Response to two letters

I consider the Letters section the most valuable part of your newspaper – even more than the editorial – because it allows for an exchange of ideas (new and old). In this vein, I must comment on the November 26 letters of Mr. Stern “Violence in the air” and Ms. Bamberger (Airbnb in Bethlehem).

1) First, a perusal of National Weather Service discussions prior to the snowstorm of November 15 2018 finds no mention of an expected heavy snow. In fact, news articles following the paralysis of New York City and nearby localities make clear that the ferocity and accumulation of the snow were unexpected. While there is, perhaps, much to be desired concerning the conduct of the flight crew, El Al did arrange through hotels in Athens and Shabbat meals (as well). Other airlines that the haredim now say they will fly won’t do that!

2) Bamberger, while not displaying any obvious errors in her facts, overlooks the elephant in the room. Being a resident of Australia, I am sure that she is familiar with the book A Place To Call Home, which details the trials and tribulations (still ongoing) of Aboriginal peoples native to “her” land. I would love to know if she has similarly campaigned for a delisting of vacation homes in (most of) Australia – and if not, why not?

Rachel, the husband of the Jacob, walked the land in the valley beneath my house. Can she say the same thing? BARRY LYNN Efrat