To the editor:

I am writing in response to the letter by Danne Hautmann on April 8. I am appalled at the blatant anti-Semitism in this letter. It is this type of prejudice that leads to hatred and in fact violence against Jews, and impedes any progress toward peace and understanding, not only of Israel, but of Jews in general. It would take more space than is allowed in your paper to refute the issues in Mr. Hautmann’s letter, and shouldn’t be necessary in an educated society.

I would encourage the writer and readers of such a letter to educate themselves about the history of Israel and the laws of Judaism. This letter reminds one of the days when Jews were thought to have horns, and it was taught that Jews used the blood or bones of Christian children to make matzo. Did Hautmann just make this stuff up, or did he use “Mein Kampf” as a reference?

There is no teaching in Judaism, (Orthodox or otherwise) that states non-Jews are unworthy of life. In fact, Palestinian leaders have criticized Jews for holding life too dear. The word goy means “non Jew,” not animal. Certainly, our teachings do not include strapping a bomb to yourself in order to kill others. Jews have “held the world hostage” for 60 years by surviving.

Freedom of speech is a precious thing, but printing such uneducated and archaic misinformation can only lead to hatred and forestalls educated discussion.

Diane Whitten,

Lawrence