No excuse needed
If Ben & Jerry’s had also refused to sell their ice cream to Israel and to Jewish shops around the world, they could legitimately be accused of antisemitism (Boycott ‘antisemitic’ Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, says Simon Wiesenthal, 22 October).
If, however, they specifically only refuse to sell their ice cream to outlets in areas occupied after the 6 day war, then it is on the face of it a political response.
I appreciate that antisemites don’t need any excuses, but when Israeli politicians and the Simon Wiesenthal Centre treat political criticism of Israeli government policy as being in itself antisemitic, this encourages those antisemites to turn that rationale on its head and justify abuse of Jews anywhere in the world for the political actions of the Israeli government.
David Wacks, Salford
What Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield — Ben & Jerry — do not realise is that hitting any part of Jewish identity, whether attacks on Israel or those on shechita, are attacks on the whole people or religion - a campaign of not-so-little cuts out of “kick the cat” hatred to avoid facing up to their real problems.
Adding to Dara Horn’s own nikudot, people prefer dead Jews because by inference they want us out of their way, in a form of supersession theology that will leave them a clear field without conscience that they may be wrong.
Similarly the PA and Iran refuse Israel normalisation because they do not see us as normal. It punctures their self-image of being the greatest, most righteous and ever victorious. And Israel is easier to kick than the rise of West.
Statistically we are an exception. We are the infant asking why the emperor is wearing no clothes. People are not fond of embarrassing questions, nor even of having to think. Thinking is hard.
Frank Adam, Prestwich
We are here, too
I am a relative newcomer to Northwood, having moved here with my husband only three years ago. Nonetheless, I felt huge delight at the sight of the full-page spread last week (Stars of Northwood, Property, 22 October).
However, this was rapidly succeeded by outrage, shock and disappointment when I read that, “The area has its own synagogue — Northwood and Pinner Liberal”. At a stroke, the JC had ignored, discounted and disrespected Northwood United Synagogue.
We were welcomed with warmth and hospitality and have been able to participate in its wealth of activities, religious and social. NUS is known as “the small community with a big heart”, nowhere more epitomised than in its community care programme as well as its Mitzvah Day work, recognised and awarded for its excellence.
Our religious leader, Rabbi Zerbib is inspirational and inclusive; our Chair, Alan Moss, is outstanding and supported by our Shul Council, they have all been pro-active in supporting the community through Covid.
One of the first shuls to reopen, it has run regular services together with a thriving online programme as well as daily informative newsletters and is ably supported by Estelle Talberg, our super-efficient and friendly administrator.
I realise that the article was primarily a vehicle to advertise new properties on sale in the area but perhaps you should have included the other great attraction for Jews planning to move to Northwood.
Anne Leach, Northwood HA6
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