Anti-Semitism

I deplore as anti-Semitic characterization of persons involved in the BCCI-savings and loan affair as “American Jews” (front page, Aug. 28). Nowhere else in your paper do I find you identifying people according to their religion--Baptist, Catholic, etc.

As a Jew, I along with many citizens of Israel favor a Palestinian state on the West Bank and Gaza. But contributions to Israel are not for the most part expressions of religious belief. Rather they and billions in U.S. governmental aid are intended to help a democratic Middle East country survive.

ARTHUR E. GUTMAN

San Diego