The Complete Commonwealth

After checking the major local community forum for evidence of antisemitism in the wake of the Israeli Gaza defensive operation, I found a number of participants who don't believe Israel has a right to exist in its homeland and is the cause of the unrest in the Middle East. I agree with Nathan Sharansky, MP in the Knesset, former dissident and political prisoner in the former Soviet Union, and many others, that anti-Israel positions such as this are antisemitic in nature. After three posts ou… Continue

The following is a Letter to the Editor to be submitted to local papers in the region in response to a rebuttal to my initial Letter:

To the Editor:

I agree with Mr. Pohlig that the killing in Gaza must stop. However, my understanding of the cause of the hostility is very different from his.

I do not understand the present stage of conflict in either “modern” or “local” terms, but rather, in “ancient” and “global” terms. The historical roots of the present stage of conflict can… Continue

(Adapted from an article by Anne Bayefsky of "Eye One The UN" that originally appeared in Forbes magazine.)

Two weeks before leaving office, George Bush seems to have decided to throw Israel to the wolves. He and Condoleeza Rice.

On January 8th, the U.S. refused to veto the Security Council resolution on Gaza. It was a major reversal of American foreign policy. Now, the incoming Obama/Clinton foreign policy team can lay back and be the "multilateralist," passive, non-ally of Israel they… Continue

Below is the text of a letter I sent to my governmental representatives in the U.S. Senate and Congress, Senators Clinton, Schumer, and Congressman Mike Arcuri:

Mr. Daniel A. Hennessy
35 Elmwood Pl
Geneva, NY 14456-2214

January 7, 2009

Senator Hillary Clinton
Constitution and Delaware Avenues, NE
Washington, DC 20510-3204

Dear Senator Clinton,

I am writing to urge your support for the upcoming resolution supporting Israel's right to defend its citizenry from Hamas rocket attacks.

Is… Continue

Below is the text of a Letter to the Editor that I submitted to the three major local dailies here in the Finger Lakes region. It has appeared in at least one of them and I have only received positive feedback via email and phone... so far:

Israel Must Defend Its Citizens From Hamas

Israel must defend its citizens from Hamas.

Hamas must cease to bombard neighborhoods of innocent Israelis with rockets fired from civilian bases in Gaza, using its own citizens as human shields.

Is… Continue