Here are my nine letters to the editor that have been printed in The New York Times over the years:
Letter #1:
Teaneck's True Beauty
Published: February 25, 2007
To the Editor:
''Proudly Diverse Teaneck Is Forced to Re-examine Its Assumptions,'' by Peter Applebome (Our Towns column, Feb. 18), insinuates that there are ethnic tensions percolating beneath the surface in Teaneck, N.J.
Highlighting the township's recent local election and implying that one particular group is attempting to become a dominant political force is a dangerously divisive approach. The hallmark of democracy is the freedom to choose. Every person has the ability to cast his vote for the candidate of his choice.
I, for one, chose to vote for the candidates who I believed would best represent not only my interests, but also the interests of all Teaneck residents. Teaneck's true beauty is its uniquely diverse composition and the ability of people to coexist irrespective of their race or religion.
We should focus not on what makes us different from one another, but on what unites us and brings us closer together as a community.
Nachman A. Troodler
Teaneck, N.J., Feb. 20, 2007
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Letter #2:
America’s Relationship With Israel
FEB. 11, 2011
To the Editor:
Daniel Gordis sheds some much-needed light on what could perhaps be construed as a dark time for Israel. With the political turmoil in Egypt creating an uncertain future in the Middle East and the threat of Islamic fundamentalist rule looming large, the prospect of creating a sense of stability in the region at this critical juncture cannot be overlooked.
Rather than risk alienating its sole democratic ally in the region when it needs Israel most, America should reassess its position toward Israel when establishing preconditions to peace talks.
Instead of placing the onus mainly on Israel and urging it to accede to certain demands as a prerequisite to renewed peace talks, the United States must insist that the Palestinians demonstrate a show of good faith before moving forward. Addressing the Palestinians’ steadfast refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state is a good place to start.
N. Aaron Troodler
Teaneck, N.J., Feb. 9, 2011
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Letter #3:
Orthodox in Israeli Army
JULY 14, 2013
To the Editor:
As an Orthodox Jew, I am acutely aware of the ideological and theological debate regarding the prospect of members of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community being enlisted into mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (“Service Brings Scorn to Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Enlistees,” news article, July 7).
While I understand the divergent views on this controversial subject, I find it absolutely appalling that Israeli nationals, regardless of their position on the religious spectrum, would engage in conduct that is intended to denigrate and demean those brave people who have already chosen to serve their country and put their lives on the line to defend Israel’s borders and safeguard its citizens.
We can agree to disagree, but the people who have chosen to protect you deserve your gratitude, not scorn.
N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., July 7, 2013
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Letter #4:
The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism
AUG. 25, 2014
To the Editor:
Re “Why Jews Are Worried” (Op-Ed, Aug. 21):
Deborah E. Lipstadt did an admirable job noting the distinctions between the anti-Semitism of the Nazi era in the 1930s and the increased level of anti-Semitism we are witnessing today.
Although the impetus for the various anti-Semitic acts may be distinct from one another, the common denominator is that they are all fueled by an innate sense of animosity toward one particular religious group. That hatred is compounded by the fact that anti-Semitism is becoming not just acceptable (to some) but also quite routine.
This brazen assault on freedom of religion is particularly troubling and runs counter to the democratic ideals of a civilized society. The recent uptick in anti-Semitism is akin to a conflagration that is becoming increasingly difficult to extinguish.
As Jews, we do not always need to press the panic button, but we must sound the alarm so the international community takes heed of the acute nature of this growing and disturbing problem.
N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J., Aug. 21, 2014
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Letter #5:
The Vatican Recognizes Palestine
MAY 19, 2015
To the Editor:
The determination by the Vatican to confer a degree of international legitimacy on the Palestinian Authority by recognizing a Palestinian state, while it has no tangible effect, is troubling nonetheless.
Pope Francis has made tremendous strides during his papal tenure in enhancing the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jews, which makes the Vatican’s pronouncement about embracing a Palestinian state extraordinarily perplexing.
