Letter to the Editor: Jon Barry

Letter to the editor,

Is the reaction from Jewish leaders reported in the AJT in the article “Herschel Walker Nixes Fundraiser Over Swastika Graphic,” to the unrelated posting by a supporter on Twitter of an image of syringes in the shape of a swastika purely a response to the offensive use of the anti-Semitic symbol? Or is this an attempt to cloud Walker’s campaign with the false implication that he participated, condones, didn’t apologize soon enough, or is himself anti-Semitic?

We’ve seen all too often the smearing of Republicans in the name of outrage against an out-of-context reference to Nazis, Brownshirts and the swastika. Since organizations like the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League seem to reserve their outrage for those offenses (whether real or imagined) committed by Republicans, I’ll offer a few from Democrats which should also merit outrage:

Nine members of Congress voting against funding for Iron Dome, which only serves to save Israeli lives from rockets aimed at innocent civilians.

Reentering the Iran nuclear arms deal (a pathway for Iran’s nuclear aspirations) despite Iran’s support of terrorist groups and stated intent to destroy Israel.

Reentering the anti-Israel UN Human Rights Council, which repeatedly and unjustly singles out Israel for violations.

Offensive stereotypes from Democrats such as Omar: “It’s about the Benjamins” and Johnson: “Jewish settlements like termites,” which receive lukewarm rebukes but no consequences.

Any corporation or political leader who supports BDS, which can only be understood as an attempt to isolate and destroy Israel politically and economically.

Any leader that accuses Israel of apartheid and of committing genocide against the Palestinian people. Tlaib: “We cannot be talking only about Israelis’ need for safety at a time when Palestinians are living under a violent apartheid system.”

Without also hearing loud and clear responses from Jewish leaders to these examples of real threats against Jews and Israel, such “outrage” against the leading Republican opponent to Raphael Warnock’s reelection is both inauthentic and a transparent attempt to exploit the same offensive symbols against Walker’s chances in 2022.

Jon Barry, Marietta