Editor,
Once again the Daily Lobo falls into the trap of promoting anti-Israeli propaganda.
Last week, two front-page articles covered a talk given by former Israel Defense Forces soldier Micha Kurz. This event was sponsored by the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel and the Student Coalition for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.
The extensive coverage of this event raises two disturbing questions regarding the professional and ethical standards of the University’s paper.
Every week UNM hosts various events, from lectures given by guest professors or politicians to professional events for students. It is hard to learn about these events from the paper and usually an informative friend or an e-mail is needed, and a recent example is the almost-ignored visit of the former Mexican president on campus.
It is beyond my grasp why Micah Kurz, an American Israeli who resides in New Mexico, who was a small cog in the machine and fulfilled his obligations like every other Israeli, receives such publicity in the Daily Lobo. What makes his opinions more meaningful or interesting than the average Israeli’s?
But even worse, the Daily Lobo gives legitimacy and a stage to those groups that adorn their titles with extravagant terms such as justice, peace, humanitarianism etc. In reality, these groups are engaged in illegal activities, the spreading of fraudulent propaganda, and dangerous incitement. For example, the title, the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel, referring to the American financial aid to Israel, is fraudulent. Regardless of the fact that the Arab countries receive higher financial aid than Israel, less than $3 billion are loaned to Israel yearly, and most of the loaned money goes for the purchasing of American-made weapons. This anti-Semitic organization also stands behind the holocaust-denying ad that was published in the Daily Lobo. Another example is Micah Kurz’s group — that its “humanitarian” assistance includes bailing out Arab criminals, smuggling people across the border, and wild incitement against Israel around the globe.
It is unfortunate that the Daily Lobo does not investigate more deeply before granting huge publicity and an absolute legitimacy to racist, anarchist and violent organizations.
Micha Kurz could have easily refused to take part in military actions that he viewed as crimes, as some wrongly but at least courageously do. However, Kurz chooses to do whatever is fashionable at the moment. Back then, it was to serve as a combat soldier in the IDF, and now it is to hold anti-Israeli opinions and show everyone how righteous and enlightened you are.
Lastly, whether Kurz’s and other Israelis’ criticisms are justified or not, their voyages around the world as Israeli citizens who incite against their own country is an ugly and immoral behavior. This merchandise is highly demanded in the enlightened European nations and in some American circles. Jane Fonda acted similarly during the Vietnam War. She was harshly criticized and later on apologized for her mistake. Severe criticism is naturally legitimate, but only as long as one keeps it at home.
Yuval Carmi
UNM student
