Letter: Respecting Israel — and a right to boycot
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israel, Feb. 14, 2016. Credit: AP
I read “Penalties against a boycott are wrong” [Letters, March 14], and I both agree and disagree with the letter writer, Nassau County’s Green Party chairman.
Israel, as our closest Middle East ally, should not be sanctioned by any people, corporations or nonprofit organizations. Israel is a nation of all religions and peace. Israel and the United States count on each other for support. Those who don’t understand Israel should refrain from commenting.
On the other hand, I can see the writer’s point that boycotting is a legitimate action to seek economic, social or political change. Thus, our New York State lawmakers, by considering a bill that would deny state contracts to companies that boycott Israel, would use their legitimate boycotting rights to help change the acts of those who look to punish Israel.
Jack Britvan, Jericho
