Stereotypes, Symbols and the Star of David

I take exception to David A. Lehrer’s letter (March 24), which was critical of the Paul Conrad cartoon (March 17), “Heroes.”

First, Lehrer misleadingly states that the Israeli government had committed itself to a full investigation of the Jonathan Jay Pollard spy case. At the time of the cartoon’s publication that government was still bickering over the matter.

Second, Lehrer also fails to mention the cartoon’s depiction of Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North as a “hero.” Apparently it is all right to Lehrer if Conrad insults Americans.

Third, Lehrer himself states that the so-called “Jewish” star--this symbol has been used by others--is the symbol of the State of Israel. Should Conrad, then, not use it as such?

Perhaps that “bitter aftertaste” described by Lehrer is not so much the flavor of a distasteful cartoon, but a taste of guilt over the fact that a state using the sacred symbol of a centuries-old religion could have elements in its government engaged in the sordid activity of buying stolen military secrets.

There are fanatics within the ranks of even the best, and unfortunates who go along with their ends-justifies-means methodology. There will probably always be Americans who walk tall with an Ollie North--and, yes, Jews who will stand with a Pollard. These kinds are at best a very painful embarrassment, and can be far more sinister than that. It is good to have a Paul Conrad to point that out in such a succinct manner.

GEORGE MOTISHER

Tujunga