LETTERS IN THE EDITOR’S MAILBAG: Friday’s paper

LETTERS IN THE EDITOR’S MAILBAG: Friday’s paper

Play reveals truths about Israel

Is it anti-American to be critical of our government’s policy? It is the joy of freedom. Lord Leebrick’s Theatre Co.’s production of “My Name Is Rachel Corrie” is a voice of a truth that many do not want to hear. Because it is ugly.

Craig Weinerman’s March 9 guest viewpoint is an attempt to crush the voice of freedom. I do not believe that was his intent. However, it is not anti-Semitic to criticize a country that flagrantly violates humanitarian law; it does not delegitimize Israel’s right to exist.

The play simply tells a story of a peace activist who died standing up for what she believed.

Israelis do suffer; many have been killed without provocation. Are the Palestinians right in doing so?

Violence begets violence; hatred begets hatred. Yet Israeli suffering is a direct result of its governmental policy. Israel has occupied Palestine for years, establishing settlements on occupied lands.

Does this not create rage? Should the Palestinians be submissive and smile as their homes are torn down to make way for more settlements?

Did David Ben-Gurion suddenly become a self-hating Jew when he said late in his life, “If I have to choose between a small Israel, but with peace, and a greater Israel without peace, I prefer a small Israel”?

Thanks to Lord Leebrick for addressing the facts that we all have the same right to live in peace and dignity, that occupation is a violation of human rights, and that only suffering can come from it.

Roberta Roth

Eugene