IsraCampus.Org.il

Sir, - Bashing critics of the Left, David Newman purports to defend free speech. But in his April 14 op-ed "Bashing the academic Left," he simply tries to silence those who disagree with him.

He writes: "Campus Watch... uses students and faculty to spy on those teaching courses on Israel and the Middle East. Anyone who so faintly utters a word of criticism is immediately labeled as such (sic)."

Is Campus Watch a disgrace for anyone who believes in the concept of freedom of speech? Why does Newman call observation spying? What have his learned colleagues got to be so secretive about?

Finally, if someone is "critical," why should he not be labeled as such?

STEVE LIEBLICH, Editor
Jewish Issues Watchdog
Western Australia

...in danger

Sir, - The whole university system in Israel is a monopoly controlled by the elite Left that set it up. Yet David Newman expects us to cry for the loss of academic and democratic freedom.

The real truth is that the lack of a strong, honest political Left which truly believes in democracy for all (and not just for those who agree with it) is the most serious danger to Israeli democracy.

We saw this clearly in the early Oslo years when the Left ruled with a most undemocratic iron hand.

Newman is correct, Israeli democracy is seriously endangered. But the corruption of the Left is the cause.

LARRY FINSON
Jerusalem

Sir, - Maybe the reason for all the criticism of the Israeli academic Left is that hardly a day goes by without some anti-Israel professor rushing into print or sitting on a platform to express the most virulent anti-Israel sentiments.

I would point out to Prof. Newman that criticizing this behavior is not an issue of freedom of speech, more an expression of outrage at these sometimes almost treasonous views.

As for his blanket condemnation of those organizations seeking to monitor attitudes to Israel and highlight unfounded criticism, isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

As someone who is very active in speaking up for Israel, I have never had the view of "Israel, right or wrong." But I do find it indefensible when Israeli professors call for Israel to be tried for war crimes, and criticize Israel with no thought for context or history.

JOY WOLFE
Manchester UK