Gary Rosenblatt’s column, “A Scholar’s Education: Lessons From The David Myers Controversy” (Sept. 29), downplays Myers’ “leftist” leanings to which he readily admits, and attributes the calls for his ouster as being on “political grounds.” We joined with Ronn Torossian, ZOA and JCC Watch in demonstrating outside the Center for Jewish History on Sept. 27 to educate attendees of the Center, and passers-by, about the reasons we are calling for Myers to be fired.
Those reasons include Myers’ writings, which are revisionist versions of Jewish history. Instead of seeing the Israeli victory of 1948 as a great moment that precipitated the declaration of the Jewish state, Myers speaks about the “wound of the Naqba” — the Arab word for disaster.
Although he denies affiliation with JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace) , he is silent about his support for J Street, the New Israel Fund, and groups that support BDS, which blame the “occupation” and “West Bank settlements” for their boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel.
Tragically, Myers’ supporters and the editor of The Jewish Week do not see that they themselves are driving wedges within the Jewish world.
How sad that legitimate criticism, backed by facts and quotes, is blamed on a toxic political climate, and labels pro-Israel defenders as demonizers.
We, who see ourselves as the defenders of Israel, refuse to stand silently by with folded hands. We will continue to protest, and those who can evaluate the truth will join us.
Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI)
