Lauder Campaign Deserved More Coverage
I read in the Dec. 19 Jewish Exponent that Ronald Lauder, philanthropist and president of the World Jewish Congress, has announced a $25 million campaign against political candidates (regardless of party affiliation) who are supportive of anti-Semitism. Furthermore, the article states that Lauder will “take action against institutions and cultural figures who support anti-Semitism.”
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this courageous and generous commitment.
News of this program should be on the front page of the Exponent instead of being a minor article under “news briefs.” I have watched in pain and despair as anti-Semitism has crept into our culture. Perhaps the people who have shared my frustration and helplessness will be inspired to add their support to these efforts.
Lauder’s commitment deserves front-page headlines and strong, enthusiastic backing from the Jewish community.
Miriam Einhorn | Rydal
Jews Perceived in Many Ways
Gratz College Professor Saul Wachs found it to be troubling that Jews should be offered security on campus as a racial group (“Jews are Not a Race,” Dec. 26).
Indeed, Chabad characterized Jewish identity as a “participatory citizenship” because “common descent” — even when “clustering” genetic markers over the millennia — doesn’t prove Jews are exclusively a “race.”
Thus, Jews are perceived properly in multiple ways depending upon circumstance (racially, members of a nation-state, adherents to a religion, etc.) and, thus, it’s OK for the Trump executive order to have adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism over the objection of left-wing Jews to ensure they receive optimal federal protection.
Robert Sklaroff | Abington
Conversation in Play Memorable
I felt compelled to write after reading your review of the article on Theatre Ariel (“Theatre Ariel Presents a Bilingual Rom-Com,” Dec. 5). My husband and I actually saw this play, “Handle with Care,” at the Montgomery Theatre in Souderton a few years ago at this time of the year.
It was memorable because of the female character’s Hebrew conversation, especially with the grandmother. We also enjoyed the fact that the male character’s grandfather had a long-ago relationship with the female’s grandmother when they were young.
The play was very well done then.
Linda Rosenfeld | North Wales
