No Allegiance to This Stance
I am a 90-year-old African-American lady who takes exception to Dennis Prager’s article (“Which Do You Love More: Football or America?” Oct. 14).
At 10 years of age, we had to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and I would put my hand over my heart and say the pledge. The final line is “with liberty and justice for all,” which I just could not say. At 10 years of age, I knew then as I do now that there is no liberty and justice for all, unfortunately. I have a 101-year-old friend, Sarah, who keeps me from losing faith, who is Jewish.
Until you feel the sting, please let us not use the word “cowardice” so loosely.
Carolyn Ann Britton via email
Gehry’s Jewish Museum Plan
I was aghast when I read the following in Danielle Berrin’s article (“Frank Gehry Takes on Tel Aviv,” Oct. 14): “… the Aspers turned to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., which determined in a report that ‘there is no must-visit cultural institute in Tel Aviv …’ ” I have visited Beit Hatfutsot, the Nahum Goldmann Museum of Jewish Diaspora Museum since 1950. It has been completely revamped since its early days and is now an absolute gem.
I really would like to see a building created by Frank Gehry in Tel Aviv or anywhere in Israel and stand in awe of the Asper family’s generosity, but would hope they reconsider this particular project.
Henny Moëd Roth via email
Reflecting on Transgressions
I too have a “blue couch,” Gina Nahai. I share your feelings just about to the letter (“Me, Myself and the Blue Couch,” Oct. 14). Being retired carries much guilt. Ask anyone who is stretched out on the couch.
Chloe Ross, West Hollywood
Veal and Apples Recipe: Please Hold the Veal
I’m all for eating apples, but it’s inhumane and unnecessary to prepare them with veal or any other animal-based food (“Core Values,” Sept. 23).
The main ingredient in veal recipes is suffering. Calves raised for veal are typically taken from their mothers and chained in tiny crates when they’re just 1 day old. Mother cows frantically cry out for their calves for several days after they have been separated.
The calves are fed a milk substitute that is purposely low in iron so they’ll become anemic and their flesh stays pale. They take their first weak, wobbly steps — to slaughter — when they’re between 3 and 18 weeks old. Instead of promoting such cruelty, I hope the Jewish Journal will feature tasty vegan recipes that don’t prompt compassionate readers to contact PETA or other animal protection organizations.
Readers can find free vegan recipes — including wholesome apple-based recipes — at PETA.org.
Heather Moore, PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Va.
A Different View of Israel
I enjoyed reading Bevin Branlandingham’s article on how traveling to Israel can really change one’s perspective on Israel (“Experiencing Israel Within the Tension of Perceptions and Politics,” Oct. 21).
In the United States, we are constantly surrounded by the media and their interpretation or bias of certain events, peoples, or places — one of those being Israel. Sadly, many people’s impression of Israel is based solely on what they hear or read in the news. As has happened to most people who have visited Israel, Branlandingham’s opinion on Israel changed. Upon visiting Israel, people see the truly incredible country that it is. I think that Branlandingham beautifully described the emotions that go into visiting Israel for the first time.
Noa Radaei via email
Housing for the Homeless
Thank you, Rob Eshman, for your beautiful article (“Blue Tents,” Oct. 14). The whole magazine was so exceptional that I read it word for word and intend to keep it. A year ago I received Section 8 housing that got me off the streets. I’m (was) a homeless veteran and a neuropsychiatric patient.
Daniel Kirwan, Los Angeles
It’s Just Not Right
Each week, when I read the Jewish Journal, I start with the assumption that I am reading a publication that is supposed to serve the Los Angeles Jewish community. This past week’s edition has proven once again that the Jewish Journal subordinated its mission of serving the Los Angeles Jewish community to, instead, be part of the liberal left media.
If the mission of the Jewish Journal is to serve the Jewish community, it has an obligation to sever itself from the liberal left, pro-Democratic, pro-Hillary Clinton media and at least make some semblance of an effort to be fair, balanced and credible.
Marshall Lerner, Beverly Hills
