Losing the plot of what made the Holy Land holy
Visby, Gotland, Sweden: “And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8). That ancient Biblical advice was the highlight of my bar mitzvah ceremony in the spring of 1950, when the fledgling state of Israel was less than three years old. How tragic that 75 years later, Israel’s profound failure to follow Biblical precepts of justice, mercy and humility have put its very existence in severe jeopardy.
While much blame for the current situation stems from the endless hostility and rejection of Israel’s right to exist from nearly all other Mideast nations since its founding, along with endless terrorist atrocities, there’s no doubt that grave risks stem from the gross abuses of power perpetrated by Bibi Netanyahu and his cronies. Vast demonstrations protesting the destruction of Gaza and so many innocent Gazans on Bibi’s orders speak volumes as to the government’s unrealistic intentions to destroy Hamas and now Hezbollah. Barbaric Israeli attacks on schools, hospitals, journalists and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and now on innocent Lebanese citizens, display the profound poor judgment of the Israeli government.
Israel can’t win a war on multiple fronts — a lesson learned by Napoleon and many others throughout history. The only realistic result will be the deaths of more hostages, the likely entry of more nations into the fray against Israel, the passing of anti-Israel resolutions by various bodies at the UN, further declarations of Israel’s leaders as war criminals by international agencies, and even the loss of American support for such intemperate policies. May Israel begin at once to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly in the path of the Lord! Eugene F. Elander
Eve of destruction
Darien, Conn.: The numbers continue to pile up in Israel’s assault on the Lebanese. Since Monday, the human toll has risen to 1,000. I believe that these numbers are important and continue to be one-sided secrets to readers of the Daily News. Who says we must not know what destruction Israel has committed? They have been given a pass, along with unlimited munitions and 100% adoration from my United States. Blind faith like this means 0% is afforded to any peaceful settlement. The future seems very bleak. Dan Singer
By comparison
Richmond Hill: I’m the first to admit that Mayor Adams hasn’t done the best for NYC’s interests, but I’m not gonna jump on the bandwagon against him, knowing very well that others have done worse. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife Chirlane McCray “lost” $850 million dollars in taxpayer money that was intended for mental health. Did the feds investigate her as thoroughly as Adams was investigated? It’s apparent that her crime was swept under the rug, but why? Francheisko Perez
Lorded by landlords
Manhattan: At a time when the economy is forcing so many New Yorkers to suffer, has anyone questioned Mayor Adams about his appointments to the NYC Rent Guidelines Board that determines the amount people pay when the new lease comes? He appointed a very obviously pro-landlord group that voted for the highest amount for lease renewal. His real estate friends must be thrilled! Marilyn Levin
Cops in the crosshairs
Fall River, Mass.: Terrell Harper, who was apparently a ringleader of a group of anti-cop protesters threatening an officer at his Brooklyn home, is facing charges after being picked up at an anti-Israel protest outside the United Nations. Boy, what a shocker. His track record in recent years also includes mocking and denigrating an Asian-American cop to his face and expressing a desire to disrupt the funeral of a dead peace officer. But Harper’s blustery threat that he and his compatriots will track down and harass other Brownsville cops should be taken seriously. It smacks of the kind of anti-police propaganda in the early 1970s that led to NYC cops being shot and murdered by members of the Black Liberation Army, and that’s something no sane person wants to consider. Charles Winokoor
Class act
Hallandale Beach, Fla.: Re “Maggie Smith dies, 89” (Sept. 28): My heart is shattered. Smith was an exceptionally gifted woman. She was an icon, a pioneer for all women around the world. Dame Maggie Smith, it was my honor to watch you on screen and to be a fan of yours for many years. You will be missed by millions. We love you. Paul Bacon
Another fee
Brooklyn: Perhaps I had my head in the sand, as they say, when I received a bill from National Grid charging me a vendor’s fee of $3 and change just for paying my monthly bill. Where were these vendors a year ago? They seemed to pop up during the inflation period. I later found out that my telephone bill was also “vendored” by a similar amount. What is going on here? You now get charged for using your credit card in some places. It seems obvious that they are taking advantage of inflation, which is down to 3%. As a senior in my 90s, I should be so lucky to get a $3 increase in my Social Security check. Is there no regulation? Anthony Bruno
Ready to roar
Bronx: Who does Donald Trump think he is? Women who vote are old enough to protect themselves and their daughters who are not old enough to vote. Trump is a rapist, and figuratively, that is exactly what he and the Republican Party are trying to do to women. They want us pregnant in the summer and barefoot in the winter. They want to keep women under their thumbs and take away the rights the suffragettes fought so hard for. Per JD Vance, women should stay in abusive marriages, be it physical or verbal. Not all childless women have cats. I am married and childless and my husband and I have cats, two to be exact. I vote, Mr. Vance. Think about that. As the lyrics of the song go, ”I am woman, hear me roar,” and believe me, I and my sisters can roar and more. Anna Maria McCorry
Women problems
Garwood, N.J.: MSNBC recently all but declared Laura Loomer was Trump’s goomah, the dialogue accompanying footage of them constantly touching/hugging each other laden with subtext. “So Loomer is his nooner,” as my buddy Small Paul observed, “the old reprobate really has lost the plot now, making it so obvious.” Melania’s price to stay ’til Election Day just went up $40 million. And what’s the over/under in Atlantic City on an outraged Barron Trump turning the tables and giving his old man a spanking? And this time it won’t cost Don $130 grand for a Stormy Daniels special. It will be free, like the spanking he got from Harris during their debate, when she opened a can of whoop-ass for the ages on him. In 100 years, students in New Garwood on the Mars Colony will be laughing when they watch the ex-game show host dance to Harris’ tune. Mike Gordeuk
Regressive behavior
Bronx: Many of us have a tendency to allow our emotions, instead of logic and common sense, control our interactions with others. And the Voice of the People provides a wellspring of emotional outbursts and the results: recklessness, immaturity and, in many cases, misinformation. This is especially true for the detractors of former President Trump, who can not contain their petty, vindictive and hate-filled rhetoric. Bob Pascarella
All for him
Manhattan: To support Daffy Donald, you have to lie for him, cheat for him, hate for him, be cruel for him and lose your job for him! You have to alibi for him, you have to testify for him, you have to fight for him, kill for him and go to jail for him! Some of you have even died for him. You have to fund him, you have to buy his stuff, and you have to vote for him! And what has he done for you? Eugene Rodriguez
Ruined his brand
East Meadow, L.I.: To Voicer Paul L. Newman: I agree, America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani was great for the city, but since then, he destroyed his reputation as many others did while becoming Trump’s lapdog. I think he should move on elsewhere. Jeff Tuck