What bravery, insight

FOR more than 60 years I have tried to follow the Palestinian situation [“West Bank, Bearing Witness,” by Kais Nashef, Feb. 26]. Anyone who thinks for a minute that, regarding this issue, Americans can express or even think freely, is so wrong. Forever a lump in my throat and I don’t even know the half of it. I haven’t suffered any losses as the Palestinians have, haven’t felt firsthand what it’s like -- as Kais Nashef has.

I so admire Nashef for having the courage not only to embark on the project [“Paradise Now”] and put in “a day’s work” so skillfully, but to engage himself in the actual dangers and misery of life there.

I admire him for not merely doing what comes naturally and easily, which would be to just move on after the filming, but for sharing a rare glimpse of reality with Americans who are so clueless, thanks to the outrageous bias of the media.

I admire him for exhibiting such valuable insights and even marvelously sensitive, vivid expression. It’s obviously not just an act but an authentic reaching out on behalf of others.

DAVID SHIBLEY

Santa Monica