Letters to the Editor: RAF must now come clean
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RAF must now come clean
I was delighted by Francine Wolfisz’s report last week headlined: “Chaplains pray for 7,000 Jewish victims of prison ships sunk by RAF”.
If anyone doubts the strength of a community newspaper, this answered any questions. It was heartening to read that chaplains prayed for those lost – another 7,000 Jews killed, part of the six million cruelly murdered by the Nazis. As one individual, I offer these religious leaders
gratitiude and thanks.
Now this is open in the general domain, I trust the president of the Board of Deputies will approach the RAF to release the necessary papers for public recognition.
To withold the information for so long is quite shameful. It should be rectified without further delay. I phoned the Board one year ago and asked for someone involved to return my call, but heard nothing.
Well done Jewish News for sticking your necks out.
Hopefully the establishment will note your efforts.
Martin Cohen, By email
Iran is a big threat
I agree with the views of Simon Van Someren expressed in his letter, “Iran’s nuclear ambition,” published last week (Jewish News, 6 May 2021).
The political and religious leaders of this country seek the total
annihilation of the country of Israel and the Jewish people.
The adage that “Attack is the best form of defence,” is apposite when it comes to dealing with Iran.
I also understand (but, if appropriate, stand to be corrected), that self-defence is permissible and even mandated by our Torah and Talmud
in certain situations, when human life is at stake.
Another basic tenet of Judaism, pikuach nefesh” (watching over a soul) – interpreted to mean that saving a human life is more important than any mitzvot/preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious rule) – can also apply here.
The existential threat that Israel faces from Iran more than justifies,
as I’ve argued above, attacking and disabling the latter’s nuclear
capabilities.
Israel, indeed the whole Middle East, will be safer and more likely to enjoy peace as a result of such actions.
JD Milaric, By email
Home service
Although I’ve attended shul during the pandemic, I’m unsure whether it is an enjoyable experience. You must wear a mask and can’t sing or talk to the congregation as everyone is socially distanced. The windows are open to keep air flowing, so it’s quite cold. I miss the Kiddushim post-service, where I would socialise with friends. But, being Reform, I can watch the service on Zoom from my own home, have a cup of tea when I want, sing along as lustily as I wish and talk to friends in the chat room afterwards.
Kay Bagon, By email
Board blues
Wanted: a Jewish body truly representing Anglo-Jewry that prioritises the protection of Jewish cultural life, ensures Jewish students are not harassed and supports the nation state of Israel and Jews worldwide. Not Wanted: A Jewish body that doesn’t seem to care about the concerns of the ordinary Jew, puts diverse causes ahead of Jewish ones, “criticises” Israel from a distance and behaves like an extension of the Labour Party.
D Rosenthal, Hendon
Kaddish wrong
How can the re-elected president of the Board of Deputies claim to be “passionate” about Israel, and yet “demand” respect for deputies who infamously said Kaddish for Hamas in a public ceremony next to Parliament – excusing such behaviour as being a legitimate opinion in the diverse Jewish community? The Kaddish prayer means the sanctification of God’s name, a prayer they recited in memory of terrorists from an organisation that murders its own as well as innocent Jews.
Walter S Grossman, Gants Hill
Yes he Khan
Congratulations to Sadiq Khan on being re-elected London’s mayor. I attended the Yom Ha’Shoah memorial event at Barnet Copthall Stadium in May 2016 – Mr Khan’s first public event following his first election victory. My brief conversation with him indicated a man whose heart and priorities are in the right place. Nothing he has said or done in the years since have made me doubt his sincerity. London still has a safe pair of hands at the helm.
Matthew Adams, By email
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