MO'C',Atk'N'sr - t:M k v %A "4\ A 4talca kzt •WugA v s, Munich's Cold Shadow A surge of pride swelled through the small crowd of Jews at the Olympic Village on Sunday morn- ing as the Israeli flag was raised. Equally, a tide of anger swept through them and many others when the International Olympic Committee this week again refused to host an official memorial for Israeli athletes slain at the 1972 Munich Games. Our hearts go out to the children and wives of those sportsmen, many of whom are guests of the Atlanta Jewish community during the Games. Also this week, the International Olympic Committee balked at Israel's last-minute com- plaint about the designation of a delegation from "Palestine," a term which indicates an indepen- dent country. IOC Director General Francois Carrard accused the Israeli government of play- ing politics by protesting so close to the Games' start. But a complaint was lodged two years ago when we called and faxed the Olympic head- quarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, about this matter. Mr. Carrard is simply, like the sneaki- est of Teflon politicians, ducking the issue. Palestine does not exist. Referring to the Pales- tinian movement as "Palestine" is a blatant po- litical act. The world Jewish community is keenly aware of the emotions that the Israeli children and wid- ows of the 1972 competitors feel about this act and about being denied a memorial ceremony. This year, the Atlanta Jewish community has launched the first large effort to commemorate the tragedy that befell Israel — and by exten- sion the Jewish people — 24 years ago. Atlanta's Jewish Federation will dedicate a memorial stat- ue in memory of the Israeli Olympians who fell at Munich. One day, perhaps, the IOC will learn that pol- itics is not behind remembering Munich's chilled shadow on the Olympic movement and what it means to Jews. The IOC made a gross error in 1972 and the following Games by not formally facing the horrors of 24 years ago. And it mocks all Jews when it accuses Israel of politics with- out owning up to its own version of playing that game. Letters Teen Trip Follow-Up When the Miracle Mission for Teens returns, parents, family and friends can do a lot to help the teens process the Jewish charge they received in Israel. I have noticed that Jews who go to Israel often compartmen- talize their experiences. Israel can end up as merely one more country under one's belt; but Is- rael should be more than that. The right nurturing will help our post-Israel travelers con- has shattered a 22-month cease fire. Israel needs to look hard at the island now known as much for shamrocks as internecine strife. There, violence in the name of religion sim- mered beneath a cease fire but willingly erupted like a volcano. Is this any different from Israel's battles be- tween the arrogantly secular and defiantly re- ligious? There is no room for such antagonism and violence in Israel — from any side. Israel is known as a land whose people are in constant and often heated debate. Street politi- cians far outnumber those elected in the Knes- set. At a time when the Jewish state is working through a transition of leadership, its citizens should look to Northern Ireland to see the path upon which they are traveling. Death and de- struction is the only future of such fighting. Disagreement and dissenting opinion are flow- ers in a democratic society. But when opinions lead to cruelty, a society must reassess itself Is- rael can do this. She is worthy of the task. And we must encourage her communities to seek ways to live with their differences. 6355360 @MCIMAIL . COM . 11 What Do You r Think?" Is there such a thing as Jewish "unity" anymore? To respond: "So, What Do You Think?" 27676 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034 P.J. Cherrin West Bloomfield / No Rights For Arabs? "Arab-Israelis must voice their opinions through voting." Heal, Not Hate Recent scenes from Israel pit enemies in stand- off and strife. One "side" renounces the other. Rocks and threats of further violence fly, as do the tears that come with the pain. It has noth- ing to do with Islamic terrorists or bombers sneaking across the border. Instead, it is Jew against Jew. In the last week, we read that Chief Sephar- di Rabbi Eliahu Baskhi Doron's comments were interpreted by the Reform movement as con- demning its leaders to death. Rabbi Baskhi Doron denies this. Then, this past Saturday there is a riot between Jerusalem's secular and religious Jews. The "religious" want a main thoroughfare closed on Shabbat. Their zealousness to keep the road free of auto traffic ends in the throwing of stones, verbal abuse and further derision. The "secularists" taunt them with car convoys. The police shoot water cannons and raise batons to the religious Jews. How tragically similar to the news from an- other part of the world. A Protestant band marches triumphantly through a Catholic neigh- borhood under the protection of Northern Ire- land authorities. The action comes when violence turning from the Miracle Mission for Teens. "Get beyond 'Was it fun?' " structively understand any cog- nitive dissonance created by their whirlwind tour. Discuss the trip and get beyond "Was it fun?" to "What was most meaningful and why?" If a teen wants to wear a kippah, encour- age him to do so. If a teen wants to experiment with kashrut, en- able her to use special dishes or eat non-meat products as a first step. If a teen wants to light Shab- bat candles, let her. Join in. It is important to encourage teens to have more Israel experi- ences. The best learning about any country comes from long- term visits there. If any new behavior creates a problem, then any affected par- ties should seek rabbinical coun- seling. A parent must be content knowing he or she has enabled the young person to make in- formed choices and take his own direction. Let us all seek ways of Jewish growth, and let's make a special effort to prevent our teens from compartmentalizing their Israel experience. Let us validate the Jewish identities of those re- I was appalled after reading a July 5 Letter to the Editor by Arnie Kantor in which he expressed his wish for Israel to strip its Arab cit- izens of the right to vote. Arab-Israelis must be able to keep their right to vote in Israel. They are Israeli citizens and, therefore, deserve the entitlement to all rights given to any other Is- raeli citizen. After all, we Jewish- Americans would never tolerate being unable to vote in the Unit- ed States. Israel could never right- fully deny Arabs the right to vote in a country where they are citi- zens; it would simply be discrim- ination. As part of Israel's population, Arab-Israelis must voice their opinions through voting. This is essential for Israel's democratic government to be able to serve all of its inhabitants, Jewish or not Jewish. Scott Gitler Walled Lake No Tickets Is Old Hat Temple Beth El is to be com- mended for its offering of free High Holy Day services to our commu- nity. However, Temple Beth El is not the first congregation in the De- troit area to make this offer. Beth Isaac Synagogue in Tren- ton has had this policy is effect ever since it occupied its own sanc- tuary about 31 years ago. In fact, Beth Isaac has advertised its High Holiday services in The Jewish News in the past — "No Ticket NO TICKETS page 22 N