Letters to the editor
Continue aid to Israel
This month's brazen and unprecedented attack on Israel by Iran underscores the recklessness of those who have spent the months since the Oct. 7 attack seeking to isolate Israel and undercut its defense aid.
Despite efforts by extremist activists to end support for the Jewish state, the reality on the ground is revealing. Israel's strategic alliances with the United States and encouragingly with several Arab countries have proven to be invaluable by thwarting this major attack by Iran.
The support from Israel’s allies, coupled with its robust air defense capabilities, enabled it to effectively neutralize incoming threats from several hundred missiles, rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles, thus preventing mass casualties, with the sad exception of a young Arab girl injured in the attack.
While Iran’s attack necessitated a response to maintain deterrence, this successful defense demonstrates to Iran the folly of attempting further attacks on Israel and thus prevents more conflict. This speaks volumes about the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and supporting military defense capabilities — precisely the opposite approach taken by anti-Israel activists.
As we reflect on the events of the past week, it becomes abundantly clear that attempts to undermine Israel's security are not only misguided but also detrimental to regional stability. Moving forward, it is imperative that our elected leaders understand this and dismiss those who risk an even worse conflict through their efforts to isolate and end aid to Israel.
Steven Schimmel, executive director, Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts
McGovern 'fellow traveler' for Hamas
After the Oct. 7 Hamas sneak attack that massacred and raped Jews and caused the present troubles, Congressperson Jim McGovern voted against a congressional resolution condemning Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups on college campuses that obnoxiously target Jewish students with hate speech. McGovern also voted against a second resolution condemning the pro-Hamas chant: “From the river to the sea. Palestine will be free,” knowing full well that it’s a call for the extermination of the Jewish state. That’s the Hamas version of “The Jews will not replace us.” These are the same “protesters” who are burning the Stars and Stripes as they chant “Death to America.” Finally, McGovern voted against aid to Israel.
Clearly, McGovern does not have the courage to state unequivocally the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, safe haven and necessary homeland for the Jewish people who have faced genocide throughout history, no doubt for having burdened the world with God and the Holy Scriptures.
Sadly, McGovern’s voting record confirms he’s a fellow traveler with the pro-Hamas wing of the Democrat Party.
That’s who McGovern stands with. It’s time voters no longer stand with McGovern.
Steven Feldman, Shrewsbury
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Letters to the editor
