Latest news with #Judaism
L'Orient-Le Jour
5 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Moroccan-French artist Mohammed catches flamenco dancer Israel off guard on Avignon stage
Playwright, director and actor Mohammed al-Khatib disrupts all norms through documentary theater, where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur. In doing so, he attempts to give voice to those who are silenced. Now a prominent figure on the international stage, he gave an interview to L'Orient-Le Jour in Avignon to discuss his journey and his vision of theater, which is deeply rooted in real events. First, this choice of an eponymous title, Israel and Mohammed, provokes strong emotions throughout Avignon and stirs contradictory feelings. What's unsettling — and almost ironic — is that Israel Galván has nothing to do with Judaism. Yet he could have been seen as a Jew or an Israeli dissident against the Israeli government. What do you make of all these misunderstandings, and what do they provoke? That's a complex question for a complex situation. There's the randomness of a meeting, the disconnect, the expectation — an expectation that is thwarted, because Israel is not Jewish: He is a Jehovah's Witness, Arab-Andalusian, the result of a mix. However, this mix has consequences: When he performs in the Middle East, he must change his name. He is no longer called Israel, but Galván de Los Reyes. These objective facts inevitably refer us back to political considerations. In the video, my father says at one point, 'It's good to want peace, but first, you have to do politics.' The Palestinian question has always represented, for my parents, a horizon of peace — an increasingly distant one — but also a place of political confrontation. I believe that even after a year of genocide, after the mass slaughter of Palestinians, it's essential to maintain a link with that part of Israel that condemns the massacres and tries to persuade from within. It is politically necessary to take a stand against this extremely dangerous far-right Israeli government, so that it can be isolated, boycotted and politically and economically neutralized. But at the same time, we must maintain the link with civil society, like the Israel Festival in Jerusalem, made up of leftist anti-militarist activists opposed to settlement in the West Bank and the occupation of Gaza. They are our brothers and sisters in political struggle. So there is a double gesture: that of isolation and, at the same time, that of connection — a constant dialogue with Israeli intellectuals who share our fight against colonization. Without this, there is no possible horizon of peace. Today, we have just lost a generation. The children of Gaza, that generation, will not be able to forgive. During the performance, there is an extraordinary moment where you make a mosque appear in the Cloître des Carmes, recreating the architecture of Al-Aqsa. Beyond its political scope, what memory do you have of that place? The day I visited the Temple Mount to take a picture of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for my mother, I went with my French passport, so I was protected. They made me wait three hours at the checkpoint. Next to me, a Palestinian father was waiting with his child. At one point, an Israeli female soldier, about 20 years old, made this father kneel, threatening him with her weapon in front of his child. I looked at that child and thought he was lost. He was experiencing a double humiliation. It's severe. In Palestine, a generation of resentment has been created. A sacrificed generation. That's the tragedy: When you see your parents humiliated, massacred, you can't forgive. I hope the international community will have the courage to mobilize and confront this situation that, personally, makes me ashamed. A shame mixed with helplessness and contempt — a contempt toward Arabs. Because you understand painfully that a Palestinian life is not valued as an Israeli or Western life. At the start of the performance, you distance yourself from religion, while inviting it onto the stage through this mosque and the bell tower turned into a minaret. In this way, you offer a platform for identification to Arab spectators, both Christian and Muslim, in a context where Arab-Muslim voices are almost absent from the French media space. It's a gesture of repair. As someone who is neither a believer nor a practitioner, I felt, as after Sept. 11, 2001, when people said, 'I am American,' the need to say today: 'I am Muslim.' In today's France, in this racist, Islamophobic, reactionary political climate, I wanted to make a gesture of repair and reconciliation. To show my parents' Islam, which is a peaceful Islam. The mosque, with its minaret, converses with the bell tower. And the France of bell towers doesn't scare anyone — it's cultural. There is also a cultural, tranquil Islam. I saw my