Arafat Misses Christmas Mass

Re “Arafat Forced to Miss Mass in Bethlehem,” Dec. 25: This year Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat--a practicing Muslim--is grounded. Period. After the last round of suicide bombings, with scores of innocent civilians dead or maimed for life, the Israeli Cabinet’s decision to prevent Arafat from attending midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was the right choice.

For the past five years, since the Palestinian Authority took over Bethlehem and other cities in the West Bank, Arafat has cynically used the Mass as a propaganda platform and an opportunity to attack Israel in a telecast witnessed by millions. By grounding Arafat and patiently preparing the ground for a more pragmatic and peace-oriented Palestinian leadership, terror acts will be suppressed and the peace process will stand a fighting chance. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s words and Israeli actions should be a cause for celebration, not condemnation.

Yardena Anat Even

Beverly Hills

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I find ironic the fact that Sharon refused to let Arafat attend Mass in Bethlehem (read, prisoner in your own territory), when it was Sharon who started the current intifada by visiting the Temple Mount (one of the Muslims’ holiest sites).

I find it ironic that the U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution to send international observers to the conflict zone. (What are Israel and the U.S. afraid of?)

I find it ironic that our government pretends to send an envoy in order to mediate in the conflict when we unconditionally arm and support one side.

I find ironic the biased coverage of the media when it comes to Israeli casualties, as opposed to the disproportionate Palestinian losses. Will we ever find peace in the land where the greatest Jew was born?

Ricky Pilozo

Mission Viejo

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I was disappointed in The Times’ portrayal of poor ol’ Yasser having to miss his wife’s Christmas service (she is Christian). The article kind of glossed over the fact that Arafat is continuing to let murderers run amok throughout the Middle East. The U.S. government has demanded that he arrest the suicide bombers and other terrorists. Arafat continues to refuse and then cries crocodile tears that he is going to miss services. Come on, let’s report what is actually happening in Israel.

Michael A. Waterman

Encino

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The arrogance of Sharon preventing Arafat from attending a Christian Christmas Eve Mass! And this even occurred in Arafat’s own Palestinian territory. Sharon can’t put aside his decades-old hatred even for a religious service. Further humiliation of an angry and oppressed people just continues the circle of death. I hope he sleeps well.

Dale Proctor

Irvine

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At this time, when Arafat is crying and whining about not being allowed to visit Bethlehem, we need to continue to respond with moral clarity. Just as we bombed Osama bin Laden during the holy month of Ramadan because his murderous actions needed to be stopped despite his “religious faith,” so too must Arafat understand that murderers like him do not deserve to celebrate religious holidays in peace and contentment.

Lynn Rohatiner

Los Angeles

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Mr. Sharon, do you know how to say “I am sorry”? You are a bigger liability than Israel deserves to put up with. As a matter of fact, you should resign, since it has become apparent that you are the irrelevant person in the Middle East. If Arafat decided to resign and just go into retirement, what would happen? I am afraid that Israel would then be stuck with no one to negotiate with, only warring factions: Hamas, Fatah and Islamic Jihad. Try to understand. It is only through Arafat that a truce can be brokered. Without Arafat, you have nothing except war and continual terrorist attacks.

Andrew Thompson

Los Angeles