A second glance at Gantz

In “The Likud’s reaction to Gantz” (February 4), Susan Hattis Rolef wrote, “Arik Sharon’s disengagement from Gaza... might or might not have been the right thing to do from an historical/ political perspective, but was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the settlers of Gush Katif, who were forced out of their homes.”

The only people who had a “traumatic experience” from this action, in her stated opinion, were the “settlers” of Gush Katif. What about the residents of the towns, kibbutzim and moshavim bordering Gaza who are always aware of where the nearest shelter is and whose days and nights are filled with the dread of a Red Alert? How about the children being raised in that environment, for whom any day that doesn’t include time in a shelter is a good day. PTSD is rampant in that area and costs the Israeli economy a lot to treat.

I urge people who still think the disengagement might have been the right thing to do after the experience of the past 13+ years to recognize reality, even when it doesn’t conform with their preconceived notions.

HAIM SHALOM SNYDER

Petah Tikva

There are times when falsehoods and exaggerations by Susan Hattis Rolef simply may not go unrefuted. To list a few: 1) “The policy… is tearing Israeli society apart” Really? Yet Israelis, when polled, continually are among the most satisfied (even happy) citizens in the world 2) “Delegitimizes anyone who holds liberal or social democratic positions.” Criticism is not delegitimization, unless of course one is of the opinion that he/she is above criticism.

3) Delegitimization of an “Arab citizen who refuses to accept the Zionist narrative?” To object to funding of lies and distortions of “the Zionist narrative” would appear to me to be a legitimate action on the part of any government. It seems to me that the “Zionist narrative” she refers to, might actually be the heart and soul of Israel’s being.

Space limits preclude additional analyses. Please, op-ed writers, while expressing your opinions, at least stick to the facts. S.R. SAMPSON Rehovot