so targeted. The Interfaith Roundtable to condemn actions that threaten the religious expression of one of its members. Failure to do so will indicate that this organization has completely lost sight of its purpose. Mayor Hieftje and the Ann Arbor City Council to add their voices to this chorus. This is an attack on the quality of life in Ann Arbor, and should not be ignored. Please add your voice to ours in proclaiming that Americans will not tolerate attacks on those attempting to exercise the religious freedom guaranteed in our Constitution. Barry H. Gross, Ann Arbor © 2004 Ann Arbor News. Used with permission Copyright 2004 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.