BDS itself not anti-Semitic
Roger Waters’ apparent anti-Semitism notwithstanding, it should be clear after 50 years of increasingly brutal occupation that dialogue and music have resulted only in increased brutality and arrogance on the part of Israel (“JCRC responds to Roger Waters,” Editorial, Aug. 17).
It is unfortunate that the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, BDS, has attracted some anti-Semites, but that doesn’t make BDS anti-Semitic, and BDS seems to be the only nonviolent tactic that has had an effect on Israel.
As a Jew I support BDS and its stated goal of ending the occupation.
MARTIN MOULD
Springfield
‘Radical’ left cause for alarm
Contrary to the author, the Jewish community has more to fear from the radical left than from the opposing radical and blatantly anti-Israel, anti-Semitic right, who are few in number (“The rebels rise,” Voices, Aug. 24). The very visible white supremacists are readily counterbalanced by decent people. Not so for the anti-Israel, anti-Semitic radical left with its embedded groups calling for the destruction of the Jewish state.
Unfortunately, the radical left has made great strides on college campuses with such vocal groups as BDS, Jewish Voice For Peace and the many pro-Palestinian Arab organizations. Added to these anti-Israel groups is a professorial staff eager to denigrate Israel and by extension Jews on campus with no opposition from the administration.
The situation is serious and, unfortunately, the Jewish community has ignored its growth until recently, but in many cases it is too little and too late.
NELSON MARANS
New York, N.Y.