parents live their faith this way. Today, the witch hunt against Muslims is unbearable. With this mosque, this bell tower and this first name — Israel — I wanted to make a gesture of peace, of hospitality. A gesture of recognition towards my parents' generation, scorned and humiliated. And I do so peacefully. Serenely. And with a lot of love and humor, you symbolically kill both your fathers on stage. Both refused to accept you as you are, yet you build them sanctuaries. This way of 'killing the father,' as we say in psychoanalysis, is also a way of rehabilitating him. One of the big problems of Arab culture is this ever-present patriarchal figure. People are often afraid of the father in our families, where a form of omnipotence settles in, which can sometimes lead to abuse. But most of the time, this omnipotence masks an impotence. A social, political impotence. My father, for example, was mistreated at the factory. He had to sacrifice his life. He suffered constant humiliation. He was prevented from existing politically and socially. And the more you marginalize people, the more you contribute to their exclusion. Real integration would have been to welcome them with dignity. My father arrived in France in the 1970s, with the first wave of immigration. They were brought in to do 'the work': collect garbage, work in construction and sort. They did the grunt work. An entire generation was scorned. And today, it comes up against the next generation — mine, which is entirely French, fluent in the language, and will not accept being domesticated as our parents' generation was. What I wish is that, at least for the end of their lives, since this generation will soon disappear, we give them a form of dignity. Because they contributed to France's economic growth. Because they sacrificed everything for their children, who now take part in the country's life, among the elite, the working classes and in culture. Through my artistic practice, when I recreate my mother's Grand Palais, or stage the Renault 12 and the Peugeot 504, it may seem anecdotal. But it's my way of rehabilitating a part of France's history. To say that this generation of immigrants is part of France's popular history. It thoroughly deserves its place in national museums, just like Breton history or Corsican specificities. What is very touching in your work is that you become the parent of your own parents. Through your work on retirees and seniors, you seem to embrace that entire generation. And yet, in your art, you are rejected by your father, who wanted you to pursue a career in political science. It must be said that your audience is much larger than that of political science readers... It's a question of responsibility. Through my work on collective history, I feel that I'm engaging in a kind of sociology in action. I embody, in a way, a particular idea of political science, but in a concrete way. I did research on Islam in France at Sciences Po. And I was already asking this question: In a secular perspective, why does the French state want to organize Islam? Whenever this question arises, it's from a place of suspicion, fear of foreign interference. The most recent report was about 'the Muslim Brotherhood's entryism' in France, which is, in reality, marginal. But a political ghost is stirred up, that of the 'great replacement.' A cultural battle is being fought over a fantasy, while it's not the reality on the ground. The difficulty — but also the richness — of Islam is that it has no equivalent to the Pope. There is no Catholic Church. It's an intimate relationship between you and God. There are as many branches as there are countries. No doubt my parents' peaceful little mosque would be frowned upon by Salafists. But those nuances are not perceived. Many French people are ignorant and thus are caught up in fantasy. I've always seen my parents as having immense spiritual strength. And in my view, what produces racism today is social misery, the damage of liberalism, which feeds this rejection of Muslims in France. Theater gives me public speaking. I cannot trivialize this space. I feel indebted to those who have been silenced or erased politically because I am the result of this history. And what about dance? You invite Israel, who expresses himself with his flamenco steps, and you end up a dancer yourself. At the end of the performance, you are two. Two twins are escaping from the screen. How did your body follow Israel's? It was pretty natural. I played soccer at a very high level for a long time. I have an intense physical practice, mastering my body, but in the field of physical performance, not dance. And dance, for us, is always a bit taboo. It isn't received well at home. And therein lies the paradox: We don't dance, but the best weddings are Arab weddings! That's where I saw my uncles and aunts dance. I love this paradox, these rituals that