PLATINUM We Jews, who have suffered from cen- sorship, should not be supporting it. Moreover, I don't believe censorship is efficacious. It renders the censored item into forbidden fruit, making it more appealing, not less so. Here in Europe, as in many quarters in the United States, this discussion has been joined with the debate over the Danish cartoons. Various Jewish organi- zations have pointed out — and right- fully so — that the Islamic world, which is so vigorously protesting the insult they perceive in these cartoons, is ignoring its own double standard. It has lived quite comfortably for many years with a spate of anti-Semitic cartoons. Some are well nigh pornographic and worthy of what one might find in Der Sturmer, the Nazi anti-Semitic newspa- per. While it is legitimate to argue that there is a difference between cartoons and the murder of millions of people, it is hard to argue for laws against Holocaust denial, but demand that the Danish cartoonists' freedom of speech be protected. It suggests a double stan- dard. More importantly, there is a far better way to fight Holocaust denial than to rely on the transitory force of law. When David Irving forced me to go to court to defend my freedom of expression, my most important weapon was the histor- ical truth. We have truth and history on our side. From both an ideological and strategic perspective, those are far more powerful weapons than laws, especially laws that seem to counter the ideal of freedom of expression. The best way to counter Holocaust deniers is to teach as many people as possible this history. That is why cours- es on history of the Holocaust have proven so popular and important. Students who take those courses will never fall prey to the David Irving-like distortions. Jewish tradition teaches that the word emet, truth, composed as it is from the first, middle and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, encompasses everything. The truth of the Holocaust is terrible and painful, but it is the truth and that is the most potent weapon anyone could want. ❑ Deborah Lipstadt teaches at Emory University in Atlanta and is the author of "History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving" (Ecco, 2005], a winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Leaving An Imprint On The Jewish State Carley A. Sirlin fatigues as my work clothes was some- thing I was able to take a lot of pride in. The bases that I was placed at were outside the cities of Haifa and hat? You are a college stu- Ramalah. Our madrichot (literally dent and came all on your guides), played a big role in ensuring own? You paid for your that our experience on the volunteer flight, just to help us? Kol Hakavod! program was amazing. Every night These were the reactions that my . after dinner, they would lead an group and I came across during our evening activity, which would include volunteer army experience through the things such as singing Hebrew songs, Volunteers for Israel program. Through celebrating Chanukah or learning the program, I was able to work with about Israel's history. The madrichot I people from around the world, includ- had, Talia, Ideet, Judith, Amalia and ing America, Australia, France and Jennifer, were the hardest workers I've Austria. seen. They jumped through hoops for Working side by side with the sol- diers and my new friends was the most us to make sure everything was organ- ized and we were always comfortable. rewarding and incredible experience. I Throughout the program, during was really able to get that warm and meals, free and work time, and specifi- accomplished feeling in my heart after cally our Chanukah celebrations, I real- a day's work knowing that I made a ly felt as though my madrichot, the difference in helping Israel. other volunteers, soldiers and I merged Just within a few days of being on as one big family. All of us ranged from my base, I immediately felt like a citi- 18 to 80 years young. It was a great feeling to have people my grandparents' age treating the younger volunteers as if we were their own grandchil- dren. The program even organ- ized a trip for all the volun- teers from all the bases to go ---<;sr, to Jerusalem for a day to tour the old city and see the Kotel (Western Wall). There I was able to have not only a spiritu- al experience by being in the holiest city in the world for Jews, but also a bonding expe- rience with the other volun- teers and soldiers. Carley Sirlin, 19, right, and her madricha, I can highly recommend the Talia, 21, in Jerusalerri Volunteers for Israel program for anyone who wants to make a difference in helping Israel and mak- zen of Israeli society and not a tourist ing new friends from around•the anymore by just spending money and world. ❑ touring Israel. I felt very productive in Carley Sirlin of West Bloomfield is a sopho- helping Israel by doing alternative more at Michigan State University in East things instead of just boosting the Lansing. Her major is linguistics. economy. Our jobs consisted of paint- ing, kitchen duty, packing emergency equipment, etc. To become a Volunteer for Israel These jobs may seem tedious to or to arrange a Volunteers for some, but they turned out to be very Israel program for your commu - helpful to the soldiers, so they were nal group, contact Ed Kohl, (248) able to take care of more important 788-0551 or Michigan@vfi - usa.org things that needed to be done on the or check www.vfi-usa.org . base. Also, being able to wear the army Community View American Bulk Food 6698 Orchard Lake Road Baskin Robbins 39480 W 14 Mile Road Bellacino's 32720 Grand River Ave Bellacino's 29101 Northwestern HWY Boon Kai Restaurant 1252 S. Commerce Road China King 4785 Carroll Lake Road China Queen 1130 E W. Maple Road Damman Hardware 23300 Farmington Road Dandee Donuts 7881 Cooley Lake Road Dollar General Store 1160 E. 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