Jordan’s reaction
The vicious and deceitful statement by the Jordanian government after the stabbing attack in Jerusalem by one of its citizens (“Visiting Jordanian killed after stabbing cop in J’lem’s Old City,” May 14) is unacceptable. A strong repost is required in forceful terms, perhaps calling in the Jordanian ambassador for an explanation.
With friends like Jordan, who needs enemies? IVOR LEWIS Netanya
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is infuriated that Jordan did not condemn the stabbing of an Israeli police officer in Jerusalem.
It has been a Hashemite tradition since the founding of Jordan that every human life is sacred and that the Holy Land should be a potent source of inspiration rather than a hotbed of strife, hostility and ethnic and religious animosities among the children of Abraham. Throughout its history, Jordan has accumulated many wonderful things; among them is a rich wisdom about the need to build a comprehensive, just and honorable peace that guarantees sovereignty, independence, justice and self-determination for Palestinians and yields permanent peace and security for Israelis.
We are in the midst of testing times as we endure daunting challenges from climate change, ethnic conflicts, communicable diseases, environmental degradation, famine, droughts, water dearth, air pollution and irreligious terrorism, none of which is bothered by borders.
In order to effectively collaborate on tackling these problems, including bridging religious and cultural divides and resolving conflicts by peaceful means, Israel as an occupying power must cease its violations of the holiness of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, end its occupation and, in the words of Jordanian
King Abdullah II, “embrace peace or eventually be engulfed in a sea of hatred in a region of turmoil.” MUNJED FARID AL QUTOB London
Among the many occurrences in Israel that should be included in a book about Chelm is the incident in which a policeman is attacked and stabbed several times with a knife by a Jordanian, and then has the audacity to defend himself. Then, the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back: The Jordanians having the temerity to accuse Israel!
One doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry! NAOMI FEINSTEIN Nordiya