An open letter to Naomi Wolf Dear Naomi: I read with interest, your open letter to Shmuel Boteach. I must admit I was disappointed. The situation globally is extremely complex. Your letter on the other hand is far too simplistic. Tragically, civilians were killed in the latest confrontation on both sides. As a mother of two reserve duty combat soldiers I know the lengths that the IDF will go to prevent civilian casualties when operating in Gaza - or anywhere else. I am also aware that the Israeli army has enormous respect from other armies around the world for its emphasis on humanity and that it has been called to assist these countries on these matters, including the Army of the United States. I do not know when you were last here in Israel, but it may surprise you to know that I live in a multi-cultural democracy. I am not politically active, just a Jewish mother living in Jerusalem whose friends include Muslim Arab women, Christian Arab women, Yemenites, Sudanese, Tunisians and others. My friends are head-covering orthodox Jewish women and tatooed Jewish secular women. We talk about everything, and although life is far from perfect for any of us, and there is plenty to complain about, we all agree that we would rather be here than in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Gulf States, Tunisia, Algeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan..... need I continue? Come visit. Stay with me. See what we struggle with. Understand our values. Hear democracy at work. We are critical of our leadership. We debate about the value of the operation in Gaza - was it successful? What, if anything, can be done to avoid further loss of life on both sides? Do we have a partner in peace? When Hamas tells its people there should be no Jews left in the world and we are all pigs, is this posturing or do they want to behead us all as infidels? You write interestingly and intelligently on matters of women and feminism. Democratic debate can be healthy but can also expose the debater as naive, prejudiced and lacking in knowledge.One must either stick to what one knows - or proceed with caution and openness. My offer to visit stands. Kind regards Aviva Leberman lebermanja@gmail 16/9 Mevo HaOleh Jerusalem Israel (972) (0) 54 874 1546
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:34:59 +0000
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