Dear Mr Sacranie
I agree 100% with your comment on the launching of
this terrible war which so many of us have sought to
oppose and prevent.
You are very right to draw attention to the damage
which the British government's deplorable decision
does to the UN, to unity within this country, and to
the rule of law.
Above all, clearly, it is the people of Iraq who
require the world's support and protection - and I am
wondering how public opinion can be most effectively
mobilised right now to demand that those engaged in
waging this immoral war refrain from actions/tactics
which threaten civilian populations. Perhaps that
sounds like an unrealistic hope, but the demand must
be articulated, I believe. Our responsibility now, it
seems to me, must be directed towards guarding and
protecting every life that can be saved - i.e. by
bringing pressure to bear on the war strategies of the
UK and US governments.
Personally, I am particularly concerned for the
children of Iraq. So many have already perished in
the 1990s as a result of the stupid, cruel UN
sanctions. Others, having suffered malnutrition in
their earliest years, now face war. I feel strongly
that every effort must be made now to raise money and
public awareness in terms of protecting Iraqi
children. If you have any suggestions as to how we
can advance this cause here in the UK, I would be glad
to help.
In my own synagogue, we held a public Peace Service
yesterday evening, attended by Christians, Muslims and
Jews. I think there is a great deal of concern for
the welfare of the people of Iraq which needs to be
utilised effectively to bring benefits to those very
people.
Finally, may I comment on one aspect of your
statement? I note that you blame what's happening in
part on "Zionists". Perhaps you're right - but, to be
honest, I never quite know who or what "Zionists" are
supposed to be - I rarely encounter persons who go
about identifying themselves by this term; it seems to
be more a term of opprobrium used by others. I am a
full-time congregational Rabbi right here in London,
and you might suppose that there would be what you
call "Zionists" amongst my congregants. Indeed, no
doubt there are. Yet I can assure you that I have
opposed this crazy, reprehensible war very vocally,
and not a single member of my congregation has
disagreed with me. Also, it seems to me that if there
are individuals who explictly choose for themselves an
identity in line with the ideals of "Zionism", then
they above all ought to realise that (a) this war and
(b) the policy of the Israeli government are the
phenomena most likely to damage and endanger the
interests dear to their hearts. But as I say, I am
never quite sure what the term "Zionist" is supposed
to refer to.
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