RASH REACTIONS

Regarding “Hype and happy endings” (Vivian Bercovici, February 14): So, which is it – Midnight Express or Orange Is the New Black? I was hoping that the former Canadian ambassador’s observations and thoughts would have helped to decide which of the two media hits dealing with imprisonment for drug trafficking the Naama Issachar saga is most likened to, but unfortunately nothing compelling was really said. Which, I’m sorry to say, more or less mirrors just about everything that has thus far been written or expressed regarding the young woman’s experience and how Israel – the government and the people – reacted.

Bercovici might have, for example, expressed puzzlement over the lustfully rousing cheers Israelis typically have for those whose standards of morality leave something to be desired. Surely, she remembers how those vulgar-minded youths were lovingly embraced upon their return from Cyprus. Those ill-mannered teens and Issachar could have celebrated their respective exonerations by getting high in some Tel Aviv dance club. And for all anybody knows, maybe they did.

And, yes, Russian President Vladimir Putin found political capital in authorizing a release based on humanitarian needs. If I were a Russian citizen, though, I would wonder about those needs. Issachar, after all, is neither ill nor critically frail, and neither aged parents nor helpless infants rely on her for support and well-being. I’d freely wager that there are hundreds of prisoners in Israel as well as in Russia who can present far more persuasive arguments for leniency.

Often repeated is the cry that the punishment should fit the crime and that her sentence of 7.5 years for possession of less than 10 grams of grass was more than unreasonable. Agreed, but being completely released and shuttled back to Israel on the prime minister’s private transportation sends a dangerous signal for backpackers who envision returning to Israel with some stashed hash.

A more fitting end might have been release with an agreed-upon period of community service focusing on drug rehabilitation activities. Alternatively, I personally would not in the least object to assigning Issachar to something more suitable, say six or eight months of housekeeping and custodial services in the Russian Embassy.

Netflix, I bet, has already begun to consider which performers will be featured in the dramatization of this tale of woe. Particularly difficult will be filling the role of Naama’s mother, Yaffa. The lady pulled off the public-relations coup of the century, demonstrating chutzpah and a shrewish readiness to step on toes when and if necessary.

Sara Netanyahu might soon be available, right?

BARRY NEWMAN Ginot Shomron