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Friday May 18, 2007

Letters

Comedy backfires

The slanted take of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” on the daily news is a fun distraction from my day. But a recent sketch called “Mr. Bagelman’s House of Hate,” intended to lampoon Hamas’ expropriation of a Mickey Mouse-like character that encourages Palestinian children to martyr themselves, uses an animated bagel, sporting a New York accent, spewing such hateful lines as, “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood — for Jews, Jews only!” and “Won’t you be my warrior for a greater Israel,” sung to the “Mr. Rogers” theme. 

False, racist and borderline anti-Semitic attributions toward Jews and Israel are nothing new, but it amazes me how such speech is becoming mainstream through the mouths of people like Jimmy Carter, and not solely the province of the radical extremes. 

I suppose the intent was to claim that “The Palestinians hate the Jews, so the Jews hate the Palestinians,” and therefore the comparison was warranted. However, no reputable member of the Israeli political spectrum calls for Jews martyring themselves to kill Palestinians like the Hamas-dominated media in Gaza routinely does. 

Shame on Stewart for an attempt at comedy that backfired and painted Israel as hateful and intolerant. 

Steve Lipman | Foster City

Role models

Thank you for your thoughtful article on Elie Wiesel in the May 11 j. As unfortunate as was his last visit to San Francisco, his most recent one was unqualifiedly inspiring.

We need more individuals and institutions to be our role models. So it was particularly moving to hear Wiesel at the May 9 Koret Foundation luncheon where he received the prestigious Koret Prize.

Since its inception in the late 1970s, many of us have seen the foundation grow into a powerful force for innovation and good. Wiesel’s message, coupled with that of the foundation, gives us hope that there are indeed people and organizations that can move our imperfect world slowly in the right direction.

Anita Friedman | San Francisco
executive director, S.F.-based JFCS

One-religion region?

Ex-president Jimmy Carter has a very weak sense of fellowship and brotherhood for his fellow Christians. Some say he is influenced by all the money the Arabs have given to him. If so, then money trumps Jesus.

The Middle East since the end of World War II has become an almost one-religion region. The Baha’i are now only found in Israel with their beautiful temple and gardens in Haifa. There are only a few hundred Zoroastrians left in Teheran. Bethlehem, which once had a large majority of Christians, is almost empty of Christians. Christians in Lebanon are leaving faster than ever.

Outside of Israel, the Middle East is Judenrein, and Carter blames Israel for all the wrongs. Great guy.

Gerson Jacobs | Greenbrae

Multiple views

If only the wise people in one article of j. could speak candidly to the people in other articles and ads each week.

For example, in the May 11 issue, I would love for Jewish Voice for Peace members, who march at rallies on the side of those calling for the destruction of Israel — fighting “occupation” (without understanding that the Palestinian Liberation Organization was formed three years before the “occupation”: in order to liberate all of Israel from Jews) — could absorb what others, writing about the distortions of facts and hatred toward Jews, articulate in their articles. Such as:

• “Our immediate response must be clear. This kind of distortion of the truth must be equivocally exposed and repudiated without delay.” (David Dalin and John Rothman, “Local Voice”)

• “Islamic anti-Semitism permeates the Arab Middle East and creates an atmosphere in which Jews are reviled and represented as subhuman.” (Flame ad)

• “Let each Zionist worldview bring its own nuances, so long as this fundamental and, yes, particularistic message is transmitted: that our statelessness set the stage for the Shoah, and only a secure Israel can increase the prospect of Jewish continuity in history.” (Elliott Jager view)

Sheree Roth | Palo Alto

30 teen aides

I’d like to add to the April 27 j. cover story, “Defying disabilities,” that there’s a Jewish special needs program called Myuchad offered as a community program at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga. It’s been partially funded for the past three years through a Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and Koret community grant. 

Students can attend the program as long as they’re members of any synagogue. Beginning in fall 2008, the program will no longer be funded by the community grant and, therefore, Myuchad will become a Beth David program.

In addition, Beth David, through its Hebrew High program, offers a yearlong Madrikhim-training class. High school students are educated in the areas of confidentiality, class climate and control, organization, working with special needs students, lesson-plan writing, and Hebrew and Torah tutoring skills — as well as service-leading. Currently, there are 30 teens who serve as Madrikhim either as a classroom aide, Torah or Hebrew tutor, or a shadow buddy for a special needs student. 

I oversee both programs and offer my services as the consultant for Jewish children with special needs in our community. For further information, see www.Beth-David.org and navigate to the religious school site, or call (408) 366-9101.

Irene Swedroe | Saratoga

Obama’s support

Regarding Gershon Evan’s April 20 letter, he need not worry about Barack Obama’s commitment to Israel. Reassurance can be found on Sen. Obama’s Web site (www.barackobama.com), where his recent speech to the AIPAC policy forum can be found (click on “Learn,” type in Israel). His support is strong and sincere. 

I do object, however, to Evans’ allusion to Obama’s middle name, an allusion that smacks of bigotry. Would he not cringe if someone pointed out that a candidate’s last name was Lieberman? 

We, of all people, should be above this. 

Marlene Levine Knox | San Anselmo

Helpful sites

An online friend pointed me to Joanne Hartman’s recent column about Jewish scrapbooking. It was a fun read.

I’ve been there. Doesn’t sound like she shops online, but here are some product lines she may be interested in:

• Be Blessed (www.beblessedscrapbooking.com). Sounds like this is the one she found in her store, but I wonder who made the “titles.”

• Go West Studios (www.goweststudios.com). Acrylic and wood embellishments, a nice range (including nods to Purim, Sukkot, etc.) Check out the Passover “directional sign” — cute.

There are more, but these are among the best for selection in the Jewish category.

I found that when I can’t find what I want in “scrappy” supplies, I can make my own designs/embellishments with rubber stamps. Tons for almost every Jewish occasion or thought at www.ruthsjewishstamps.com.

Lynn Anne Cutler | Hopatcong, N.J.

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