Anti-Semitism Is Far From Eradicated

My reaction to the anti-Semitism articles written by Michael Neumann and Abraham H. Foxman (Opinion, Dec. 28) is that they are both right. The bottom line is that it is all in the eyes of the beholder. I recall the days when the major law firms, banks, utility companies, insurance companies and major national corporations would not hire a Jew. Since then great progress has been made. Just read the business magazines to see the names and the company affiliations.

Certainly there will be times when there unfortunately will be anti-Semitic aggressiveness, but the equality parade will continue on.

Henry L. Baron

Los Angeles

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While walking through the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, last year, I was accosted by a vendor who would not take no for an answer. As I departed his area he looked straight at me and hissed, “American Jew!” It was spoken with a venom rarely heard by this blond, green-eyed “American Jew.” It was terrifying. To assume that anti-Semitism is overblown, as Neumann suggests, is to once again stick our collective heads in the sand. Wake up and smell the odor of worldwide anti-Semitism.

Lynn Kreinman

Brentwood

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Neumann misses one very important point: There is a consistent criticism of Israel’s policies, while virtually none against its Arab neighbors. Why does Israel need to be held to such a higher standard than its neighbors? The answer is anti-Semitism. They should both be held to the same standards.

Frank Ponder

Los Angeles