My 9 letters in The New York Times

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.

My 4 letters in Sports Illustrated

As I was going through some old files, I came across my four letters to the editor that have been printed in Sports Illustrated over the years. Here they are:

Letter #1:

August 7, 2006

Your cover photo of the five Mets signifies everything that is right with baseball. These talented yet grounded players exude confidence, optimism and a love of the game. Their smiles light up a sport that desperately needs to emerge from the shadow of a steroids scandal.

Aaron Troodler, Teaneck, N.J.

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Letter #2: 

August 15, 2011

Posnanski did a masterly job encapsulating the soul and spirit of a game that has created countless memories for Americans young and old (Loving Baseball, July 25). Although baseball is often referred to as the national pastime, that term is something of a misnomer, as the sport is not merely a thing of the past; it is an integral part of the present, and it will undoubtedly play a central role in the American landscape for the foreseeable future.

Aaron Troodler, Teaneck, N.J.

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Letter #3:

August 20, 2012

I want to thank L. Jon Wertheim for his informative and insightful perspective on the challenges Israeli athletes face in international competition (Never Forgotten). Rather than worrying about offending Arab nations whose athletes refuse to compete against Israeli teams, the IOC should have done everything possible to properly pay tribute to the Israeli Olympians who were brutally murdered at the Munich Games.

Aaron Troodler, Teaneck, N.J.

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Letter #4:

January 16, 2017

Tim Layden’s profile of Michael Phelps reveals the essence of a champion (The Gold Standard). In addition to achieving unparalleled Olympic success, Phelps showed tremendous courage by seeking help to regain control of his life. When it comes to talent and tenacity, he is undoubtedly worth his weight in gold.

N. Aaron Troodler

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

The Intersection of Politics and Prejudice

The following is my latest piece on The Times of Israel blog, which is entitled “The Intersection of Politics and Prejudice.” It’s about the emergence of the alt-right in American politics and the danger that this hate-based group poses to the American Jewish community.

THE INTERSECTION OF POLITICS AND PREJUDICE

By: N. Aaron Troodler

America’s political sphere has become exceedingly complex, with the 2016 presidential election thrusting the growing divide between the “right” and the “left” into the forefront. Candidates presented themselves as defenders of the “right” or champions of the “left,” and each party’s fringe elements galvanized their supporters to protest their party’s purported out-of-touch ideologies.

In Congress, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which advocates for particularly liberal positions, and the House Freedom Caucus, which promotes ultra-conservative policies, are impacting the legislative process in newfangled ways.

The offshoot of these zealous political alliances presented opportunities for radical groups to emerge from the woodwork and transition from the periphery to the mainstream, thereby crippling our nation and paralyzing our political process.

Our nation was awakened from its relative slumber in August 2017 after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia turned deadly. Several dozen people were injured and three people died, one of whom was killed after a white nationalist intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protestors and struck her.

The violence that enveloped the rally on that fateful day was a symbol of where our nation is headed. Whereas civil disobedience and civil discourse have always been central to the American political scene, the events in Charlottesville demonstrated how profound hatred and hostility have filtered into the American mainstream.

This newfound rancor stems from a group commonly labeled the “alt-right.” A creation of white supremacist Richard Spencer and other likeminded individuals, this movement is predicated upon the notion that conventional political conservatives are not conservative enough. The alt-right eschews multiculturalism and espouses racism to bolster its stance that white supremacy is sacrosanct.

Along with the racist undertones that comprise the alt-right’s political blueprint is the blatant anti-Semitism it regularly exercises. The alt-right’s leaders make no secret about their dislike for Jews and they proudly permit anti-Semites to address their members. When it comes to the alt-right, Jews are Public Enemy No. 1.

The anti-Semitism emanating from the alt-right underscores a systemic problem that is escalating at a frenetic and frightening pace.

The fact that people believe it is acceptable to demonize any religious or ethnic group is alarming. The alt right has unabashedly taken our country’s political divisions and manipulated them to create a colossal chasm between their constituency and Jews, African-Americans, and other minority groups. They actively seek to perpetuate people’s prejudicial propensities and prey upon biases that are deeply rooted in bigotry in order to further their skewed political agenda whose very foundation is religious and racial intolerance.

With anti-Semitic hate crimes on the rise in the United States, we cannot permit the alt-right to peddle their prejudicial propaganda in the mainstream of American culture. Making it acceptable to denigrate individuals based on their religious beliefs is contemptable and completely unacceptable. The methods and message of the alt-right are absolutely wrong.

As Jews in some European countries fear for their safety amidst the rise of extremist political parties and a rash of violent hate crimes, one cannot help but wonder how it came to this. How is it that just seven decades after the Nazis murdered six-million Jews, anti-Semitism has once again reared its ugly head in the shadow of the very death camps that bore witness to mass extermination during the Holocaust? What happened to “Never Again?”

While American Jewry debates the severity of the anti-Semitism encompassing Europe, we cannot forget that a similar anti-Semitic storm is brewing on American soil.

The emerging dangers of the alt-right and the detrimental impact that this emboldened group is having on American culture is palpable. The alt-right is tearing away at the fabric of our nation and eroding the democratic foundation upon which this nation is built. We are becoming immune to this effort to divide our country, and we cannot stand idly by and let it happen.

