Letters to the editor
Consider My Opinion
Joel Fagan, Victoria
Volume 28 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: September 18, 2014
The Editor:
I am writing in response to an article published in the Spring 2014 issue of the Island Catholic News entitled “The Palestinian Perspective on Zionism and The State of Israel”, by Mazin Al Nahawi. This article is a strongly worded condemnation of both Canada and Israel, with the major focus of course being on the State of Israel.
I certainly support a free press, and of course Mr. Al Nahawi is entitled to his interpretation of both Canadian and Israeli history. However, I object to his use of the word genocide in regard to Israeli Palestinian policy. I do not feel that this is an accurate or appropriate term.
The Editor:
I am writing in response to an article published in the Spring 2014 issue of the Island Catholic News entitled “The Palestinian Perspective on Zionism and The State of Israel”, by Mazin Al Nahawi. This article is a strongly worded condemnation of both Canada and Israel, with the major focus of course being on the State of Israel.
I certainly support a free press, and of course Mr. Al Nahawi is entitled to his interpretation of both Canadian and Israeli history. However, I object to his use of the word genocide in regard to Israeli Palestinian policy. I do not feel that this is an accurate or appropriate term.
What has taken place in the Middle East in no way conforms to the dictionary definition of the term. Furthermore, the term is inflammatory, and hurtful. There are several other terms in the article that are also distortions namely, ‘ethnic cleansing’ and ‘apartheid’. Each of these terms is heavily emotionally loaded, and in my opinion unduly extreme.
On your masthead you state that your publication is devoted to an inclusive spirituality. It is difficult for me to reconcile this value with the particular content of Mr. Al Nahawi’s article.
Thank you in advance for considering my opinion.
Joel Fagan, Victoria