From the editor’s viewpoint: A forum for diverse opinions

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Fran Ostendorf, EditorWe are a community of diverse viewpoints. I see that on a daily basis.

Democrat, Republican, Right, Left, Liberal, Conservative, Zionist and everything in between.

I would venture to guess that if you are taking the time to read this publication, you probably fall on the pro-Israel side of the fence. Of course, that does not mean you are anti-something else. As editor of the Jewish Voice, I am constantly being reminded of how many variations there are of being “pro-Israel.”

That’s why we try to present a variety of opinions in this paper. Discussions are vital in a democratic community. They advance everyone’s knowledge and keep us moving forward as a community. Listening is so important to becoming a better-informed person. And we hope that a newspaper like ours can facilitate these kinds of discussions.

In the lead-up to the Israeli elections on March 17, there will be many volatile discussions, in the press, on the Internet, among your friends, relatives and neighbors. I am hoping you will see as many of these opinions as possible represented here.

Will you always agree with the content and opinions? No, I’m sure you won’t. I’m not sure I will. But we don’t have to agree. And just because you don’t agree with one opinion or another, doesn’t mean you should stop reading about them. In many places around the world, newspapers are labeled left or right, liberal or conservative. Here at The Jewish Voice, we are not striving for any label other than open and balanced.

In light of the despicable acts of terrorism that have taken place recently, we need to remember that there is a place for civil discourse in society in general. We can agree, we can disagree, but we should be able to agree to disagree without repercussion. Many people have said this, but I feel it bears repeating: Fear should not factor in our decision to express our opinions.

So tell us how you feel about Israel or our community. We are proud to be able to provide a place to facilitate a dialogue. Our community will be better for it.

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Speaking of seeking other viewpoints, please join me in welcoming the Jewish Voice Advisory Group: Elanah Chassen, Melanie Coon, Douglas Emanuel, Stacy Emanuel, John Landry, Toby London and Mindy Stone. These community members have agreed to put their skills, expertise and experience to work to help me and the paper better serve the Jewish community of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Each month we will get together to take up issues of coverage and direction of the newspaper. In between, members are at work bolstering the paper with story ideas and suggestions for new ways to better cover our community. Adding their viewpoints and wisdom, we hope to move the paper forward, making it a Voice representative of all of our community. So now, in addition to contacting your editor, you can always bend the ear of any one of the Voice Advisory Group members.

You can reach them just like you reach me,  via editor@jewishallianceri.org. Or you might just see them when you are out and about.