Israel, Palestinians and Violence in Gaza and the West Bank

Suppose for a moment that the unbearably crowded conditions and inhumane treatment in refugee camps would erupt in riots anywhere else other than the Gaza Strip. Visions of street protests by refuseniks and others throughout the United States, and indeed the world, would be the rule. Were the roles reversed, for example, and the helpless crowds were victimized Jews whose only defense was pelting stones back at the mighty occupation army, we would not hear the end of it in local commentaries and the local press.

But since the victims are helpless Palestinians, justice in the American right, left and center wears a blindfold. Protests? Demonstrations? Nary a word about this palpable injustice! It is enough to make one ashamed of one’s Semitic heritage!

JOSEPH S. ABELA

Torrance