To the editor: In December 1968, whereas strolling by way of the Outdated Metropolis of Jerusalem, I noticed a Jerusalem Publish headline that has stayed with me ever since: “The Persecuted Have Turn into the Persecutors,” written by a rabbi. I used to be a teen then, and that stark fact pierced me.
I’m Palestinian, born in Lebanon after my mother and father fled their homeland. My aunts, uncles and grandparents scattered throughout Jordan and Egypt, displaced by struggle and concern. That headline echoed the ache of my household’s story — and right now, it echoes once more.
Studying the Los Angeles Occasions’ current article about consultants accusing Israel of genocide (“U.N. fee of inquiry accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza,” Sept. 16), I used to be struck by how historical past continues to repeat itself. The struggling of 1 individuals ought to by no means justify the struggling of one other. The ethical weight of reminiscence calls for accountability, not silence.
Vivien Irving, Huntington Seaside
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To the editor: In line with Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary eleventh Version, genocide is “the deliberate and systemic destruction of a racial, political or cultural group.” Faith just isn’t included on this definition, however maybe must be.
Hamas is a political and army group that was based on the purpose of the destruction of Israel. These are genocidal intentions and Hamas has been at it for years, with the most recent motion being the shock killings of 1,195 individuals and the seize of 251 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023.
I feel Israel has lastly had sufficient and is decided to outlive and get rid of Hamas, which is political genocide. The fee is the destruction of Gaza Metropolis, a significant base of operations for Hamas. Israel has warned the Palestinians to evacuate. That’s greater than Hamas did on Oct. 7.
It’s genocide throughout, and I would love information retailers and organizations to not solely use that time period for Israel. I’ve no canine on this battle. I’m neither Jewish nor Palestinian, I’ve no kin within the Center East, I’ve no youngsters or pals completely on one aspect or the opposite. Each the Jewish and Arab non-war cultures add richness to my life. I simply need each Hamas’ and Israel’s actions to be labeled accurately and pretty. And, for goodness sake, I want these “peace” negotiators would get the job completed.
Deborah Regan, Palos Verdes Peninsula
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To the editor: As an American Jew born in 1949, within the shadow of the Holocaust, I used to be raised amid cries of “by no means once more.” Watching and studying about Israel’s offensive within the Center East, I’m astonished and abashed (“Israel begins floor offensive in Gaza Metropolis with hundreds of troops,” Sept. 16).
How did we go from “by no means once more” to “by no means thoughts”?
Edward M. Bialack, Woodland Hills
