February 22, 2007
Sheket, b’vakasha!
Follow JewishJournal.com on 
(Page 3 - Previous Page)
Abdul Rahman Yasin, the reputed bombmaker, was released by U.S. attorneys following his indictment, and encouraged by our government to return to his native Iraq. He was eventually imprisoned by Saddam and offered up to the United States, which refused to negotiate with the Iraqi dictator. He still lives in Iraq, and the Bush administration has apparently made no effort to capture him.As to Saddam's "rape rooms," they existed at a time when Saddam was seen by the United States as an ally back in the 1980s. And while Saddam's support for Palestinian terrorism may be a well-known fact, his support was no greater than that of our (and George W. Bush's) current "ally" Saudi Arabia.
The war in Iraq has been a disaster for our nation, the world in general and Israel in particular. Al Qaeda and Islamic extremism have now gained a new stronghold in the Middle East. Friedman and his pathetic right-wing brethren have done great harm to both the United States and Israel through their support of the current administration's immoral and destructive policies and actions.
Jeffrey Ellis
Los Angeles
Kosher Restaurants
Shhhh. Let's just keep this between us and pray that Dodger owners Frank and Jamie McCourt didn't read their Feb. 16 edition of the Jewish Journal ("L.A.'s Gourmet Kosher Makeover," Feb. 16).
The last thing we want them to know is that there are Jews and others out there willing to plunk down cash for kosher food in this city.
Sure, you can spend $44 million for a lead-off hitter, raise ticket prices, set up an all-you-can-stomach food trough in the right-field pavilion -- even move spring training operations from Florida to Arizona to attract more fans. Just imagine the windfall if the front office could work out a way to serve a kosher hot dog at every game at Dodger Stadium.
But don't say anything. The last thing we want is a longer line at the concession stand, an improved fan experience, expanded menu choices -- or seeding opportunities for the McCourts to make more money.
Steve Getzug
Lou Barak Memorial Hot Dog Committee
Divided We Fall
As someone who has worked both professionally and as a volunteer in the local Jewish community, I am dismayed that we are allowing fear and apprehension, even grief, about Israel's future to turn us against each other ("Divided We Fall," Feb. 9). Loosely thrown around labels like "extremist" or "anti-Semite and un-nuanced distinctions like pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli silence important conversations.
Such labels are attempts at social control and, unfortunately, they do work to stifle needed dissent. It is a shanda that we are reduced to calling each other names instead of engaging, out of a set of common emotions, in a profound conversation. We must trust that others in our community, even if they analyze situations differently or have different policy positions, are "with us" and not "against us." We do not have to agree; we do have to agree to disagree without demonizing others.
Judith Glass
Studio City
THE JEWISH JOURNAL welcomes letters from all readers. Letters should be no more than 200 words and must include a valid name, address and phone number. Letters sent via e-mail must not contain attachments. Pseudonyms and initials will not be used, but names will be withheld on request. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Mail: The Jewish Journal, Letters, 3580 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1510, Los Angeles, CA 90010; e-mail: letters@jewishjournal.com; or fax: (213) 368-1684
