To the editor:

The man who murdered the two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., did not scream, “I hate Jews!” He shouted, “Free Palestine!” I believe there is a difference. I am troubled by the use of the word “antisemitism” to describe the reasoning behind some of the crimes taken against Jewish people. In some cases, it may be that the Jewish people themselves are not hated, but rather the Israeli government’s policies that incite desperation. An “eye for an eye” has been reached long ago in the current situation in Gaza. One would think that the Jewish people of Israel, so happy to have a homeland, might have some sympathy for Palestinians who also want a homeland. Palestinians, too, have deep roots.

Cathy Molineux,

Lawrence