Be proactive advocates

Israelis are on the front lines of an ongoing war. As American Jews, we can be soldiers in the media war against Israel. We can be effective advocates for Israel by being vigilante about biased reporting and fighting back. If a story on NPR, CNN or USA Today is skewed, call them on it. Become active in CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Reporting on the Middle East)

When American Muslims perceive a report or article as anti-Arab or Muslim, there is a huge outcry. Their leaders are proactive in getting their perspective across in the media, contacting political representatives, creating courses on Mideast studies at junior colleges and universities, giving educational workshops in churches, etc.

If Jewish leaders are not effective in advocating for Israel, replace them. If Jewish organizations are failing to live up to their mission statement to defend Israel, stop donating money and tell them why.

Jews are articulate, smart and fund many Jewish organizations. However, when it comes to the media war, the Muslims are beating us badly.

Anita Colman
Mission, Kan.

Opposing opinions don’t affect friendship

Despite our political differences, it was a privilege and an honor knowing Rabbi Morris Margolies for the last 30 years.

I first met Rabbi Margolies when I came to Kansas City in 1982 at the age of 23. I started teaching Hebrew at Congregation Beth Shalom’s religious school when Rabbi Margolies was the senior rabbi. Even though he was busy he found the time several times a year over the next four years to come to my class and observe my teaching. I will always remember him sitting at the back of the class for an hour listening with joy in his eyes. Afterwards we would speak in Hebrew and discuss issues such as Jewish education, history, and his beloved city of Jerusalem where he was born. He was encouraging and supportive of my teaching, acting both as a mentor and an educator.

In 1993 the Oslo Agreement was signed and I started writing in The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle against the agreement and the ongoing negotiations with Arafat, while Rabbi Margolies wrote in support of the agreement. Even though for the next 15 years, I wrote my opinions, which were opposite to his weekly columns in The Chronicle, every time Rabbi Margolies met me, he welcomed me warmly with a smile, a kiss and a hug. We never talked about our political opinions and our political differences never interfered with our respect and liking of each other. We used to discuss his other passions including Jewish education as the means to Jewish survival in the United States and the importance of the success of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.

Despite our differences, I never had doubt that his love for Israel, the Jewish people and Jerusalem was as strong as mine. He truly believed that talking to Israel’s enemies is the only way to bring peace to Israel and help Israel survive.

I will always appreciate Rabbi Margolies’ commitment and contribution to Jewish life in Kansas City. But I appreciate even more that he believed by example that despite our disagreements we are all parts of the same Jewish people and we must be respectful to and responsible for each other. His leadership and inspiration will be missed!

Shoula Romano Horing
Kansas City, Mo.