Why is it that those in the anti-Israel camp always cry that no debate is allowed on America's foreign policy toward Israel when the fact of their publication proves otherwise? (Please see "Where's healthy debate on U.S. policy toward Israel? / Candidates in lockstep when there's much to argue," Outlook, June 13.)

That the presidential candidates both express strong support for Israel merely reflects the strong support for Israel among the American people. Americans, nearly two-thirds, according to recent polls, appreciate Israel's myriad contributions to technology, agriculture, alternative energy and health sciences. Americans identify with Israel's values as a democracy with freedom of the press, religion and gender equality all while being surrounded by dangerous enemies that make no secret about their desire to wipe her off the map. No wonder that tiny Israel attracted almost as much foreign investment in the first quarter as did giant China.

DAVID BARISH
Immediate Past President, American Jewish Committee, Houston Chapter

Truth ignored

I am writing to criticize the article by George Bisharat. The writer bases his opinion on false premises that he states as fact. In addition, he quotes Israeli condemnation by known anti-Israel and anti-Semitic groups. Of course, he ignores the constant barrage of rockets emanating from the Arab terrorists in Gaza, landing among the civilian neighborhoods in Israel. He ignores the known truth that Arab leaders ordered Arabs to leave Israel in 1948 and then imprisoned them in camps, not allowing them to settle among the 22 Arab countries in the Middle East.

As usual, Israel is blamed for the plight of the Arabs, yet every honest person knows that the fault lies with the Arabs themselves. Palestinian Arabs could have had their own state many times over if they wanted it, but they are obsessed with destroying Israel instead.

ALAN J. WINTERS
Member, AJC