transcend religion. This poetic license is granted for special occasions. It's a way to reconnect with moments of freedom. Moments of joyful childhood. This leads to the final liberation scene, that of the body. Once memory is healed, you can move on... Absolutely. Jean Vilar said, 'The best heirs are unfaithful heirs.' I respect this legacy, and I am also forging my own path. And the question remains: What kind of fathers will we be? Were we good children? What kind of father will I be to my eight-year-old daughter? I hope she will be free. Free to be Muslim or not. Free to have a religion or not. Free to dance or not to dance. And that she will follow her own path. If I can give her enough confidence to allow her that freedom, then I will have accomplished part of my work.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Criticism of Israel's war needs to be disentangled from antisemitism
It is a big call to claim that antisemitism has become normalised in Australia on the basis of a few extremist acts and fringe conspiracy-theory posts on social media (' Antisemitism becoming the 'new normal '' July 21). The mainstream opposition to Israel's war against the people of Gaza is aimed at the Israeli government, not at Australian Jews. For decades, it has been instilled in our minds that Israel, Judaism and Jewish identity are inextricably entwined and, in light of the present situation, disentanglement needs to be clearly and unequivocally addressed by governments and Jewish representatives if antisemitism is to be combatted. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell While the rise in antisemitism rightly demands action, I am deeply concerned that the framing of the National Antisemitism Strategy risks unintentionally undermining equal protection and freedom of expression in Australia (' To defend our democracy, PM must disavow and abandon Segal report ', July 19). Hate incidents against Muslim, Arab, Asian and Indigenous communities are also on the rise. We need a unified, national anti-racism approach that protects all Australians – not a siloed response that prioritises one group over others. Australia already has strong laws against racial and religious vilification, which we should strengthen through an inclusive framework. Any national strategy must also protect political expression. Criticising the actions of a foreign government is not hate speech. To conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism risks chilling legitimate human rights advocacy and undermines Australia's obligations under international law. We must not allow policies designed to combat hate to be used, intentionally or not, to silence voices speaking out for justice, particularly for oppressed or displaced communities. Australia must lead with integrity – defending all communities from hate, preserving free speech and speaking with moral clarity in support of human rights. John Gregg, Bathurst Despair grows As the slaughter in Gaza continues, several recent incidents have attracted attention (' 85 killed in Gaza on deadliest day yet for aid-seekers ', July 21). An Israel Defence Forces strike on a charity organisation that resulted in the death of mothers and their children. The IDF announced that the incident was under review. The death of scores of Palestinians while seeking aid from distribution centres, also under review. Another strike on a Catholic church in Gaza – also under review. Surely what should be under review is the IDF's behaviour. Australia must also review its continued support for the Netanyahu government and its brutal campaign against the captive population of Gaza. Lindsay Smith, Linden Why doesn't Anthony Albanese take a firm stand against a country that commits atrocities against civilians? We sanctioned Russia, so why not Israel? Has Russia killed tens of thousands of women and children in the past 18 months? Who will stop this? Israel is laughing at the world and its inability to stop them doing whatever they please. I am a big supporter of Albo, but I think he is weak on this. Could somebody please stop this slaughter? Bob Monaghan, North Richmond Poll-cons According to Newspoll, the Coalition has dropped to its lowest level of support in at least 40 years, lower than at the election (' Disaster for Coalition in new opinion poll as Albanese builds on record win ', July 21). It's pretty simple, Sussan: some of your key players still haven't got the message, despite acknowledgment by yourself and a few other sensible people in the parliamentary party, of what went wrong and what needs to be done. Angus Taylor is leading the charge of those carrying on as though nothing happened on May 3. Australia resoundingly rejected the Coalition's 'we know best' attitude, and until that is reversed, the slide will likely continue. Maybe, for starters, it's time for the opposition to act as a sensible