Letters to the Editor 6-19-09

Issue of June 19, 2009 / 27 Sivan 5769

Disregard for women

To the Editor:

I recently attended a Shabbos simcha in a local shul. I found it to be a most humiliating experience.

After davening it was announced that women are not allowed to go into the men’s side. My friends and I felt that this announcement was in extremely poor taste due to the fact that we are all frum ladies and we know better.

After dismantling the shul seats the kiddush was set up. The men had the entire shul; the women were given one table and we were forced to stay behind this table and pushed into a corner.

Do these men call themselves frum? I, for one, think that this is totally improper and exhibits a total disregard for the kavod [honor] of a Jewish woman.

I am writing this letter so the men in this “frum shul” should be informed as to how we women feel in these circumstances and perhaps they can learn not to repeat their abhorrent behavior.

Anne Walisever Woodmere Missing soldiers To the editor: The month of June means weddings, graduations, picnics and other celebrations. For three families in Israel, June 11 (and probably every other day) is a reminder that their sons are not home with them enjoying daily events and special celebrations that families observe together. Every Shabbat and every Yom Tov there is an empty chair at their table. Twenty-seven years ago, on June 11, 1982 a battle took place in the Bekaa Valley of northern Lebanon between an Israeli tank unit and a Syrian armored unit. Three Israeli soldiers, Corporal Yehuda Katz, Sergeant Zachary Baumel and First Sergeant Zvi Feldman were reported missing-in-action and are still unaccounted for. As responsible people, as concerned citizens, as individuals with a sense of obligation to others, it is important that we remember these men and that we remind elected officials, synagogues and organizations of their situation. We must pray for Zachariah Shlomo (ben Miriam) Baumel, Tzvi (ben Penina) Feldman, and Yehuda (ben Sarah) Katz. In addition, Gilad (ben Aviva) Shalit, an Israeli soldier, was kidnapped in an action by Hamas terrorists who entered Israel illegally on June 25, 2006. He has been held by Hamas since that day and has not been seen by any Israeli or international humanitarian group, in violation of all recognized standards. Ron (ben Batya) Arad has been missing since October 1986. Guy (ben Rina) disappeared from his army base on the Golan during the month of August 1997. Let our prayers and our voices be heard for them. Let the world know that we care and that we shall not forget them. Synagogues and organizations should make these men honorary members. Their names and photos should be displayed in synagogues, centers and schools. It is imperative that we support Israel’s missing soldiers.

Ask yourself: what would I do if the missing soldier were my son, my husband, my brother, my nephew, my cousin, my neighbor, my friend, my grandson? Please do for these men what you would do for your loved one.

Judith Shapiro Brooklyn