This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "Israel's betrayal" (Forum, Nov. 24), Frances ReMillard is nauseated by the assertion that "Israel has the right to defend itself." ReMillard fails to recognize or understand facts.
Yes, Israel accepted United Nations Resolution 181 in 1948, but it was rejected by all its Arab neighbors. Israel successfully fought off their immediate invasions, accepting the armistice of 1949, which was in no way intended to define the future state of Israel.
Subsequently, Israel has had to defend itself from several Arab invasions, most recently from the devastating and demoralizing rocket attacks from Gaza, now ruled by Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization. Israel's partial blockade of Gaza followed the Hamas takeover and the subsequent bombardments.
Since, by its charter, Hamas is dedicated to removing all vestiges of Jewish presence from the Middle East, I sympathize with Israel's plight.
The "Palestinians" of Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere in the region could long ago have found a "path to peace" and "regained their rights" as a people, had they simply accepted the validity of centuries of Jewish presence in what we often call the "Holy Land."
John Worlock
Salt Lake City