The enigmatic decision of the pope, who is a true champion of human rights throughout the world, to overlook the failings of the Palestinian Authority, which include condoning terrorism by giving stipends and grants to terrorists in or released from Israeli jails, is antithetical to the causes and ideals that he has consistently advocated.
Before endorsing a Palestinian state, Pope Francis should have encouraged the Palestinians to eschew their ties to terrorism and demonstrate that they are committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to their dispute with Israel.
N. AARON TROODLER
Teaneck, N.J.
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Letter #6:
The Israeli-Palestinian Tumult: Clashing Perspectives
OCT. 15, 2015
To the Editor:
“Young Palestinians Fanning the Flames of a New Uprising” (front page, Oct. 14) does an exceptional job spotlighting the young Palestinians who have committed numerous acts of terror against Israelis over the last several weeks.
While social media certainly plays a pivotal part in inspiring the perpetrators to resort to violence, you rightly note the deadly role that incitement plays in this tragic tale of terror. By glorifying terrorism and celebrating martyrdom, the leaders in these communities essentially sanction the violence and lead these young people down a divisive and dangerous path.
Teaching an entire generation of Palestinian youths to loathe their Israeli neighbors has proved to be a deadly practice, the reverberations of which are felt every time another life is lost. Those who encourage and endorse terrorism are as culpable as the people who carry out the terrorist acts.
Before an already tenuous situation spirals further out of control, steps must be taken to curb the violence and end the incitement. This deadly tsunami of terror is not going to recede on its own.
N. AARON TROODLER
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
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Letter #7:
Your Thoughts on Trump’s V.P.
July 3, 2016
As he tries to shed the labels that have beleaguered him on the campaign trail, such as “inexperienced,” “misogynistic,” and “egotistic,” Donald Trump desperately needs a running mate who will help him overcome his perceived shortcomings. Mary Fallin, the charismatic governor of Oklahoma, who served four years in Congress, would be the perfect equalizer. She would bring gender and geographic balance and significant governmental experience to the G.O.P. ticket. While she has Capitol Hill know-how, Governor Fallin isn’t considered a “Washington insider.” She would be a compelling V.P. choice.
N. AARON TROODLER, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
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Letter #8:
When Racism Comes Out in the Open
November 23, 2016
To the Editor:
Re “Alt-Right, Exulting in Election, Salutes Winner: ‘Heil Victory’ ” (front page, Nov. 21):
The alt-right’s recent conference in Washington is a sad and stark reminder that racism is alive and well in America.
The unabashed denigration of Jews, African-Americans, immigrants and other minorities by the alt-right is a means by which it can peddle and propagandize the prejudice and hatred that have kept it on the fringe for much of its existence. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory should not and cannot give license to racism, and the alt-right’s use of his electoral win to come out of the shadows and feel emboldened is appalling and frightening.
At a time when our nation desperately needs to come together and bridge the divide, hate-mongering by the alt-right counteracts the healing.
The alt-right’s impudence in opposing the tenets of our democratic society in an open forum should serve as a cause for alarm for every American who values equality and social justice.
N. AARON TROODLER
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
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Letter #9:
Feuding With McConnell
August 24, 2017
To the Editor:
Re “President’s Feud With McConnell Becomes Hostile” (front page, Aug. 23): The deterioration of the relationship between President Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, should concern every American.
The rancor between them is not merely political theater or a trivial battle for supremacy; rather, it is detrimental to the American system of governance. This extraordinary intraparty conflict virtually ensures that government gridlock will reign for the foreseeable future.
The Trump-McConnell feud is a microcosm of a broader issue that has become pervasive in our nation. We cannot allow the acrimony and dissonance that have regrettably become commonplace in America to become an acceptable norm. Civility, not further conflict, can begin helping our nation heal.
After the events in Charlottesville, Va., what we need is more dialogue and less discord. We need to come together, not tear ourselves further apart.
N. AARON TROODLER
BALA CYNWYD, PA.
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