To the editor:

I want to respond to one aspect of Estra Grant’s presumably nonhateful, nonlying letter (Public Forum, June 14), that having to do with the Israeli wall.

First, the wall where it is concrete as it runs, for example, through Bethlehem, is twice as high as the Berlin Wall with surrounding roads and electric fences. In other places, it is layers of razor wire with patrol roads, ditches and surveillance cameras. In 2006, 318 houses were destroyed for alleged military purposes, such as building the wall, leaving 1,970 homeless. People are unable to reach work, family and needed services. Two Palestinians have died this year because they were unable to reach medical help. These are not “inconveniences.”

And if the wall is intended to protect Israelis from Palestinians, why does it divide the Palestinians in East Jerusalem from those in the West Bank? Why do they cut Palestinians off from their fields and work and water? Look at the maps at www.btselem.org to see if the wall is designed to serve a security purpose.

In 2003, the U.N. General Assembly called for Israel to “stop and reverse” building the wall. In 2005, the International Court of Justice declared the wall illegal. Rabbis have said the destruction of trees for the wall violates Jewish law.

But do not just read letters, even nonhateful, nonlying ones, but learn about this wall for yourself. And then – along with many Israelis and others – stand up for human rights.

Anne Haehl,

Lawrence