Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is entirely correct in calling for laws that make chanting “Death to the IDF” a criminal offense and American lawmakers should follow the Chief Rabbi’s lead.

In his appearance at the Religion Media Festival in London in late June, Chief Rabbi Mirvis explained that chanting “death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces) is not just political speech, but a direct “call to kill” millions of Jewish people. He argued that because the IDF exists to protect the people of Israel from destruction, calling for its elimination directly incites hatred and violence against Jews.

I completely agree with Chief Rabbi Mirvis’s message and believe that similar actions must be taken in the U.S. to protect American citizens and others in the U.S. who have served in the Israeli military. Calls for “Death to the IDF” are designed to provoke mass murder and elicit support for Hamas. This is not a question of “offensive” or “inflammatory” speech, and these words should not be protected political expression. Chanting “Death to the IDF” is clearly direct incitement to violence. Americans have witnessed violent attacks on visible Jews and Israelis increase to these acts being nearly daily.

Phrases like “Death to the IDF” are not part of legitimate protest. These are dangerous threats that incite violence against Jewish people worldwide. That these hateful chants are being used by pro-violence extremists on American college campuses and at anti-Israel protests is unacceptable in today’s hostile environment. It is time for the United States to change its legal approach and make these dangerous calls for deadly violence illegal.

Sincerely,

Moshe Phillips

National Chairman

Americans For A Safe Israel

New York, NY

www.afsi.org

Nine Days Siyum

Dear Editor,

We all understand the importance of remembering and observing what needs to be observed during the sad times of the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, which brings us to the Nine Days and how every day getting closer to the saddest day in Jewish history is remembered. Without getting into the history of many other tragic events related to these times, let’s discuss how NOT to take advantage of these days, as a siyum comes to mind. Yes, learning and completing a masechta is a way to have a siyum during the Nine Days, however lately restaurants and individuals have taken advantage of this loophole and make quick siyums in order to eat the most enjoyable steak or anything else their palate desires. I mean, who are you fooling; are you not observing the destruction or is it just another day and you are just going through the motions? Besides why not do both and have dairy or fish, as if fish is so bad. (Personally, I prefer a good piece of salmon or sea bass.) Just because something is permitted does not mean you should do it. According to halacha a child as young as 12 for a girl and 13 for a boy can get married but the thought of it is incomprehensible and therefore should not be done. You can enjoy your favorite meal for those few days just to satisfy your teiva, or you can say NO. For these few days when at a siyum I will not gorge on that steak and I understand how the saddest part of the year should be a reflection of my life as well. Just remember Shabbos is on the way and after Tishah B’Av you will enjoy your favorite meats.

Reuven Guttman

Lawrence, NY