Re: ‘Stop yakking and start doing’ (Jewish Tribune, Nov. 19, 2009)

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, with his attack on ‘Zionists,’ does not do honour to either his congregation or to his pulpit. He has also failed to demonstrate the humanity, respect and decency he is ordained to have for his fellow Jews. Nor can I believe that he is reflecting the views of his congregation.

Robert Gasner, though not a rabbi, speaks with a language akin to that used by the religious parties and rabbinic (or rabbi influenced) leaders who do not shy from blackmail in forming and upholding teetering coalitions in the Knesset, in the name of ‘Zionism.’ They too, do no honour to our religion, the Knesset and our people.

The true democracies of the world have recognized and imposed a separation of church and state. Failure to respect that tenet has led to religious fanaticism that has wreaked havoc throughout history, most notably the Spanish Inquisition, the massacre of Protestants in France, state sponsored pogroms of Eastern Europe, etc.

Such examples are still vividly in evidence throughout the world today. Rabbis should never be heard outside synagogues. Politicians should never be heard outside parliament. Each is bound to undermine the other and lead to internecine warfare, which can only benefit those who promote the extermination of Jews – Orthodox, Conservative and Reform without distinction.

The need to galvanize has never been more acutely or urgently felt since our tragic Shoah.

Gentlemen, please....

R. Bendavid
Toronto, ON