Letter to THE TIMES re: Israel Bashing

THE TIMES of London
To: letters@thetimes.co.uk
Date: Saturday, 9 October, 2010
To The Editor of the Times  -  Letter for publication

Sir  -  Is it not a shame that immediately below the Chief Rabbi's elegant words in praise of the King James bible (p.96 today's issue), Andrew Riley uses an article ostensibly on the Quaker movement, to engage in Israel bashing?

The caption to his photograph refers of course to the "Separation Wall" rather than what nearly all of it actually is, namely a security fence; nor does it record the 94% drop in suicide bomb attacks since its construction.  The fence was built in furtherance of the State of Israel's right and duty under international law to protect its citizens. 

And of course, we have the ubiquitous reference to an "illegal" Israeli settlement.  The land in question is occupied as a result of Israel's lawful defensive war. Contrary to popular belief and statements to the contrary by those who know better, the ownership is disputed and until a final agreement is reached, the Israelis have as much right as anyone else to build homes or fences.

I do not of course maintain that mistakes have not been made in the course of the occupation or that hardship has not been caused but it is wrong to ignore the history and present a one sided and therefore wholly misleading and unfair picture.

Yours,
A.J. Cotton
London