[JK: I am republishing a letter to the editor by Reverend Jay Ekman. The recent horrendous violence in Israel and Gaza is the terrible logic of the brutal, illegal occupation by Israel of Gaza and the “Occupied Territories. Gaza already was in crisis as regards safe drinking water and electricity. Israel has now bombed both facilities. How can anyone characterize these as military facility targets? As a Jew I feel shame.]
To the Editor
Schenectady Gazette
5/ 10 /21
Throughout history Jews have been routinely singled out and scapegoated. In similar fashion Palestinians have been denied justice and common humane decency by both Israeli and Arab governments. Because of its economic and military might, modern Israel bears a heavy responsibility for the welfare of Palestinians. I have a hope that any people who have suffered massive injustices as Jews have, should be first in line to demand that “Never again…” shall this happen to any of God’s children.
You can prove most anything from scripture. That said, if you believe that God gave you the land of Israel as a homeland, then you must (also) accept the moral demands of this same God. In their most humane interpretations, the Hebrew prophets portray God as giving a constant justice message, “ …Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God ( Micah 6:8) or “ Welcome the stranger for you were once strangers in Egypt….” (Exodus 22:21)
Evicting Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem or denying them farm land, safe water, adequate nutrition, medical care in Gaza is anything but …”justice and mercy….” When some in modern Israel trample on the values of their own Hebrew faith, should this not be labeled as another form of anti-Semitism?
Rev. John A. Ekman
Saratoga Springs Politics 
Thank you, John, and thank you, Jay. Jeannine
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As Americans whose tax dollars finance the horror of Israel’s apartide government, we should all not only be ashamed, but also demand that the Biden administration cease supporting Israel.
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Good for Jay!
On Thu, May 20, 2021 at 8:54 AM Saratoga Springs Politics wrote:
> John Kaufmann posted: ” [JK: I am republishing a letter to the editor by > Reverend Jay Ekman. The recent horrendous violence in Israel and Gaza is > the terrible logic of the brutal, illegal occupation by Israel of Gaza and > the “Occupied Territories. Gaza already was in crisis a” >
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As usual, the Israeli response is very disproportionate. Biden should seriously consider reducing Israeli aid, especially military, and let Netanyahu know it is on the table.
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Well, this didn’t take long:
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