| In almost every facet of our lives, we encounter people who do not agree with us. Unpleasant discussions about Israel are all too familiar to many Jewish students on campus and Israel-supporters in places like San Francisco and Boston. However, rather than accept a pessimistic viewpoint that the majority of people who live on campus and in liberal enclaves throughout North America and Europe are unreachable and uninformed about the real Israel, BlueStarPR identifies and disseminates messages suitable for Jews to use to positively influence prevailing attitudes and interests. We erected seven posters near the UC Berkeley campus. Many Jewish students were delighted, however our latest poster series has not been ignored by the many Israel-haters in the area. Here are a few negative reactions to consider. See graffiti and letters to the editor below. It is shocking to us that people hold these views in Berkeley. Some may suggest that we stop putting up billboards and be silence in the face of hate. We believe Jewish freedom of expression is worth fighting for. What do you think? Let us know.    Here are three letters to the Editor published by the Berkeley Daily Planet in their October 2-8, 2008 issue To read the unexcerpted letters to the Berkeley Daily Planet labeled "SEEKING ADDITIONAL VOICES from J. Smith, BLIND TO ISRAEL by Helen Finkelstein, and especially CRITICIZING ISRAEL by Caitlin Scott, click here: Letters to the Editor SEEKING ADDITIONAL VOICES (excerpted) I would like to express my disappointment...Aside from an unrelated reference to a talk by Kifah Shah, no voices were heard from organizations representing the Palestinian viewpoint. No copy was dedicated...to presenting the views of those who have concerns regarding BlueStar funding sources, and of the actions of its allies.... J. Smith • BLIND TO ISRAEL (excerpted) ...When China tried to portray itself in a positive light by hosting the Olympics, we thought it only natural for some people to counter the propaganda by protesting the Chinese occupation of Tibet. But Israel is our big Sacred Cow—any criticism, no matter how marginal, is heresy, and warrants a front-page article....Blind support for this sacred cow does a lot of harm.... Helen Finkelstein • CRITICIZING ISRAEL (excerpted) Israel is a religious and political nation.... the graffiti was not hate speech. The first defacement mentioned illegal occupation. This is political. The second immaturely used swastikas as a way to make a statement. If that statement was against the Jewish people why would you add the star of David?... Caitlin Scott • Perhaps someone should point out to reader Caitlin Scott that even the European Union has declared that: "Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis." is anti-Semitic. See our poster on the subject:. European Union on Anti-Semitism In the same issue of the Berkeley Daily Planet, the following Reader Commentary, entitled "Graffiti and Israel" by Berkeley resident and former director of Retro Poll was featured: Graffiti and Israel According to the paper, "Opinions expressed in Daily Planet Commentary and letters to the editor are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Daily Planet or its staff." |