Letters to the editor: My distaste for kugel

My distaste for kugel

I write regarding Sarah Sultman’s recent column (9 December) headlined: “For the first time in my life, I am struggling with my relationship with Israel”. The writer strikes me, in spite of various Jewish commitments, to lack insight and understanding of the greater issues involved and what Israel faces on a daily basis. Her reasoning is self-centred.

I can’t stand people like this, who pop up among our own from time to time. Israel has much on its plate yet this person thinks the state should make decisions around her.

As for your daughter, Sarah, if you have brought her up with the correct values and knowledge of Judaism and Israel, you should have no problem. Everyone who has any experience and knowledge of Israel knows that when she eventually goes to Israel, it will be the happiest and finest experience of her life. Your daughter will absorb knowledge, history, a sense of belonging and an understanding of a truly fine people and country to be found nowhere else on earth.

David Hersch, Chairman, SAIPAC – the South African Israel Public Affairs Committee

*The final paragraph was removed on 12 January.

Where’s the outrage about the national front leader?

I attended the protest against the BBCs twisted reporting of the attack on the Chabad Chanukah bus. Of course, I was sickened when I was told that the leader of the vile National Front was standing in the midst of us. The police weren’t there to do anything about it. The CST weren’t doing anything about it. So it was up to us to get rid of the Jew hater in our midst. We removed him and the community applauded us and thanked us for what we did.

Now compare and contrast with three years ago when I attended a counter-demonstration against a known Jew hater and Holocaust denier. I did to her no worse than I did to the leader of the National Front and yet the community widely condoned me – called me a far-right activist and I became persona non grata with organisations such as the BoD.

So what is the difference…. One is a Jew hater who wears a Nazi hat. The other is a Jew hater who wears a pro-Palestine hat. I see only the fact that they are both Jew haters. The Establishment, however, seems to find Jew hatred by certain people acceptable.

Why? Answers on a postcard, addressed to the Board of Deputies.

Damon Lenszner, executive director, Herut UK

Bravo to a WFC

How good it was to read about Watford Football Club’s Chanukah celebration (Jewish News, 9 December). This enterprise, aimed at combating antisemitism not just among people at Watford, but going forward at all football stadiums, could be a game-changer in the field of racism in football. I look forward to many more such celebrations in the future.

May Watford’s fine example be replicated across many other clubs as soon as possible so that Jewish people (players, supporters and all) can feel safe and welcome, everywhere. A WFC (wonderful football cause) for WFC.

J D Milaric, By email

Stop the Middle East moralising

Yachad’s Danielle Bett’s column (2 December) contained evocative words about a “violent Israeli settler” and a “suffering Palestinian”, to elicit sympathy for the latter. Violence perpetrated by either side is abhorrent but there isn’t quantitative, qualitative or moral equivalence between the two.

Eda Spinka, Hendon

Remember 38th

Derek Taylor’s description (Jewish News, 9 December) of the campaign for Jerusalem in 1917 failed to mention the efforts of the 38th (Jewish) Battalion Royal Fusiliers under the command of Lt Col John Henry Patterson (who was also CO of Zion Mule Corp in the Gallipoli campaign).

Stanley Roth, Sutton

Claiming Suchet

Much as I admire Sir David Suchet, it is inappropriate to claim him as a ‘Jewish thespian’. He is a convert to Christianity.

Dr Anne Summers, By email

Some ‘settlements’ came before Israel

Danielle Bett’s group Yachad points the finger at the Jewish state to end the so-called occupation. The half-million Israeli citizens beyond the Green Line shouldn’t be called ‘settlers’. Some of the ‘settlements’, such as Gush Etzion, pre-date the state and were destroyed by invading Arabs in 1948 before being rebuilt.

Walter S Grossman, Gants Hill