To the editor:
In his article, "Israel Faces a Defining Question: How Much Democracy Should Arabs Get?," David Halbfinger completely misses the boat. The Joint List has disqualified itself from consideration in any Israeli government because it has shown itself to be anti-Israel, anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic.
It demands that Israel not attack Gaza, really demanding that Israel not defend itself against attacks from Gaza. That's anti-Israel.
It demands that Israel not be the nation-state of the Jewish people. That's anti-Zionist.
It demands that Israel stop permitting Jews from even visiting the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. That's anti-Semitic.
If the Joint List would represent the interests of Israel's Arab citizens, it would be welcomed as a coalition partner. Instead, it represents Israel's enemies. That such a party, an ally of Israel's worst enemies, is allowed to run in the Israeli elections is actually a testament to the vigor of Israeli democracy.
Sincerely,
Alan Stein