To the Editor:
Re “Schumer Chides Leftists Abetting Antisemitism” (information article, Nov. 30) and “What American Jews Worry Most,” by Chuck Schumer (Opinion visitor essay, Nov. 30):
Senator Schumer’s resolve to take a robust public stand towards antisemitism is laudable, notably when the scourge of hatred towards Jews is reaching a fever pitch. The Senate majority chief’s felicitous and poignant plea, each on the ground of the Senate and within the Opinion part, was notable for its ethical readability and forceful denunciation of the wanton antisemitism pervading each section of our society.
Moreover, the urgency with which he conveyed how harmful this conflagration of hate has change into and the way vital it’s for all Individuals — not simply Jews — to sentence antisemitism is a clarion name that can hopefully resonate on all factors of the political spectrum, on college campuses and all through our nation.
Remaining silent within the face of blatant bigotry is indefensible, and Senator Schumer’s compelling phrases ought to function a wake-up name to everybody who has so far did not confront this rising disaster.
N. Aaron Troodler
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
To the Editor:
Like Senator Chuck Schumer, I’m deeply involved in regards to the rise in antisemitism. I’ve questioned whether or not it’s protected to proceed carrying my Star of David, and in the end determined to take action in solidarity with Jews, corresponding to Hasidim, who can not conceal their identities, and to sign to different Jews that I’m “protected.” (A stranger at a restaurant lately thanked me for carrying it, which confirmed my resolution.)
However my deepest worry is just not that I’d be bodily attacked for being a Jew.
Since Oct. 7, I’ve witnessed the teams I’ve supported and folks I revered celebrating the homicide, kidnapping, rape and torture of Jews. They’ve attended pro-Palestinian protests, chanting genocidal slogans and aligning themselves with Jew haters.
As somebody working in greater schooling, I’ve been horrified by the conclusion that political violence (“by any means vital”) and supporting terrorism appear to be acceptable to a lot of American college students and college members. A few of these people are fellow Jews, which is a crushing betrayal.
My deepest worry is that the alienation from others that I’ve felt since Oct. 8, when the celebrations of terrorism started, won’t ever go away. As I stroll round my neighborhood, metropolis and campus, I’m wondering which of my neighbors, colleagues or political representatives are OK with the slaughter of my folks within the identify of “social justice.”
I discover myself skipping articles about injustices towards different teams that used to deeply concern me. I discover myself eager to disappear into an emotionally protected however in the end self-destructive psychological ghetto, the place the one folks I actually belief are different Jews.
I don’t assume I’m alone on this.
Deborah L. Drucker
Queens
To the Editor:
Senator Chuck Schumer’s article hit a nerve with me. Rising up in Connecticut, I by no means felt the sting of antisemitism. Working for Congress or working towards legislation in Washington for 50 years, I by no means felt the sting of antisemitism.
Now, for the primary time I really feel threatened. I’ve been pressured to acknowledge that there are Individuals who would really like me useless. It’s scary for all American Jews.
Our political leaders, and all leaders, together with college presidents, should converse with one voice as regards to hatred towards Jews or any Individuals, together with African Individuals and Arab Individuals. We can not settle for what’s going on within the nation.
Marshall Matz
McLean, Va.
Biden’s Assembly With Muslim Individuals
To the Editor:
Re “At White Home Go to, Muslim Individuals Air Frustrations to Biden” (information article, Nov. 29):
Sadly, in its zeal to see the political facet of each story, and to painting all occasions as presenting issues or obstacles to the president, The Occasions missed an important level about President Biden’s assembly with Muslim Individuals: The perfect buddy that Palestinians and the thought of a Palestinian state have on the world stage is Joe Biden. Who else would have met with the leaders for greater than an hour, and resisted his aides’ try to tug him out of the convention?
Mr. Biden has spoken out tirelessly for humanitarian support to the folks in Gaza and pushed relentlessly for the tenuous settlement that has stilled the weapons for nearly every week, ensuing within the launch of some hostages and a considerable variety of Palestinian prisoners.
There may be an excessive amount of noise and posturing — a lot of it self-righteous — over the unimaginably advanced puzzle of the Center East proper now, however Mr. Biden has steered a relentless and efficient course for the most effective outcome obtainable. That ought to have been the story.
Jonathan J. Margolis
Brookline, Mass.
Jimmy Carter’s Fortitude
To the Editor:
Re “From Humble Roots to Presidential Confidante, a First Woman Is Extolled” (information article, Nov. 29):
The pictures from Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service are the most recent addition to the album of our nation’s historical past, however I believe none are extra highly effective than these of former President Jimmy Carter.
I initially felt a disappointment recalling his youthful power as he ran to shake as a lot of our arms as doable upon his arrival for the 1976 Democratic Conference in New York Metropolis. A number of months later I’d flip 18, and he can be my first presidential vote.
However then I felt a way of pleasure realizing the astounding fortitude this 99-year-old man nonetheless possesses.
Mr. Carter has surpassed 9 months of house hospice care and traveled about 140 miles to be such an necessary presence on the service honoring his spouse. How good he’s nonetheless round for his household and others who love him.
Jeffrey B. Freedman
New York
A Author’s Journey
To the Editor:
Re “Rebuilding Myself After Mind Harm, Sentence by Sentence,” by Kelly Barnhill (Opinion visitor essay, Nov. 26):
Many due to Ms. Barnhill for her profoundly shifting piece about rebuilding her life after a traumatic mind damage. With eloquence and emotion, she takes the reader by means of her deeply private and ongoing journey towards restoration, no matter that will imply.
She presents not solely the detailed, scientific descriptions of her losses but additionally the devastating ramifications for one whose work is constructed on reminiscence, creativity and creativeness. She doubts at occasions that she’ll ever be capable of string phrases into sentences and tales, and her path is considered one of painful, small steps.
However as this essay so superbly reveals, she is an astonishing storyteller. In our personal lives, outlined by achievement and multitasking, her life lesson is one we must always all take to coronary heart.
Cindy Ostroff
San Rafael, Calif.
Cruise Ships in Key West
To the Editor:
Re “Cruise Ships Emerge as a Vital Problem for DeSantis’s Marketing campaign” (information article, Nov. 27):
I like the simplicity and quiet of Key West. It attracts guests like me annually to flee not solely the chilly winters of New York, but additionally the crowds of New York.
Please make Key West freed from cruise ships. It is a perfect vacationer city as a result of it stays a livable metropolis for its laid-back residents.
Steve Rolston
Baldwin, N.Y.
