Connect Palestinians to Terror
With Matt Nosanchuk, president and co-founder of the New York Jewish Agenda as an American Jewish community liaison to former President Obama (“Condemning That Flawed Amnesty International Report Doesn’t Bring Israel Any Closer to Peace,” Feb. 17), who needs enemies?
Not once does Nosanchuk mention the word terrorism as directed by the Palestinians toward Jews nor Hamas and the Palestinian Authority’s goal of a “Palestine from sea to sea.” Hasn’t there been enough proof that no matter how many concessions Israel makes for peace, the response from the other side has been bombs, missiles, rockets, tunnels, stabbings and cars driven into bus shelters.
If I’ve missed any other terrorist acts, I apologize to thousands of Israelis who have been victims of Palestinian terror attacks.
Zachary Margolies | Philadelphia
Impersonator Not the Same as Interpreter
Dean Malissa is not an impersonator of George Washington (“Mikveh Israel to Celebrate Presidents’ Day,” Feb. 17). That description is demeaning.
Malissa is a gifted actor who is a renowned Washington scholar. He is an historic interpreter. He brings a vast knowledge of George Washington, in all of Washington’s roles, to his audiences, which include presidents of the United States, foreign dignitaries, Congress, governors and Purple Heart recipients. He has presided over several naturalization ceremonies for new United States citizens.
For years, he has been America’s official historic portrayer of Washington, working under the auspices of Washington’s home — Mount Vernon. He serves now as the distinguished George Washington emeritus.
Words are important, and the Exponent should choose them with care.
Phyllis Malissa Finkelstein | Delray Beach, Florida
Reminiscing About Rabbi Maslin
I met the late Rabbi Simeon Maslin (“Reform Leader, KI Rabbi Simeon Maslin Dies at 90,” Feb. 10) when he arrived at The Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism. He and I were close in age, and I later wrote a history of our congregation from which this excerpt came. I thought it might add to the fond memories you in Philadelphia have of Rabbi Maslin, or “Shim” as I and other friends called him.
“Rabbi Simeon Maslin (1957-1961) came to us in the full bloom of youth, with little prior experience, a fine singing voice, a self-possession rarely found in a 26 year old, and a wit and wisdom he used to weld our congregation into a more unified and cohesive Rabbis institution for learning and worship.” l
Dr. Joseph Birnbaum | Monroe, New York
