The roots of anti- Semitism

Re “Defining anti- Semitism at UC,” Editorial, July 16

Your editorial about the proposed definitions of anti- Semitic actions and speech on University of California campuses raises a more important question: What is it about the societies of California, the United States and even the whole world that makes it necessary for the UC system to have a policy on anti- Semitism?

The United Nations has equated Zionism with racism ( U. N. General Assembly Resolution 3379, passed in 1975). Why?

Anti- Semitism seems to be a cultural given in our society. Why?

Stephen M. Baird

San Diego

I’m a proud, Israel- loving American Jew. I’ve been to Israel, and I fully support it. But its current government? As we say in my family, “Feh!”

By the way, I love my own country too. But the George W. Bush administration? Again, “Feh!”

Governments come and go, but the nation and the people outlive their current administrations and life goes on.

Oh, and those American members of Congress who say they vote with an eye toward what’s best for Israel? What would the Israelis call a Knesset member who said she or he would vote first for what’s best for America? A traitor.

Barry Davis

Agoura Hills

Regardless of the definition of anti- Semitism, it is the right of every Jewish student to be free of harassment. Safety is a priority, and each student has to feel secure on campus.

Getting an education is the reason for attending college, and a university’s duty is to forbid the imposition of communal guilt on Jewish students by antiIsrael and anti- Semitic elements. Safety and freedom from harassment are priorities.

Rhya Turovsky

Pasadena