To the editor:
I was not surprised by the recent antisemitic editorial cartoon in The Times' international edition, nor was I mollified by the two "apologies," the first clearly inadequate and the second apparently written when it became clear few were fooled by the first.
The problem isn't a single antisemitic cartoon; it's an obsessive double standard applied to Israel and the incessant and unfair criticism leveled against this tiny, beleaguered but still vigorous democracy.
And now, before the ink from those apologies was even dry, comes yet another offensive, arguably antisemitic, cartoon.
Decades ago, I had the pleasure of bringing the legendary journalist Harrison Salisbury, the first op-ed editor at The New York Times, to a talk at the University of Connecticut. Naturally, he wanted to look at the local newspaper. He saw the use of color and cartoons and scoffed derisively at what he considered gimmicks unworthy of a respectable newspaper.
I suspect Mr. Salisbury is rolling over in his grave. It's clearly time for some soul searching at The New York Times.
Sincerely,
Alan Stein