I am dismayed with the potential for anti-Semitism in Richard Marcley's letter ("A small lobby's mighty impact on Congress," Sept. 8). In responding to another writer's letter on religious extremism ("Christian right poses dangers," Sept. 3), he turned the conversation to AIPAC and Israel.
I went to a lecture regarding AIPAC's activites and was impressed. They are highly intelligent and dedicated; their only power is the power of reasoning. They do not coerce nor threaten, but are more well-informed than most U.S. organizations.
Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is not far right as Mr. Marcley claimed but close to center. He advocates a two-state solution regarding Palestinians. Most of the $3 billion support to Israel is spent here to purchase combat planes and aircraft engines. What the United States gets for its foreign assistance to Israel is nothing short of amazing: The research centers of top U.S. companies are in Israel, and military technology, systems and software technology flows back to this country.
The initial stormy relationship between President Barack Obama and Mr. Netanyahu has evolved to a pretty trusting one with the realization that Israel is a dependable strategic ally.
The Syrian issue is also being debated in Israel with similar pro and con arguments. But there is one detail that most people are not talking about: The horrific murder of 1,400 people, 400 of them children, and the 2 million refugees.
I'd like to get Mr. Marcley's opinion on that issue.
Hiram Cohen
Colonie