Conference on Racism Shadowed by Hate

Israel and the United States pulled out of the World Conference Against Racism (Sept. 4) because the rest of the world condemned the atrocities the Israelis have committed and continue to commit against the Palestinian people. But it’s obvious that those who disagree with, criticize or condemn even the criminal actions of the Israelis are branded anti-Semites--and the United States supports such nonsense. It’s a blessing that American law enforcement doesn’t assassinate “potential” criminals under the guise of security, as the Israelis do. Any government that takes on the jobs of judge, jury and executioner needs to answer for its crimes.

Clifton E. Barnett

Los Angeles

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Yasser Arafat calling the Israelis racist? Give me a break. Israel has the only democratically elected legislature in the Middle East, and it includes members of its Arab community. Israel is a multiethnic society. Conversely, Arafat is a president for life in a mono-ethnic society, and there are no Jews in Arafat’s “legislature.” The surrounding Arab states are equally hostile to Jews. The racism conference in Durban is a hoax.

Adam Sparks

San Francisco

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‘U.S. Walkout Was Right” (editorial, Sept. 5), in defense of the decision that the U.S. delegation leave the U.N. conference on racism, begs for a response. The issue of intolerance on all fronts requires us to remain in discussions such as these. All those responsible for the walkout are responding immaturely. We cannot allow our pro-Israel stance to prevent us from joining other nations in discussions that could lead to guidelines which call all nations and humans to act with respect, acknowledging each other’s dignity and rights.

Mary Leah Plante

Montebello