A monument of disrespect

Re “Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance gets go-ahead,” Oct. 30

The Times reported that the Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance won a court fight to build on a Muslim cemetery dating back 300 to 400 years. The court said that because there was no objection 48 years ago to a parking lot there, construction could proceed.

I think there is some difference, however, between paving over the site and digging deep for the foundations of a huge new structure.

Rabbi Marvin Hier is quoted as saying that they are “promoting the principles of mutual respect and social responsibility” by building this “landmark” edifice. I’m sorry to have to tell the rabbi that desecrating your neighbors’ cemetery is not likely to generate mutual respect, even if authorized by a court order. This building may be an ugly symbol of disrespect to the Muslim world for decades to come.

E.J. Parker

Long Beach