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Anniversary of Israel’s First Elections
Dear Editor:
This month marks the 75th anniversary of Israel’s first open and free elections for the Knesset. Contrast that with the last time Palestinian Arabs had elections for their parliament—it was in 2006. And in 2006 Hamas overwhelmingly won those elections. As a result of the Hamas win the Palestinian Authority’s presidential elections were postponed indefinitely and Mahmoud Abbas, elected in 2005, has never allowed such elections again. In its first 75 years Israel has had 25 national elections. Israel’s 1949 elections took place on January 25, a little over nine months after Israel declared its independence and a month before Israel and Egypt signed its armistice agreement. In other words Israel was still at war when they held their first elections. Multiple parties led by Arabs participated in this initial Israeli election. A commitment to free elections was without a doubt extremely important to Israel’s founders. None of the Arab nations that have fought wars against Israel have shown any interest in regular, free elections like the ones we have in the United States. Not one.
Sincerely,
Moshe Phillips
Pennsylvania
Hamas Supporters Running Wild in NYC
Dear Editor:
I was shocked to read your Dec. 29 article about the pro-Hamas rally at the World Trade Center. There is no automatic right to hold a gigantic demonstration anywhere you want; you have to apply for a permit, and then the City has to decide whether to approve it. So I ask: Why in the world did Mayor Eric Adams allow this mass desecration of the World Trade Center? When he runs for re-election, let’s not forget that he is letting these Hamas supporters run wild in our city.
Sincerely,
E.L. Kingman
Flatbush
Anti-Semitism at Cooper Union Goes Unaddressed
Dear Editor:
My son Joseph attends Cooper Union School of Architecture. He has experienced discrimination repeatedly as have other Jewish students at this university. After several communications to the administration by parents and students over the course of weeks following October 7 regarding the rhetoric, posters, and violations of school policy, nothing was done to insure the safety and well being of the Jewish students.
The culmination of this occurred on October 25 when a mob entered the building with the intent of intimidating and harassing the Jews. It became apparent after my discussions with some alumni that President Sparks’ lack of action to condemn anti-Semitism is a direct result of taking direction of Board Chair Malcolm King who did not feel that the blatant hate speech and repeated breach of code of conduct needs to be addressed. Six 911 calls by students trapped in the library went ignored as per instructions of Sparks.
Below are my two letters to Malcolm King. The first dated December 11 is addressed to him and an additional trustee. No response from either.
The second dated January 2 is referencing a New Years message that King sent to the community with NO mention of the obvious issues at hand. Included in the second email are secretary and treasurer of the board as well as representatives I’ve spoken with from Congressman Goldman, Stefanik, and Foxx’s office.
New Years’s Message from Malcolm King
Dear Mr.King,
While I appreciate the acknowledgment of positive aspects in the leadership’s accomplishments, the content of your New Year’s message to the Cooper Union Community seems to sidestep the pressing issue of rising anti-Semitism against Jewish students and falls short of addressing the matter adequately. It is crucial that the administration not only celebrates academic achievements but also addresses and actively combats discrimination on campus. I urge for a more comprehensive response to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students, specifically addressing the concerns of anti-Semitism. More importantly, that the Cooper leadership adheres to the policies set forth in their charter.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, your words and actions set the tone for the direction of the University. It is at volatile times such as these that substance and clarity are imperative. I’ve written to you outlining areas where the administration can enforce rules and regulations. I am hoping that you can provide accountability and closure for those community members who experienced trauma, hate, and intimidation on Cooper’s campus on the days leading up to and following October 25th. I am including other members of the Trustee Board so that we can work collaboratively to address these issues and hopefully find a resolution.
I’ve taken the liberty to attach the email I sent to you on December 11, 2023 addressing these exact concerns as well as the specific Codes of Conduct that were violated. I fear it may have gone to an incorrect address given that I did not receive a response.
I close with the hopes that 2024 brings peace and healing to people across the globe.
Sincerely,
Emilie Hedaya
Torres’ Support for Israel Will Not Be Forgotten
Dear Editor:
The bloody defacement of the office of Congressman Richie Torres, as reported in your Dec. 28 edition, is a reminder of how extreme the haters of Israel are. Kudos to Congerssman Torres for not caving in to the pressure from these bullies. His friendship for Israel will not be forgotten by the Jewish community.
Sincerely,
Robert Levy
Staten Island
Pessimistic Prognosis for 2024
Dear Editor:
So a new year begins. I think it’s a pretty good bet that it will be a year in which Palestinian Arab terrorists try to murder Israeli Jews; the international community hypocritically points an accusing finger at Israel; the Biden administration pressures Israel to make yet more one-sided concessions to the Arabs; extreme leftwing Jews make excuses for intransigent, extremist Arabs; and bigmouth Jewish leaders issue overheated press releases–and then ask us for donations so they can issue more of them. Well, at least we know what’s coming!
Sincerely,
Danny Kahn
Brooklyn