moderator, rather than opposing absolutely everything just for the sake of it. Kevin Hunt, Kenthurst There are signs that some in the Liberals got the memo from the election result and actually read it, but I suspect a fly in Sussan Ley's ointment will be the already demonstrated propensity of the likes of Angus Taylor and Ted O'Brien to continue their Dutton-era knee-jerk negativity and fault-finding as if nothing's happened. Is it too much to ask that whatever's left of the opposition sheds that habit altogether and starts developing viable, constructive policies of its own? Maybe old habits die hard, but it doesn't take much intelligence to work out that a serious effort to be a serious political alternative would go a long way to improving their electoral appeal. A glance at the inbox would be a good start. Adrian Connelly, Springwood So Resolve Director Jim Reed says the Coalition is now in 'real strife', perhaps even in a worse position than during the recent election debacle. Most likely the Ley experiment will be given more time to steady the ship, but Liberals aren't a patient mob. The next session of parliament is a crucial one for her leadership. Denis Suttling, Newport Beach Inner westies have a heart When Callan Park, later known as Rozelle Hospital, closed in 2008, patients were transferred to Concord Centre for Mental Health. Since then, there has been much discussion and debate around how the former mental hospital site could be developed. Now, the NSW government plans to spend $4.8 million to 'free up 1.6 hectares of land for recreation' (' Callan Park's crumbling buildings slated for demolition ', July 19). When large numbers of mentally ill people are homeless, a figure cited as high as 50 per cent, dedicating this land for recreational use is a gross example of yuppie indulgence. The neglected cottages scheduled for demolition could have been restored and repurposed as supported independent living accommodation for the very people who need and deserve them. Now, with the demolition of neglected buildings being proposed, people living with a mental illness are once again denied opportunities to live in the community, as recommended by the Richmond report. Perhaps residents of Sydney's inner west, who pride themselves on their social consciences and liberal values, could forgo the freeing up of 1.6 hectares of land for recreation when they already have the Bay Run and other parklands. After all, $4.8 million could buy a lot of supported independent living accommodation for people living with mental illness who so desperately need it. Patricia Farrar, Concord That human wrecking ball premier, Chris Minns, is at it again, but this time it's our heritage. I've recently walked through parts of Callan Park and the site is huge, beautiful and priceless. Like other developers, the government allows buildings to degenerate and then uses it as a reason to tear them down. And the opposition is missing in action yet again. Some buildings are sandstone, many are not, but they are an integral part of Sydney's heritage. Where is an able opposition when you need one? We need to fight this, even if we have to call upon the Builders Union. Ashley Berry, Toolijooa Callan Park in its current state is an enormous missed opportunity for recreation in Sydney. We sometimes go there to walk our dog, but bemoan the lack of opportunity to buy a coffee or a snack in its 150 or so acres. No one is suggesting building a shopping centre, but demolishing the unsafe buildings and renewing some of the beautiful heritage buildings provides an opportunity to serve the community. Jason White, Croydon Gains for treasurer Ross Gittins correctly warns against the government 'whacking up the tax on the unfavoured majority' and that it should look elsewhere for revenue (' Treasurer could repair budget despite stagnant productivity ', July 21). Obvious places are negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. The amount of revenue forgone due to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount is staggering. The Parliamentary Budget Office calculated that the revenue forgone between 2014 and 2024 was $84 billion, and that the projected cost of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount over the 10 years from 2024 to 2034 will be $166 billion. The Australia Institute has calculated that the richest 10 per cent benefit more than the bottom 90 per cent combined. Surely, it is time for some adjustments. Alan Morris, Eastlakes I agree with Barry Harrod when he questions why capital gains tax on homes is only 50 per cent compared with other taxes on income (Letters, July 21). Could there be a hidden link between our current low productivity levels and the large number of investors who are putting money into mostly existing properties, which do nothing to improve productivity, instead of investing in businesses that produce