Our founding fathers built this nation on the premise that the exchange of differing political views would lead to a vibrant and vigorous republic, where open debate was welcomed and the free exchange of ideas was celebrated. The emergent battle between the “right” and the “left” is consistent with our founding fathers’ vision. Although the dialogue is occasionally unpleasant and uncivil, the fact is that the passionate advocacy embraced by the various political groups is part of democracy.

Nevertheless, when it comes to politics and activism, there is a line that should not be crossed. The hatred and bigotry cultivated by the alt-right unquestionably crosses that line.

The alt-right is not about politics; it is about prejudice. The divisiveness and discord that this hate-based group disseminates is downright dangerous. Building a movement whose very basis is bigotry is antithetical to our founding fathers’ grand vision. If we allow the alt-right to continue fostering anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and stigmatization of minorities, then we too are complicit in furthering their racist agenda.

“Never Again” means not today, not tomorrow, not ever. It means we must recognize a threat to our Jewish identity and be vocal and united in our opposition to that peril. It means we have to challenge intolerance when it manifests itself and fight back against all forms of racism. “Never Again” means we must combat the anti-Semitism being promulgated by the alt-right and send a clear message to the world that Jews refuse to be bullied by bigots.

“Never Again” is a rallying cry for the preservation of the Jewish people when we are challenged by the alt-right or any hate group. In the face of adversity and animosity, strict adherence to the doctrine of “Never Again” can and will help ensure the Jewish future.

The alt-right’s brand of white identity politics and barefaced anti-Semitism crosses the proverbial political line. It is at watershed moments like this that American Jewry has to proclaim with fervor and urgency, “Never Again.”

My letter in The New York Times about the acrimony in today's society

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote about a subject that I believe is quite poignant and which warrants our attention in today’s complex political and racial climate, which appeared in the August 25, 2017 edition of The New York Times:

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.

A Repudiation of Reconciliation

The following is an op-ed that I wrote, which appeared in the February 26, 2017 edition of The Jewish Press, in which I consider what the recent election of a militant hardliner as the head of Hamas means in relation to the prospect for peace in the Middle East:

A Repudiation of Reconciliation

February 26, 2017

By N. Aaron Troodler

It appears the prospects for peace in the Middle East just got dimmer. With the election of Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of Hamas, the terrorist organization sent a blatant message to the international community that it has absolutely no interest in pursuing peace with Israel. By elevating an individual who stringently adheres to the core values of martyrdom and jihad against Israel to its top leadership position, Hamas signaled yet again that peaceful coexistence with Israel is antithetical to its fundamental mission.

Sinwar represents everything that is wrong with Hamas and he embodies the hate-filled principles and philosophies that are the bedrock of this terrorist group. One need not look any further than the Hamas Charter, adopted in August 1988, to understand what this radical group is about and what it believes in.

According to Article Seven of the Hamas Charter, “The hour of judgment shall not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them,” and “Israel will exist, and will continue to exist, until Islam abolishes it.” Article Eight speaks to the primary focus on its holy war against the Jews when it states, “Allah is its goal, the Prophet its model to be followed, the Koran its constitution, jihad its way, and death for the sake of Allah its loftiest desire.”

Article Twelve posits that “Nationalism, as seen by the Islamic Resistance Movement, is part of the [Islamic] religious creed. There is nothing that speaks more eloquently and more profoundly of nationalism than the following: when the enemy tramples Muslim territory, waging jihad and confronting the enemy become a personal duty of every Muslim man and Muslim woman.”

In a direct repudiation of international efforts to achieve peace in the region, Article Thirteen sets forth that “There is no solution to the Palestinian problem except by jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are a waste of time and a farce.”

The tenets of the Hamas Charter have ignited a perpetual war against Israel, one in which Palestinians have been led to believe that murdering Jews is a religious and societal obligation. Leaders of Hamas such as Sinwar have incited an entire generation of Palestinians to rise up against Israel through their depraved deeds and their dangerous discourse.

The diligence with which Sinwar assails Israel and vilifies Jews is appalling. After being detained in Israeli prisons for over two decades due to his terrorist activities, he was one of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for the return of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted by Palestinian terrorists and held in captivity for five years. Upon his release, Sinwar’s first public statement called on Palestinians to keep working to ensure the release of all Palestinian prisoners, regardless of the cost.

In the mid-1980’s, even prior to the formal establishment of Hamas, Sinwar played an integral role in founding the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, essentially a security service that sought out Palestinians who were believed to be working with Israel and executed them for their actions.

With his belligerent approach to Israel and his close ties to Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Sinwar was in the international spotlight long before his recent election as Hamas leader. In fact, in August 2015 then-Secretary of State John Kerry issued Executive Order 13284, in which he deemed Sinwar a “Specifically Designated Global Terrorist” because he “committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.”

Now that Sinwar is leading Hamas – the entity that rules Gaza and the approximately 1.8 million Palestinians who reside there and that has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, and the European Union – the question is what impact his ascension will have on the peace process. It remains to be seen how Sinwar will interact with the Palestinian Authority, which governs between 1.7 million and 2.6 million Palestinians who live in the areas referred to by much of the world as the West Bank.

