Olmert on values

Every oleh/olah is quick to learn the lovely Hebrew word “chutzpah.” It’s such a good word because it can be used to describe behavior ranging all the way from the merely mischievous to crude bloody-mindedness.

The latter characterization would fit the lead article in “Olmert to ‘Post:’ Netanyahu can and will lose the election” (February 15). As a convicted felon, former prime minister Ehud Olmert seems to have no problem lecturing us about morality and values in political life. What chutzpah! I would remind Olmert of Shakespeare’s famous line in Julius Caesar: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”

Numerous indeed in our country are honest and incorruptible Israeli leaders who have the right to – and do – speak to us about morality and values in or out of political office. Alas, Olmert is not one of them.

As to The Jerusalem Post publishing the interview, I would implore you not to give any space – let alone top front page space – to an ex-politician and ex-PM who is out of office because he failed the test and who has nothing to teach Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has a long, unequaled and enviable record of service and achievement for our country.

FRANK J. VAN BERS

Kfar Saba

Peretz Rodman is right (Letter 18 Feb) in criticizing The Jerusalem Post for giving Ehud Olmert’s views prime top space on the front page on the Feb 15 issue. Olmert is an ex-convict and even if the Post believes he has served his punishment – although his ugly Holyland development will continue to mar the Jerusalem skyline for decades – I for one am not interested in his opinions about anything.

It is also understandable that Olmert undermines Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and would be delighted if Netanyahu is eventually found guilty. Olmert will then be able to escape the distinction of having been the only Israeli prime minister to be convicted of a felony.

It is hard to understand why the Post’s editors should help Olmert’s campaign.

IAN HALIBARD Beit Shemesh

I was appalled and sickened to see the on the Jerusalem Post’s front page an article wherein Ehud Olmert expresses his dire misgivings about Binyamin Netanyahu.

Olmert is the last person to cast aspersions about anyone, let alone our prime minister.

Olmert represents all that is wrong in this country. He was convicted of criminal offenses, spent time in prison and to this day expresses no regret. His legacy to citizens of Israel is that of no worries, no shame and lots of gain!

By quoting him as if his words are newsworthy, the Post is giving this man credibility. DAVID S ADDLEMAN Mevaseret Zion