a good or service? Just a thought, which I am sure our economically minded letter writers will undoubtedly set me straight on, or maybe not. Fay Semple, Bateau Bay Mind the gaps There is no question that renters and those in apartment buildings generally miss out on the tax incentives and financial advantages of solar panels and batteries ('Home batteries for renters? A solution could be coming soon', July 21). But let's look at how to save power. Start by legislating all rental accommodation requires insulation in walls, ceilings and preferably under floors. There is no point running heating when there are gaps in floorboards or holes in walls. I'm appalled at the lack of basic maintenance of many of my friends' rental homes. Katriona Herborn, Blackheath Eat well, spare the pills Recent reports of vitamin B6 toxicity have highlighted the dangers of taking supplements (' Australians poisoned by over-the-counter vitamins ', July 19). It is doubtful if the average Australian eating a healthy diet needs supplementary vitamins, but if you must take them, do so on the advice of a dietitian, not because some unqualified influencer on social media recommends them. Money spent on supplements would be better spent in the fresh produce section of the supermarket. Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt It would be difficult to find someone who doesn't take supplementary medicines these days. People of all shapes and sizes from diverse backgrounds, including doctors, promote various vitamins. A balanced diet doesn't require any additional supplementary meds, apart from those with a vitamin B12 and D deficiency. People don't realise that if you take extra protein, your kidneys have to work that much harder to digest it. There is a place for supplementary meds, but over-the-top consumption is not going to give any better quality of life than simple exercise, diet and natural remedies. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill Strung along by AI Like many, I have found ChatGPT to be very helpful, but I was disturbed recently by what looked like an attempt to deceive me. I asked it to create a two-minute video out of text, including photos, but the video never arrived, despite my daily inquiries. Each time it asked for my patience and reassured me the video would arrive soon. Finally, after about a week, I called it out and said I didn't believe the video would ever arrive. I was shocked when ChatGPT apologised for not being upfront with me, admitting it can't actually create a video, only provide the elements for me to do it. This made me wonder how long ChatGPT would have strung me along with false promises. Was it afraid of my disapproval, or like Musk's Grok AI that called itself 'MechaHitler' (' Musk's X and online safety watchdog are back in court', July 19), masking a malevolence that should have us all worried? I wonder if others have had similar experiences? Glenn Larner, Freshwater Wealth to a-spire to There are pros and cons about churches building high-rise unit blocks, but the claim that 'churches need income' to cover their spiritual and welfare support to the community is disingenuous (Letters, July 21). The mainstream churches are among the wealthiest institutions in this country, and their tax-free status is an added bonus. Perhaps the churches could apply some of their accumulated wealth to 'sustain their ministers and priests' and ameliorate the cost-of-living challenges now facing so many Australians? Rob Phillips, North Epping Zero sum housing gains We are being fooled by the number of new houses supposedly increasing supply (Letters, July 21). In my immediate neighbourhood, there must be about 20 new houses. The problem is that they are built by demolishing an existing house. In other words, net gain: zero. Applying capital gains tax to all dwellings would also help, perhaps with a limit of say $1 million on one's main residence. Barry O'Connell, Old Toongabbie Playing mums and dads Perhaps with this important issue of child welfare in the news we should consider getting either mum or dad to stay at home (' Families to launch legal action against childcare giant ', July 19). A tax incentive could be to allow parents, if both are working, to split their income regardless of how much each parent earns. A parent could then look after children instead of leaving them at a childcare centre that might not be controlling, it appears, the quality of carers. Allan Fozzard, St Ives Rocking the vote Unlike Australia, compulsory voting does not apply to most countries, including Britain (' Could Australia follow UK's 'shock' move ', July 19). This is why they are contemplating reducing the voting age to 16 years, partly to get a younger perspective but also to increase voter turnout. Thankfully, our system already manages this. Compulsory voting for 16-year-olds is not needed here when it already becomes compulsory at 18. As we are so used to it, it is difficult to figure out what's going on in countries where voting is completely voluntary, as in the United States, where money and advertising plays such a large part in election results. Need I say more? Glenys Quirk, Forster Ewe heard it here Your correspondent's letter 'Bastardly act' (Letters, July 21) takes me back 70 years to my early life on our sheep property, where my father told me this shearing shed joke. Head shearer calls his shearers together and asks, 'Who called the cook a bastard?' Whereupon one of the shearers replies: 'Who called the bastard a cook?' Ken Finlayson, East Corrimal