The reunification of Gaza and the West Bank is critical to any lasting and sustainable peace agreement that may one day be reached. Talks between Israel and the leadership of the Palestinian Authority are in essence worthless if the PA cannot speak for the 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza, which it currently does not.

If Hamas continues promulgating its messages of jihad, firing rockets at Israel, and plotting deadly terrorist attacks on Jews, the peace process will remain just a figment of our imagination. There is no realistic expectation that a militant hardliner like Sinwar will lead Hamas in a more moderate direction and make any genuine effort to reconcile the group’s differences with the Palestinian Authority. There is a giant chasm between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and Sinwar apparently has no desire to try and bridge the divide.

Absent a situation where PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas can sit at the negotiating table and honestly assert he truly represents all Palestinians, bringing a sense of peace and stability to the Middle East region will remain a mere fantasy. Instead of taking one step forward, Hamas has taken two giant steps back with Yahya Sinwar’s placement at the head of the Hamas hierarchy.

N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and a principal at Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm.

My letter in Sports Illustrated about Michael Phelps

The following is a letter to the editor that I wrote about Olympic champion Michael Phelps, which appeared in Sports Illustrated:

January 16, 2017

Tim Layden’s profile of Michael Phelps reveals the essence of a champion (The Gold Standard). In addition to achieving unparalleled Olympic success, Phelps showed tremendous courage by seeking help to regain control of his life. When it comes to talent and tenacity, he is undoubtedly worth his weight in gold.

N. Aaron Troodler

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

Stop Judging Jared and Ivanka

The following is an opinion piece that I wrote, which appeared in The Jewish Week, in which I focus on the need for the American Jewish community to stop scrutinizing the level of religious observance exhibited by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the new Jewish political power couple:

STOP JUDGING JARED AND IVANKA

By N. Aaron Troodler

January 31, 2017

With Donald Trump’s ascension to the presidency, the American Jewish community will be well represented in the inner sanctum of the White House.

The decision by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to relocate to Washington, D.C. and play a prominent role in President Trump’s administration all but assured that the Jewish community will be discussing, debating and dissecting every move they make over the course of the next four, and perhaps eight years.

The conversation began even before America’s new Jewish political power couple moved to the nation’s capital. Which synagogue would Jared and Ivanka attend? Would they choose Kesher Israel, the Modern Orthodox congregation in Georgetown, or the local Chabad shul, closer to their new home? The mere fact that we were talking about which shul would be home to the daughter and son-in-law of the President of the United States underscores the incredible strides that the American Jewish community has made over the years.

However, with this extraordinary position that our community now finds itself in comes many potential pitfalls and prospective challenges. We encountered our first major test on inauguration day, even before President Trump took the oath of office. We read reports that Jared and Ivanka received special rabbinic dispensation to travel by car after the inauguration, even though it would be on the Sabbath. With travel by foot after the inaugural festivities presenting safety concerns for the newly minted Special Adviser to the President and the First Daughter, the decision to travel by car on Shabbat generated much debate. Although the decision to grant the exemption based on the concept of pikuach nefesh, that the edicts of the Sabbath can be trumped by a life-threatening situation, has a solid basis in Jewish law, there were those who questioned the couple’s commitment to their faith.  Don’t they typically observe the Sabbath? How could they so easily override their religious beliefs in this way?

I would posit that it is absolutely none of our business. Their level of religious observance should not be our concern or our focus. Their Jewish pedigree is familiar to us. Jared’s grandparents survived the atrocities of the Holocaust, living through a time when Jews were slaughtered by the Nazis solely because they were Jews. Jared’s upbringing was in an Orthodox Jewish home and he attended Jewish day schools. When it comes to Jewish organizations and institutions, the philanthropy and generosity of his family is well-known. As for Ivanka, she chose to convert to Judaism. Like many converts, her deliberations regarding her religious identity were undoubtedly stressful and I imagine the decision to forsake the faith-based beliefs that she grew up with in favor of a new religion and lifestyle did not come easily.

The religious commitment and convictions of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, regardless of whether they are always consistent with the doctrines that dictate Orthodox Jewry, should not be put under a microscope. Instead of questioning and criticizing Jared and Ivanka, we should value their presence in the White House and the incredible influence that they wield in President Trump’s inner circle.

Regardless of who you supported on Election Day, the American Jewish community should respect the fact that Jared and Ivanka chose to put their professional lives on hold in order to serve our country and play an integral role on President Trump’s team. Rather than patronizing the level of their religious observance, we should be proud that there are committed members of the Jewish faith who are playing leading roles in the new administration.

Among the most fundamental precepts of Jewish law relating to speech are the laws of lashon hara, which prohibit us from speaking negatively about others. Allowing the issue of Jared and Ivanka’s degree of “Jewishness” to become a hot topic of conversation at our Shabbat tables is wholly inappropriate.

Stop scrutinizing every little thing that Jared and Ivanka may or may not do as it relates to their Judaism. They deserve far better than that from the American Jewish community.

Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm.