The lies in the letter (for example, “Orthodox Jews are taught  that non-Jews  are unworthy to live”) repeats nonsense appearing in various hate groups’ Web sites. Judaism, in fact, orthodox or not, holds ethical behavior to be a primary value in one’s dealings with all people. Although the orthodox and liberal Jewish movements differ in how they state and systematize ethical principles, both teach that ethical behavior is a primary, inescapable responsibility.

The letter accuses Israel of seeking a “final solution” (genocide) in its conflict with the Palestinians. This is nonsense; it was former Prime Minister Barak who accepted President Clinton’s comprehensive plan to create a Palestinian state, and Chairman Arafat who rejected it and, according to a document the Israeli Defense Force recently obtained, has funded suicide bombers. As long as Palestinian schools continue to teach hatred for Jews and that Israel must be “liberated” from the Jews by force (examples can be found at www.gamla.org.il/issue and www.edume. org) and note that Israeli schoolbooks that teach respect for Islam and a desire for peace, it will be difficult to reach a solution in which the two peoples can live freely and in peace, without fear or hate.

May peace come, somehow, speedily, in our days.

T. John Rosen,

Lawrence