Put visit in proper context
BY IGNORING relevant context, Claire Messud did a disservice to the Globe’s readership in her June 29 op-ed “Walking miles in Palestinian feet.’’
Since 1996, UNESCO and the Arab League have designated the capital of an Arab country to host a yearlong program dedicated to celebrating Arab culture. The selection of Jerusalem this year, however, was not for the benign purposes that Messud represented. As Amir Moussel, the Palestinian representative and chairman the Union of Arab Community-Based Associations, has indicated, it was part of an effort to delegitimize Israel’s presence in Jerusalem and claim it as the so-called capital of Palestinian-Arab culture.
Messud further distorted the picture by leading the reader to think that Israeli checkpoints are wanton efforts to harass Palestinians. In fact, these security measures were introduced to stop terrorist attacks that murdered and maimed thousands of Israelis, and in this the checkpoints have largely succeeded. But we all have an interest in seeing their removal and the burden on innocent people eased. Desperately distorted presentations that demonize Israelis and give cover to enemies of peace will do little to bring this day closer.
Ken Levine
President
American Jewish Committee
Boston Chapter 