Dear Juana,

Out of all the Independent Press in NYC that warrants being covered, I'm not sure exactly what prompted you to select the Jewish Press piece on the pro-Israel letter writing campaign in Brooklyn. Please, if you are looking to cover different people's views on an issue as sensitive as current affairs in the occupied territories of Israel, take the time to highlight material that outlines what people's opinions are on the matter, why they feel the way they do, and also what they feel can be done to help bring about a lasting peace and settling of conflict. Publicity/propaganda campaigns such as that written (about) by the Jewish Press, from a perspective that refuses to take any notion of the Other into account, at their best do very little to help bring about healing or understanding outside the specific community they were intended, and at their very worst, contribute to fanning the flames that are already out of control.

Perhaps instead it would be best to highlight articles that take the time to tease out who is involved, where they stand, and how they might be able to work with others to solve problems. For example, as I am sure you are aware, Palestine just elected a new president. This election was a huge event that could play a massive role in how a future peace may or may not be attained in the region. Why not select an article that attempts to capture the local, ethnic, reaction to the election of President Mahmoud Abbas?

Aside from that, thanks for putting Voices together, I look forward to it every week.

Best,

Kevin