To the Editor:

Re “Essay Linking Liberal Jews and Anti-Semitism Sparks a Furor” (Arts pages, Jan. 31):

The verbal onslaught against Zionism and the Jewish state is disturbing when it goes so far that it opposes Israel’s right to exist. The condemnations from a former president as well as the outrageous comments from Iran’s leader embolden anti-Semites. The line between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic statements is blurry.

But we live in an era of religious extremism justifying inhumane violence. Jews need to play defense and avoid adding fuel to the fire of hatred that evades containment.

The Holocaust gave a basis for the creation of Israel. We shouldn’t take the existence of Israel for granted. Perhaps circumspection on the part of its critics isn’t too much to ask.

Steven A. Ludsin
East Hampton, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2007
The writer was a member of the President’s Commission on the Holocaust and the original United States Holocaust Memorial Council.