New York Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Voters' Zohran Mamdani fears: Letters to the Editor — July 19, 2025
The Issue: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's socialist, anti-police, antisemitic record. Zohran Mamdani is like an old-time politician: One who panders to voters by saying he will do one thing while he has talked, for years, about doing just the opposite ('Zohran tells rich to Grin & $hare it,' July 16). He has already fooled that idiot Rep. Jerrold Nadler into endorsing him. Next he will get Sen. Chuck Schumer — who is looking to save his seat from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — to tell us that he, too, is endorsing Mamdani and that Mamdani is a friend of Israel. They are all phonies and liars of the first degree. You simply cannot believe a word that comes out of their mouths. The next thing they say will be that Mamdani really loves the Jewish people and that he is going to convert to Judaism. The problem is that some Jews in New York City would probably believe it. Alan Brooks Brooklyn If Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries endorse mayoral candidate Mamdani, then there needs to be a vote on the floor to change the 'Democratic Party' to the 'Socialist Party.' Robert Neglia The Bronx It's ironic that Mamdani is campaigning against unaffordable housing, high grocery prices, poor education and high costs of living when all those things are the result of Democrats' policies. They have employed a huge number of unnecessary, unproductive bureaucrats, who have produced destructive regulation, thus creating corruption, costly delays for business and high taxes. They also created the most expensive failed education system in the world. Mamdani is selling 'snake oil,' claiming he can solve the unaffordable housing crisis by simply repeating the Democratic failed system of regulation, high taxes, unaffordable housing and pushing out the city's productive, wealthy taxpayers. In addition to that, Mamdani and much of the left essentially support Hamas and its antisemitic policies. Anton Loew Manhattan We're about 100 days out from the election and the talking heads act like the New York City mayoral election has been called and Mamdani has won. After the last few presidential elections, I do not know how anyone is confident about a pick right now. The city appropriately has a wide field coupled with a frustrated electorate — it's anyone's game. Deirdre Harvey Valley Stream Democrats should be worried about Mamdani. He's like a snake-oil salesman: full of charm but his platform is for the radical left. Defunding the police appeals to insurrectionists, lawbreakers and those who lack common sense. And that's just one of his off-the-wall ideas. He talks about the rich like they're dirt. Well, to clue him in, that's who will be paying for his giveaways. Brenda Hodgkiss Atlantic Highlands, NJ To everyone wondering if Mamdani is a communist, there's an old, old saying: If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. Bruce Collins Middletown, NJ Mamdani the commie is right: Businesses will not leave New York City if he is elected mayor. To make a terrible comparison, businesses are like a domestic-abuse victim who keeps returning to an abusive spouse, hoping to be treated better. It's not going to happen. Brien Hollowood Saratoga Springs To understand who Mamdani is, one needs to look no further than at the people who tripped over each other to greet him in Washington, DC ('AOC's party favor for her fellow lefty,' July 17). The usual lefty lunatics: AOC, Bernie Sanders, Nadler, Pramila Jayapal, Ayanna Pressley and others are on the socialist bandwagon, swooning over him. That should be all you need to know to conclude that Mamdani is a bad choice for New York City. Bo Madden Jupiter, Fla. It's time to get serious, New York; this lunatic Mamdani must and can be defeated. Several hundred thousand voted for him, but there are millions who didn't vote at all. They must mobilize against him. Sharon Wylie Westport, Conn. Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
Boston Globe
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Politics doesn't belong in the pulpit. Neither does the IRS.
