Opinion

Speaking up for Israel: Koch’s ‘memo’ to prez

Mayor Koch’s comments regarding the strained relationship between Israel and the White House are very inspiring (“Dems’ Feet to Ed’s Fire,” Michael Goodwin, July 18).

He pleads that the Jewish community show this administration that the public will not sit still as the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the United States pile pressure on Israel.

As the Bible says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

Thank you, Koch, for being a voice of reason in these dark and turbulent days.

Pat Kerr

Manahawkin, NJ

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I am appalled that Koch is endorsing the Republican candidate in the special election to fill Anthony Weiner’s House seat on the grounds that President Obama has been hostile to Israel.

American Jews certainly care about Israel, but they care about their country, America, as well.

Historically, they have been strong supporters of public education, civil rights, reproductive rights for women, church-state separation and federal programs like aid to cities, Social Security and Medicare.

The reactionary Republican Party is diametrically opposed to the views of most American Jews on all of these issues and does not deserve their support.

Angela Reiss

Manhattan

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I always liked Koch, especially now that he is supporting Israel, the only ally we have in the Middle East.

President Obama and the Democrats’ foreign policy is glaringly anti-Israel. Just look at how Obama treated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Walter Murray

Clearwater, Fla.

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How strange that Koch should call Obama’s position on Israel “hostile.” Obama is calling for a return to the 1967 borders, give or take some territory — a land-for-peace position long embraced by reasonable people on both sides.

Under the current situation, Israel’s Jews will soon become a minority in the area they govern, at which point Israel will cease either to be a Jewish state or a democracy.

In the meantime, the denial of Palestinians’ fundamental rights is feeding Arab and Islamic militancy, which poses a threat not just to Israel, but also to the United States and to the world.

Israel’s survival as a democracy depends on a just solution that guarantees the rights and security of both peoples, as proposed by Obama.

If Koch’s solution is a continuation of the status quo, then it is he who is hostile to Israel.

Edmund Mander

Manhattan