The Issue: Stephen Hawking’s decision to withdraw from an Israeli conference based on Palestinian advice.
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Stephen Hawking takes his advice from “Palestinian academics” (“Stephen Hawking’s Universe,” Editorial, May 8)?
I didn’t know there were such things. Name me one who has done anything to help mankind, Mr, Hawking.
Charlie Honadel
Staten Island
Why are you surprised by Hawking’s statements?
I suggest you spend some time in England. Anti-Israel sentiment is widespread and anti-Semitism is deeply ingrained. There is a seemingly endless supply of marches, art shows, demonstrations and petition drives calling for the end of the state of Israel.
Lest you think that these are just street-corner bigots, let me point out that a well-known theatrical group decided to perform some of the Canterbury Tales. Guess which one was chosen?
One depicting the killing of a Christian child by Jews.
And before you say “That was the Middle Ages” being depicted, remember that Jews had been expelled from England some 200 years before they were expelled from Spain.
Edythe Fishbach
Brooklyn