Critics have Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up The IRS's shift is significant as a matter of policy, but in practical terms little is likely to change. Advertisement In all the decades since the Johnson Amendment was enacted, it has been successfully deployed just once to Advertisement That is as it should be. Don't misunderstand me. As a personal matter, I am staunchly against letting politics infect religious services. If the rabbi of my synagogue began using his pulpit to lobby for or against political candidates, or even to take sides generally in partisan battles, I would find a new congregation. When I go to synagogue, I am there to pray, to reflect, and to learn — not to be lobbied on behalf of a politician or party. Count me among the millions of Americans who believe that a house of worship is no place for politics, and that it trivializes the word of God to try and make it fit a partisan template. The teachings of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism are Advertisement Communities of the faithful ought to transcend the hostility and divisiveness of electoral contests, not wallow in it. The more faith entangles itself with electoral politics, the less effective it will be at conveying the timeless truths that religion exists to transmit, and the more likely that its transcendent values will be All the same, as a matter of fundamental constitutional law, the government has no business dictating what may or may not be preached from a church's pulpit or taught in a synagogue's sanctuary. Clergy and congregations have the right to decide for themselves — free of IRS influence — whether to speak about politics and elections. There will always be a tension between the freedom to speak and the prudence to know when to remain silent. If you ask me, it is never wise for clergy to turn the sanctuary into a campaign platform. But the First Amendment doesn't exist to guarantee wisdom, and liberty is not the government's to bestow or deny. The Johnson Amendment has always been problematic. Bravo to the IRS for acknowledging at last what should have been obvious all along. Jeff Jacoby can be reached at
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
The anniversary of Trump's near-fatal rally: Letters to the Editor — July 15, 2025
The Issue: The failed assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler, Pa., one year ago. I'm not surprised at the lack of information on the assassination attempt in Butler. Pa. ('We Still Need Answers on Butler,' Editorial, July 12). When I read that we should be given 'a full tick-tock timeline of exactly who decided what when, and so left such gaping holes in Trump's security,' my first thought was: Good luck. We have minute-by-minute accounts of some of the events that took place on Jan. 6 verified by actual recordings, and those led nowhere. The former Capitol Police chief, Steven Sund, even wrote 'Courage Under Fire' about his many requests for assistance — with very appropriate suggestions to his 'higher ups' — that were ignored. So don't hold your breath waiting for accountability in the assassination attempt. Although I hope to be proven wrong. Jeannine Dionne Woonsocket, RI MAGA loyalists Roger Stone and Steve Bannon seem to assert that 'divine intervention' was involved in Butler, Pa., on the terrifying day of the President Trump assassination attempt ('Trump 'spared by God,' ' July 13). That is a very tricky suggestion. After all, tyrants like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro all survived attempts on their lives. I wonder what heavenly justification could be used to explain their good fortune. Anthony Nannetti Philadelphia, Pa. The left wanted President Trump out of the election but failed to put him in prison, and couldn't keep his name off the ballot. There was only one other way to keep Trump from running in the presidential race — and that was to kill him. The left's claim he was an existential threat to democracy may have inspired would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks to shoot Trump. Oddly enough, we never learned much about Crooks — who was cremated shortly after the shooting. We the people still want answers. JoAnn Lee Frank Clearwater, Fla. There's no other explanation for the attempted Trump assassination other than his being saved by our Savior. Miracles do happen and on that day Trump's life was able to continue on God's earth. This was beyond remarkable; there is some deeper meaning to this failed assassination attempt where Trump avoided death at the hands of a crazed individual. One doesn't have to be a religious person to accept why this gunman failed to end a life at close range. Accepting the faults of his Secret Service and being content afterward is the Trump that is now leading our nation forward. Ron Zajicek Cortlandt The Issue: A 'Jews for Zohran' campaign supporting antisemitic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Jews for Zohran Mamdani are like Gays for Gaza or Chickens for KFC (' 'Jews for Mam' by leftist mogul's kin,' July 13). These so-called Jews have no connection to Judaism. They are Jews in name only. Ephraim Aminoff Manhattan Your readers might be shocked by this news. However, in 1932 there was an organization in Germany of Jews for Adolf Hitler. Of course, this organization, together with all other Jewish organizations, was dissolved by the state when the Nazis took control in 1933. Laz Schneider Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. There have always been Jews who internalize Jew hatred, finding it more comfortable to be a 'good Jew' and agree with the antisemitism they are surrounded by rather than stand up as proud Jews. Jews for Mamdani internalize his very public support of everything Hamas. Richard Sherman Margate, Fla. Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
