Fear and Homelessness Terrorize Middle East

I applaud Michael Lerner’s voice and courage in the face of ruthless foes (“Threats Dehumanize Jews Who Question Israel,” Commentary, May 18). Who are these Jews that use terror as a weapon? Can’t they see the awful ironies in their behavior--the similarity of their death threats to neo-fascist tactics in the United States; the parallels between Jewish ghettos and Palestinian refugee camps? Though not a Jew, I have deep respect for the Jewish people and culture. I bemoan the diaspora, the Inquisition and the Holocaust as black blots on the soul of man. I have the same sorrow for the dead and disenfranchised Palestinians of today.

Patrick L. Houser

South Pasadena

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I am disturbed by Daoud Kuttab’s May 17 commentary, “Stop Settlement Activity; Peace Will Follow.” He is actually calling for an “eventual dismantlement” of Israeli homes on the West Bank. Kuttab is calling for the West Bank to be “ Judenrien “ (free of Jews). Is this not Nazi-esque? Kuttab should be reminded that the so-called “Palestinian lands” are still Israel’s and that the Jewish people have agreed to part with some of their homeland to make peace with the Arabs who live there. Is there no world outrage at all in the 21st century for a place to be rid of its Jews?

Alan M. Goldberg

Los Angeles