My letter in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the NAACP’s decision to name a new Philadelphia chapter president

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote, which appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, regarding the NAACP’s decision to replace Rodney Muhammad as its Philadelphia chapter president following his anti-Semitic social media post:

August 30, 2020

NAACP Needs A Leader Who Will Build Bridges

To the Editor:

Regarding, “NAACP takes control over Philly chapter after its president’s anti-Semitic Facebook post, backlash” (Aug. 26,) with the NAACP’s effectiveness in Philadelphia compromised following Rodney Muhammad’s anti-Semitic post and the ensuing controversy, the decision to finally take action is a crucial step toward repairing a bridge between two communities that has regrettably been damaged. In a diverse city like Philadelphia, which has both a large and active Black community and a sizable and vibrant Jewish community, the need for a stronger bond between these two communities is a moral imperative that has been severely impaired by the presence of Muhammad at the helm of the Philadelphia NAACP. Our communities must make a concerted effort to forge new relationships with one another and work collaboratively to counter racism and curb the rise of anti-Semitism. Cultivating cross-cultural initiatives and engaging in a candid conversation about race is a critical exercise that should begin immediately. The NAACP must name a new local leader who is committed to building bridges, not tearing them down.

N. Aaron Troodler

Bala Cynwyd

My letter in The New York Times about the Israel-U.A.E. Accord

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote regarding the agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations, which appeared in The New York Times:

August 15, 2020

To the Editor:

Re “Israelis and U.A.E. Agree to Full Ties in Landmark Deal” (front page, Aug. 14):

The accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalize diplomatic relations is a seismic shift in a region that is typically besieged by strife.

By engaging in a forward-looking approach and gazing through a lens of opportunity and optimism, this landmark agreement facilitated by the United States has the potential to create new economic partnerships and develop security alliances that can help stabilize the Middle East. It can also foster collaboration between Israel and its Arab neighbors to inhibit Iran’s enduring efforts to create chaos in the region, which has seen far too much bloodshed.

Furthermore, this historic agreement is a reminder that to achieve a degree of peace, one must be prepared to offer difficult concessions, a lesson that the Palestinian Authority, which sharply criticized the Israel-U.A.E. deal, will hopefully heed. Focusing on the future and making bold and difficult decisions with an eye toward reconciliation is far more effective than a steadfast refusal to compromise in the pursuit of peace.

Let us hope that the tremors from this geopolitical earthquake reverberate throughout the region and create aftershocks that will bring about additional rapprochements.

N. Aaron Troodler

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.