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Call Was Not Federation's
Our Hillel Journey
No 'Land For Peace'
On Sunday, Oct. 31, some members
of our community received a record-
ed phone message from me endors-
ing George W. Bush for president.
In that message, I identified myself
as immediate past president of the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit. I would like to make it very
clear that Federation was not
involved in this effort. I sincerely
apologize to Federation or to anyone
who construed my call as being
endorsed, sponsored or facilitated by
Federation.
Federation is an apolitical organi-
zation, and it doesn't support politi-
cal candidates. During my tenure as
president, I fully subscribed to this
policy and was party to its enforce-
ment.
I also want to make it very clear
that Federation did not provide to
me, nor did I utilize any of its
phone lists or other contact infor-
mation in this effort.
Once again, my apologies to any-
one who was offended by my call.
Lawrence S. Jackier
As brand new Hillel parents, your
article about Hillel Day School of
Metropolitan Detroit's remarkable
changes has reinforced our decision
and commitment to join the Hillel
family ("One Year Later," Oct. 8,
page 19).
Our first-grader and kindergartner
are beginning in a wonderful jour-
ney in not only a debt-free school,
but also one in which Jewish learn-
ing and values abound. Thank you
to all the families who worked so
hard to make the school what it is
today — and to Head of School
Steve Freedman, who is making it
what it will be tomorrow.
Craig and Renee Erlich
In reference to the Oct. 29 story
"Split Reaction" (page 22), it is clear
that most leaders of Jewish organiza-
tions have "rushed out" in support
of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
This support is reminiscent of the
long list of major Jewish organiza-
tions who also supported the Oslo
Accords some 11 years ago. This
agreement culminated in the Wye
Conference that only ended with the
tragedy of the Palestinian intifada.
These are the same organizations,
with the exception of the Zionist
Organization of America, which are
now calling for "land for peace" and
believing that a withdrawal of settle-
ments can somehow add to the secu-
rity of Israel.
Unfortunately, this is an approach
that can only lead to further frustra-
tions. All of Israel longs for a just
and lasting peace, but the question
remains whether a unilateral with-
drawal can lead to ending further
carnage. The claim that leaving Gaza
will result in fewer Jewish casualties
is at best improbable.
Polls in Israel indicate that solid
majority of Israelis do not believe
the withdrawal will decrease violence
(though at this point a majority does
support withdrawal.) In the words
of [former New York City mayor]
Ed Koch, "Evil cannot be appeased."
Relinquishing land to terrorists
only brings hope to those who want
to destroy a Zionist state. Only
when the Palestinians end their sup-
port for the cruel murdering of
innocents can there be a dialogue for
peace.
Joseph Savin
Bloomfield Hills
Wrong Perspective
In the article about Ambassador
Dennis Ross' new book The Missing
Piece ("Lessons To Be Learned,"
Oct. 29, page 79), he concludes, in
reference to the Bush administra-
tion's Mideast policy, "disengage-
ment did not prevent war." I submit
that Ross has it backwards.
The latest Palestinian war against
Israel resulted in disengagement.
This war began when Palestinian
leader Yasser Arafat turned his back
on a comprehensive peace proposal
in the fall of 2000 before George W.
Bush became president. After Bush
took office, his administration
understood that it would be futile to
get the parties together when it was
abundantly clear from the terrorism
that Arafat had no interest in a
Palestinian state living side by side
in peace with Israel.
This futility was later proven
when a Palestinian prime minister
was appointed; and President Bush
did, in fact, engage the parties under
the Mideast road map only to have
it fall apart when Arafat refused to
stop the terrorists.
Lee L. Schostak
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Bloomfield Hills
Same-Sex Notices: Yes
I am writing to applaud your deci-
sion to include same-sex wedding
and engagement announcements.
Gay men and lesbians are active at
all levels of Jewish life in Michigan.
They send their children to day
schools and religious schools, serve
on boards of directors and con-
tribute to Jewish charities. When
couples commit to build a Jewish
life together, their simchah should
be shared with the larger communi-
tY.
Thank you for your decision on
this important issue.
Rena Seltzer
Ann Arbor
A Voice Of Clarity
We would like to commend you in
the highest possible terms for the
rational clarity and calm civility
with which you have approached the
current public emotions regarding
the presidential election campaign
(Editor's Notebook, "The Jewish
Vote," Oct. 29, page 5).
It is comforting to note that such
a voice as yours is being heard in
this community. Thank you very
much.
Roz and Dan Greenberg
Farmington Hills
Beverly Hills
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Correction
In "Holy Matrimony!," (Oct. 29,
page 34), a quote by Rabbi
Elimelech Silberberg of the Sara
Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center
in West Bloomfield, should have
read: "The Council of Orthodox
Rabbis follows the teachings of
Maimonides (Laws of Kings, Chapter
8), who said the Jewish people are
obligated to do all they can to insure
that society will observe the seven
Noahide laws."