I've Been Rejected

The Editor thanks you for your letter, but regrets that he is unable to publish it.

That was from the editor (or someone) at the Times Literary Supplement (TLS).


Well, you all get a chance to read it then:-


-----Original Message-----

Simon Everett (*) is "appalled by Israel's treatment of the Palestinians" (May 17) based on his reading of a n earlier letter by Menachem Kellner. That letter is interpreted by Everett to assert that it "is entirely reasonable for Israeli forces to bulldoze Palestinian houses that they "suspect" of covering tunnels used to smuggle arms". He suggests that "maybe they could check first?"

Let me assure Mr. Everett and others who identify with Rachel Corrie that houses are demolished not by whim or without proof of their owners' involvement in terror by either allowing their residences to be used as cover for tunnel-digging, hiding terrorists or their arms and explosives. The involvement of too many Arab civilians in the armed struggle against Israel and its citizens is a matter of record beginning
already in 1920 and the series of riots and disturbances all through the British Mandate period.

This type of violence continues today, one that is community-based and leads to the demonization of all Israelis including those who ride buses, munch pizzas in restaurants and sip coffee in cafes no matter what their age and are targetted by suicide bombers, including some who come from the UK. That is the real tragedy persons such as Everett should be opposing.

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(*) Here's the essence of his letter:

May 19, 2006 - The TLS

Sir, -Menachem Kellner's letter regarding the events surrounding Rachel Corrie's death (May 12) illustrates exactly why so many people are appalled by Israel's treatment of the Palestinians. Mr Kellner clearly believes that it is entirely reasonable for Israeli forces to bulldoze Palestinian houses that they "suspect" of covering tunnels used to smuggle arms. Maybe they could check first, thus avoiding unpleasantness for all? Or is the suspicion of guilt enough to warrant calling in the bulldozers? I hope that the police here in the UK don't start demolishing houses in Luton or Bradford that they "suspect" may be used by suicide bombers.