Independence Day festivities
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, I was taught from a very early age the expression “Come on, fair go.” “Fair go” applied to sports, of course, and for that matter to anything, including kids fighting in school. It has stayed with me through over 50 years of living in Israel, so it is with deep sorrow that I witnessed the spectacle that took place on the eve of Independence Day (“Netanyahu-Edelstein fight carries on after torch-lighting celebration,” April 20).
To be honest, I didn’t actually witness Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give his 15-minute speech, as I had decided well in advance that I would boycott that particular item in protest over the unfortunate treatment given to Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein over the past few weeks.
Culture Minister Miri Regev decided that the prime minister would keep his speech to six or seven minutes, as the event would be running too long. Sadly, I was proved right, as shown in the appearance of the above minister and the wife of the prime minister acting like two giggling teenagers and mocking the whole process of “fair play” and the 15 minutes the prime minister actually took for his speech.
The next day, I spoke to quite a few people who, like me, had boycotted the speech – either by turning to another channel or just turning down the speech altogether. There are many citizens in this country who are just as appalled as I was.
Sadly, we have to speak out to a completely dishonest group of members of Knesset who put their seats first and do not condemn this blatant abuse of power. ANGELA GROSSMAN Tel Aviv
Shame on both Culture Minister Miri Regev and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What an unnecessary show of contempt toward the Knesset speaker.
What a way to overshadow a unique date and performance for petty politics. (I assume it was influenced by Sara Netanyahu – see how she and Regev huddled together during the ceremony.) It was the low point of the day.
We should not be surprised by Regev’s style or actions. I fail to see her attributes toward what is considered culture. Instead, she is noted for her uncultured outbursts and loud mouth. Even when she is right, her conduct is, to say the least, quite unbecoming.
As regards Bibi, his demeaning show of contempt should not be the behavior of a man who intends to lead us in our coming confrontation with Iran. HENRY WEIL Jerusalem
Our wonderful celebration this year was absolutely the best ever. I have lived here over 50 years and this year was the best.
I have only one suggestion for the future: The announcer at the Independence Eve ceremony spoke only in Hebrew and English. I modestly suggest that it should also be in Arabic.
I do believe that the majority of Arabs living here realize they have the most freedom of any Arabs in Arab states. We must let them share our pride in the wonderful state in which we all live together. BARBARA SHAMIR Jerusalem
Amidst all the self-congratulation, I was glad to see that South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein gave thanks where thanks are due: to the Almighty, Who has fought and will continue to fight our battles until the coming of the Messiah (“Israel at 70,” Comment & Features, April 18). BRENDA BRONNER Jerusalem