To the editor:
The recent story and accompanying photos regarding the demonstration in support of Palestinians are revealing.
One protestor brandished a sign proclaiming that Palestine will be free from the “River to the Sea.” Was the protestor merely repeating a slogan or did he understand the import of these words? Lets be frank: those advocating this position are calling for the abolition of Israel and a Jewish state. Like Hamas, which committed unspeakable atrocities against defenseless Israeli citizens, those espousing this view wish to kill Jews and destroy their nation.
The demonstration also featured a prominent role for the leader of the Columbia County Sanctuary movement. Apparently, anti Israel sentiments are prevalent in this movement as well. This movement seeks open borders and its rhetoric seeks to destroy free enterprise capitalism in the U.S. It is no surprise they line up against Israel.
Even more alarming is the presence of prominent Democrat elected officials at this rally. I’ve yet to hear Democratic Party leaders in our county condemning sentiments expressed at this rally.
Civilian deaths among Palestinians are awful. But let us be clear about this also: any civilian deaths in Gaza are the responsibility of Hamas and its Iranian backers. Israel has a right to defend itself and U.S. policy should be unequivocal in this regard.
John J. Faso
Kinderhook