Dear Editor:
RE: Pro-Palestine protestors call on MPs, U of G for arms embargo, divestment, June 13.
One could get the impression from this article that these protestors making demands of our federal government and the University of Guelph, are taking a stand for a noble cause. After all, they just want to stop the “siege, occupation and genocide in Gaza,” right?
What isn’t mentioned is that this war was started by the terrorist organization Hamas, which governs Gaza and is supported by a majority of its citizens. They started it by a surprise unprovoked attack on Oct. 7 that resulted in the death of about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, many of whom were raped, tortured and burned, while over 250 were taken as hostages.
Hamas has no qualms about targeting civilians, especially Jews. Hamas has no desire for peace, but has openly proclaimed that they want nothing less than the elimination of the State of Israel.
Sadly, the Israeli attacks targeting Hamas have resulted in the deaths of many civilians, but this is to be expected in a war situation, especially when Hamas places its terrorist centres beneath and inside hospitals, schools and mosques.
Much could be said to refute the foolish and often hateful actions and rhetoric by pro-Palestinian protestors against Jews and Israel. Israel has no doubt made some mistakes during this conflict and at other times, but it is a democratic nation where 20% of the population are Arabs with equal rights.
After examining the facts and the history of the State of Israel, I believe Israel and especially the Jewish people, whether living in Israel or other countries around the world, deserve our support and protection.
Henry Brunsveld,
Puslinch