Word: kurzman
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Editors of the Crimson: Charles T. Kurzman's editorial of February 10th entitled "No More Excuses," is an extremely shoddy piece of journalism. Kurzman criticizes "apologists for Israel's every move," who "rationalize" immoral action by that country. Like Kurzman, I am critical of many of the policies of Israel's present government. For example, I deplore Likud's West Bank settlement policy and an uncomfortable with the 1982 invasion of southern Lebanon. However, Kurzman makes a mockery of any rational criticism by failing to back up his criticisms with specifics. Moreover his claim that there is an "unquestioning acceptance...
...Kurzman feels that there is a "Jewish taqiya" in force an implicit ban on criticism of Israeli policies within the Jewish community. He traces the absence of criticism to "worn out" excuses for Israeli policies that may have once been legitimate, but can no longer justify what he sees as whole slew of immoral actions by Israel. This argument is completely misconceived. The "Jewish taqiya" he describes does not exist. Anyone who has been to Israel would attest to the fact that government policy is constantly criticized by individuals and the press in the sharpest of terms. Israelis...
...from the Soviet bloc and the so-called non-aligned stated, and thus had only one reliable ally (the U.S.) and only a very few trading partners. That the Israelis turned to the other "black sheep" if the world community. South Africa and Taiwan, is not surprising. Yet Mr. Kurzman tells us that Israel should break off relations with South Africa, since her practical need for friends should not out-weigh her morality...
...during her short existence, and having been plagued by the hateful PLO, should now cease her defensive arms build-up, and try to understand and negotiate with a group of countries which have yet to even recognize her existence. If she does not then she is, according to Mr. Kurzman, obstinate (the term most favored by the press to describe Israel is "intransigent," which somehow never gets applied to the Arabs). That Israel was prepared to negotiate in 1967, but was rebuffed by the Arabs, and that Israel has already shown its willingness to trade land for security...
...society is free and open. But Israel cannot afford to be unrealistic. She is surrounded by hostile neighbors, and is scorned by a hypocritical world, much of which thinks it is immoral for a Jew to flight no matter what the circumstances. Israel's morality is just fine, Mr. Kurzman, and so perhaps it is time for you and your ilk to aim your high-minded sermons and your misdirected morality toward a place where it is really needed--and the rest of the world. Eric Stockel...