June 16, 2002

o the Editor:

Henry Siegman, in his effort to condemn Israel (Public Lives column, June 13), depicts himself as operating on a higher moral plane in contrast to American Jewish leaders, whom he sees as having lost their way. In fact, Mr. Siegman distorts the role of the community and ignores the very real reasons today both Israelis and American Jews are standing together behind Israel.

It is galling to hear Mr. Siegman suggest that if Jews don't agree with his pro-Palestinian views, they have lost their passion for justice. In fact, many of us have denounced the call by a small minority of Israeli leaders for transfer of Palestinians. In fact, Jewish leaders understand well that real peace requires Palestinian self-determination.

But what Mr. Siegman refuses to recognize is that Israel is under siege from a foe who resorts to the most brutal form of terror, who incites hate against Israel and Jews, who rejected Israel's offer at Camp David for independence, and who continues to seek Israel's destruction.

Is it high morality to deny these realities? No one has to preach to American Jews about the desire for peace, but so far a partner on the other side who wants the same has not been found.

ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN
Nat. Dir., Anti-Defamation League
New York, June 13, 2002

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To the Editor:

Your interview with Henry Siegman was powerful and insightful ("Separating Spiritual and Political, He Pays a Price," Public Lives column, June 13).

The Jews of the Holocaust experienced deeper than most peoples of the earth the trauma of violence based on prejudice and hatred. The Jews had another glorious teaching for the world, one that called for an end to prejudice, oppression and war-making and the building up of a society based on tolerance and respect for all.

I cannot but express my admiration for Mr. Siegman's courage. His vision of social justice, based on his personal experiences as a victim in Nazi Europe, is still possible. 

JOSEPH TOWLE
Walpole, Mass., June 14, 2002

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To the Editor:

It is heartening to read about Henry Siegman's courage in defending Jewish values, which demand empathy with the plight of Palestinians and their homeland (Public Lives column, June 13).

Mr. Siegman's willingness to stand openly against the Jewish organizations in Israel and this country that equate supporting Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's brutal policies, or indeed any Israeli government's policies, with Jewishness is in the tradition of great Jewish and humanist leaders throughout history.

But Mr. Siegman should know that he is not alone. Thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of American Jews agree with him. We just don't have the money, let alone the political power, to advance a progressive Jewish agenda.   

NATHAN WEBER
New York, June 13, 2002

Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company