Regarding the March 13 letter [“Hatred of Israel and Jews the same”], I also oppose violence perpetrated against all people regardless of color, faith, national origin, sexual orientation. As a longtime political activist I stand proudly with several groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace. IHRA paints “antisemitism” with a broad brush. To my reading, it neglects the elephant in the room — Zionism. This issue has a long and complicated history. On that we must agree. But I believe, you do Jewish people a disservice. Not all Jews are Zionists. Nor am I a Christian nationalist. What they do have in common is politics and religious zealotry — a dangerous combination. The Balfour Agreement in 1917 was not crafted out of love for the Jews. The Brits were into carving up territories just as Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are now. What a pair they make; both of them sow hatred. They are corrupt, power- and money-hungry despots. To think of their greedy fingers inches away from the nuclear button makes me truly fear for our children and future generations. Note: Both Arabs and Jews are semitic peoples.
Laura Bellusci
Northampton