Einstein, El Saadawi
as idols

[Re: “Canwest, Zionism and Elvis,” Letters, July 2] As Patrice Bombardier points out, linking Judaism with Zionism is a dishonest attempt by Israel’s supporters to exploit religion for nationalistic purposes. Worth remembering also is that political Zionism used to be opposed by many Jews, who correctly predicted that imposing a Jewish state in predominantly Arab Palestine would result in continued conflict and bloodshed.

Albert Einstein—although a cultural Zionist in that he favoured the building up of Jewish institutions in Palestine—was what one would today describe as an anti-Zionist. In 1946, Einstein made a presentation to the Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry on Palestine and argued against the creation of a Jewish state. In 1938, he wrote: “I would much rather see reasonable agreement with the Arabs on the basis of living together in peace than the creation of a Jewish state. Apart from the practical considerations, my awareness of the essential nature of Judaism resists the idea of a Jewish state with borders, an army, and a measure of temporal power no matter how modest.”

While Einstein ended up supporting the creation of Israel when it was established in 1948, he did so only reluctantly and only because it was a fait accompli. During that time, Einstein also denounced the Irgun terrorist group headed by Menachem Begin (who would later become Israel’s prime minister), describing it as “akin... to the Nazi and Fascist parties.”

How sad that Israel’s supporters today seem to have chosen Menachem Begin rather than Albert Einstein as their role model.

>>John Dirlik

[Re: “The dissident doctor is in,” News, July 2] Promoting Nawal El Saadawi—a fierce critic of Islamic fundamentalists and Arab dictatorships—should put to rest the absurd claim that the Mirror is “anti-Israel.” You are anti-injustice, and we proudly plead guilty with you.

>>Shirley Groves

Mining the Jazz Fest

The more I read about Rio Tinto, the more I’m surprised to see so little criticism of its actions and how it buys public relations in the form of the city’s Jazz Festival and the advertising on Bixi bikes. Numerous lawsuits contend that the company has been complicit in ecological destruction as well as serious human rights abuses. The company is connected with the use of depleted uranium, which could be one of the most serious public health issues of our times.

I would rather see better mining practices and more respect for human rights than festivals in our already over-indulged city. Yes, I know it’s good for the local economy, but why does our economy, and the profits made by entertainers and producers, come before the environment and the rights of indigenous people?

The answer is that the people of this city don’t give much of a damn about people and places far away. They are too easily bought off by free shows and rental bikes, and unaware of the enormous costs of their standard of living. And the city’s media are all too willing to allow mining companies to buy pages of print while obscuring the role such mining plays in massacres of the Earth and her creatures.

>>J.M. Wolowitz

No love for MJ?

eading the Mirror whilst enjoying my pho at my favourite lunch spot, just as I do most Thursdays, I was elated to find that your July 2–8 issue wasn’t laden with rehashed “long live Michael Jackson” tributes etc. But I was appalled to find that you didn’t even mention him! Like his death never even happened. Of course, we know that YOUR readers aren’t fans and thereby why should you or they care, but... Most of us WERE fans at some point in our lives. Surely you could have found some sort of angle to pay your respects with, after all music is the lifeblood of your paper. Disappointed.

>>Bobby Moscovitch

[Ed’s note: In fact, Raf Katigbak’s July 2 column “Long live the King” addressed Michael Jackson’s death.]

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