Daily Tar Heel - Letter to the Editor
Palestine Week doesn't mean anti-Israel week
1/31/08

TO THE EDITOR:

On behalf of N.C. Hillel's Executive Student Board we are writing this letter to clarify that one person's views do not define the Jewish community.

In direct response to (Ben) Packer's letter to the editor Tuesday ("Column didn't clearly show situation in West Bank," Jan. 29), we disagree that "anything pro-Israel or pro-Jewish" must be left out of Palestine Week. Judaism might be one religion, but it is an umbrella for a diversity of opinions on spirituality, life - and Israel.

For many, the Holy Land is synonymous with conflict and strife. Not all Jews agree with every action of the Israel government, but dialogue about Israel's policies is in fact encouraged by the emphasis placed on discussion and critical thought in the Jewish tradition.

The conflict in Israel and Palestine is a deeply poignant issue. Combating it with hatred and inflammatory language is the antithesis of what an institute of higher education like UNC stands for.

Learning cannot happen when the lines of communication are obstructed by hate: Peace will follow mutual understanding. Palestine Week exemplifies this by presenting a sometimes-overlooked aspect of the conflict.

Today N.C. Hillel and SPEAC are co-sponsoring a falafel "Friendship Lunch." All interested in promoting dialogue and collaboration between student groups on campus are welcome to join us from noon to 2 p.m. at N.C. Hillel (210 W. Cameron Ave.).

Elizabeth Bernold
President
N.C. Hillel

Allison Rose
Executive Vice President
N.C. Hillel

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